Paper Planes – M.I.A. | Top 40 Chart Performance, Story and Song Meaning
Chart Performance: Pop (#4); 2008
Story Behind The Song By Harris Sterling
In 2007, M.I.A. released Paper Planes as part of her album Kala. Written by M.I.A. and produced with Diplo, the song blended hip-hop rhythms with global influences and a prominent sample from The Clash’s Straight to Hell.
Although initially not her biggest single, Paper Planes gained widespread attention in 2008 following its use in film and media placements. The track eventually climbed to #4 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming M.I.A.’s most commercially successful release.
Built around a minimalist beat and distinctive sound effects, the production contrasted with conventional pop formulas.
The lyric addresses themes of immigration, identity, and stereotypes. Rather than literal criminal narrative, the exaggerated imagery reflects commentary on how immigrants are often perceived in Western culture.
Paper Planes earned a Grammy nomination for Record of the Year and remains one of the defining alternative pop singles of the late 2000s.
Produced by:
Diplo
M.I.A.
Lyrics Written by:
M.I.A.
Awards:
Nominated for Grammy Award for Record of the Year (2009)
Harris Sterling
Independent music label executive Harris Sterling has worked in the music industry for most of his career.
As Executive Vice President for independent music label Madacy Entertainment, he led the strategic marketing and business development for the label, negotiating agreements with the major record labels to release custom music compilations under license with major brands, such as Ford Motor Company, Crayola, Care Bears and Elvis Presley Enterprises.
Harris also led Madacy’s strategy for the licensing of its entire music catalogue to Apple for their launch of the IPOD.
In 2011, Harris co-founded Starting Five Media, a company that specializes in recording and licensing custom renditions of popular songs as well as clearing the rights to the music composition for use by their clients in media projects.
Harris has negotiated publishing and master recording rights for many Top 40 songs for use in various media projects, TV Commercials and more.