I heard this song before I saw the video, and seriously wondered if MIA had gone into a lyrical tween K-Hole. But after repeatedly watching this video, directed by Hype Williams, it all makes perfect sense. In XXXO MIA has perfected, what I call, the ‘Beautiful Dorena aesthetic’ of her early videos. It shows off her sensual side, while (of course) being commentary on Myspace generation/culture. I also couldn’t help but think the protagonist of this song was the Gen-Y version of the girl in “10 Dolla”. The chorus, “You want me be/ Somebody who I’m really not”, reflects the downside of artifice- in the context of dating, celebrity, and internet fame alike. MIA FTW yet again! Tasha Say Yeah.
(Some Myspace Blingee for ya’ll!)
UPDATE: video screenshot
