To say that we’ve been exposed to the many facets of M.I.A. would be a lie. Within her character, creativity, and art itself lies so much depth that it perhaps hasn’t been mined enough. As it’s allegedly her final album, it makes sense for AIM to be unabashedly M.I.A. – a typically uncensored display of honesty.

Here, we’re introduced to the real Mathangi Arulpragasam for all we’ve known her to be and more. A prime example of this character exploration is the two remixes of Bird Song – one from longtime Baltimore-based collaborator Blaqstarr, and the other from Diplo, with whom she shares a tumultuous personal and professional past. While Blaqstarr’s version is more stripped back, focusing on the almost grating bird song-cum-kazoo hook, Diplo works his signature dancehall groove, adding a little distortion to her vocals. There seems to be different objectives here; while Diplo’s take adds an edge bursting with sex appeal, Blaqstarr forces you to listen to her words of protest as she describes herself, “Humming higher than a drone / Doves cry.” The prominence of this hook is overpowering, but she’s still begging to be heard.

Second-wave white feminists deemed the personal as political, but M.I.A. has always interpreted the political as personal. In her efforts to change the world, she does it the only way she knows how: through artistic impression. On Jump In, she raps “When I see that border, I cross that line” amongst a sea of glitchy vocal congestion. She continues to give no fucks, pushing for what she deems to be right, but perhaps that comes as a disadvantage. Crossing the line is a feat that doesn’t come without punishment, especially as a person of colour.

That being said, it goes without saying that an M.I.A. record has to contain levels of self-love that border on braggadocio. Go Off exhibits this: “I’m on ten like men / Even better than them.” Her confidence is often perceived as arrogance, but those who criticise it don’t comprehend its importance; she’s lifting herself up in a world that wants to shoot and drone bomb her down. In this sense, you could draw comparisons between M.I.A. and Kanye West – for both artists passion for themselves and their art runs rampant through their blood. They make brash statements, sometimes imprecise and occasionally insensitive, but the music better communicates their message. If we are to believe M.I.A. that AIM is her last record, then this cathartic send-off encapsulates every ounce of her being, front to back.

Sarah Sahim