Even if it’s not intentional, we call these last few leaks of M.I.A. quite bright. Reason being, it’s all new M.I.A. but the catch is, none of these recent leaks are to appear on /\/\ /\ Y /\, well except for “Born Free” and “XXXO.” So whilst M.I.A. is teasing us with a new sound, with each new leak, it is either leaving listeners dying to hear the entire album or confused as hell.

“Steppin’ Up” (produced by Rusko) is the latest leak and is filled with LOUD industrial noises and a bit of auto-tune. It’s clear M.I.A. is playing around with the sound her NEET Recordings signees, Sleigh Bells, used on their newly released LP.

It gets better with each new leak. “Steppin Up” is the closest thing to M.I.A.’s old sound but does not compare to Arular or even Kala. We’re not the only ones who feel this way as Diplo tweeted earlier:

“just listened to mastr of the MIA album.. WOW.. my 3 trax are slammin! dunno bout the rest — sounds like skinny puppy ☹ & gives me nightmares☹”

Wow, call that a slap in the face. Diplo, long-time M.I.A. producer and supporter, does not seem to be so much behind Mathangi these days. Maybe it’s a ploy to stir up as much controversy without being over-the-top… All we know is we’re shouting “bus stop” and getting off because this new evolution of M.I.A., thus far, is too far left.

Steppin’ Up – M.I.A. by user7183165