M.I.A. Streaming New Album ‘Matangi’

M.I.A. is streaming her fourth full-length, ‘Matangi,’ via YouTube ahead of its Nov. 5 release. The album arrives following numerous delays, as label bosses reportedly looked to postpone the release because new material sounded “too positive," and they worried it would subvert the English-Sri Lankan rapper's rebellious public image. Luckily, her ongoing legal troubles with the NFL -- a result of flashing the middle finger during her 2012 Super Bowl halftime performance with Madonna and Nicki Minaj -- should keep her looking pretty badass for the foreseeable future.

Due to her label drama and other struggles surrounding the recording process, M.I.A. told BBC Radio 1 this album will be her last. While that’s sad news, 'Matangi' would certainly be a high note to leave on.

The singer calls the record a culmination of her three previous LPs, 2005’s ‘Arular,’ 2007’s ‘Kala’ and 2010’s ‘Maya.’ ‘Matangi’ does recall all of them, with its amorphous beats and glitchy vocals, but the singer keeps things fresh and unexpected, continually pulling the rug out from underneath listeners’ feet. Stream it above, and if you like what you hear, pre-order it now on iTunes.