M.I.A. began recording her second album
Kala in 2006 while still on tour, piecing together the album in various locations across the United States, Liberia, Jamaica, and Japan.
Kala featured a louder and heavier style than its predecessor, once again turning a cacophony of international influences into powerful alternative hip-hop that manages to be both club-friendly and politically conscious at the same time, often touching on themes of urban poverty, racism, and third-world strife. Standout tracks from Kala include
"Boyz",
"Bird Flu", and
"Paper Planes". "Paper Planes" - which samples a guitar riff by
The Clash - has proven to be her most successful single to date, rising to #4 on the
Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2008 after its inclusion in the trailer for the hit comedy
Pineapple Express.
Maya toured in support of
Kala throughout the first half 2008, ending her rigorous international touring schedule during the
2008 Bonnaroo Music Festival to begin working on her third record. M.I.A. currently lives in the colorful Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of New York City, and is working on a number of film and fashion projects in addition to her highly anticipated third album.