
M.I.A. on MAGA, the Kid Cudi Tour & Bipartisan Cancellation
From Popcast by The New York Times
June 5, 2026 · 1h 16m · Episode 569
About this episode
M.I.A. discusses her new album, political controversies, and her artistic legacy.
Two decades on from the ecstatic electronic pop and rap that made her one of the most significant, ear-opening stars in music, the Sri Lankan-British singer M.I.A. returned in April with “M.I.7,” her seventh album and first in four years, documenting her latest swerve, this time toward born-again Christianity. Last week, she sued Kid Cudi for breach of contract after being removed from his tour in May following her onstage comments about “illegal” immigrants. Before filing her lawsuit, she sat down with Joe and Jon to discuss whether her legacy of incitement has been an obstacle to her legacy of art, how she’s been both welcomed and rejected by either side of the American political spectrum and her recent spiritual awakenings.
People in this episode
Hosts: Joe, Jon
Guest: M.I.A.
Topics covered
- M.I.A.
- music industry
- politics
- cancellation
- spirituality
- artistic legacy
Keywords
- M.I.A.
- Kid Cudi
- M.I.7
- cancellation
- politics
- music
- spirituality
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: The New York Times
Books & works: M.I.7
Places: America
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