M.I.A. (real name Mathangi "Maya" Arulpragasam) is a British rapper, singer, songwriter, visual artist and film maker. In the mid-2000s she rose to international fame with her politically charged and genre-blending music, most notably with her single, "Paper Planes". Known for her outspokenness, M.I.A.'s lyrics often address topics such as social activism, politics, identity, global issues, cultural and political injustices, and challenging social norms. Alongside her music career, M.I.A. is recognized for her artistic contributions, provocative visual aesthetics, and global influence being named one of the top 75 most influential people of the 21st century by Esquire magazine.