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M.I.A. Alleges JAY-Z Advised Her to Get Plastic Surgery While Signed to Roc Nation
Former Roc Nation star M.I.A. vents her frustration with the music industry, JAY-Z, and refusing to conform to the so called beauty standards labels demands of artists once you’re signed.
M.I.A. recently sparked controversy by alleging that JAY-Z gave her unexpected advice during her brief stint with Roc Nation: to undergo plastic surgery. The “Paper Planes” rapper, known for her outspoken nature, made the claim during a live stream where she addressed various topics, including comments about Azealia Banks and Adele’s success.
“When I met JAY-Z and I signed to Roc Nation, the first thing he told me to do is to get plastic surgery,”
M.I.A. stated during her livestream.
M.I.A.’s Time at Roc Nation
The British artist joined Roc Nation in May 2012 but parted ways with the management company in early 2014. While her tenure at the label was short-lived, it appears the experience left a lasting impression. M.I.A. has previously criticized Roc Nation, including a February 2024 tirade where she discussed alleged barriers to seeing her child.
Social Media Rants and Allegations
Earlier this year, M.I.A. took to social media with claims involving JAY-Z, politics, and her personal life. She alleged that she was barred from seeing her son, Ikhyd, citing a prolonged visa denial process. According to her, the situation stems from her public support for controversial figures like WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and her outspoken stance on geopolitical issues, including the Israel-Palestine conflict.
In a February post, she wrote:
“I HAVE SHOWN SUPPORT FOR JULIEN [sic] FOR 14 YEARS AND HAVE BEEN TO THE USA MANY TIMES. THE ONLY THING DIFFERENT THIS TIME IS, I CALLED FOR A CEASEFIRE AND SPOKE OUT AGAINST GENOCIDE AND ETHNIC CLEANSING. NOW I AM FORCED TO PICK BETWEEN MY CHILD AND SPEAKING UP FOR WHAT’S RIGHT BY GOD.”
She further claimed that her son was staying with individuals connected to sex trafficking, adding:
“I’M NOT ALLOWED TO SEE MY CHILD FOR STEALING FOOD AT 18, WHEN I WAS POOR, YET UR GOVERNMENT IS OK WITH MY CHILD BEING WITH FAMILY CONVICTED FOR CHILD TRAFFICKING AND SEX CULTS.”
A Pattern of Bold Claims
This isn’t the first time M.I.A. has courted controversy. Her sharp criticisms of the music industry, the U.S. government, and societal structures have often landed her in the headlines. While JAY-Z has not responded to her recent allegations, the claims add another layer to M.I.A.’s storied career of challenging authority and conventional norms.
As M.I.A. continues to voice her grievances, her statements leave fans and critics debating whether her outspoken nature reflects bravery, exaggeration, or both. Regardless, her latest comments ensure she remains a polarizing figure in music and beyond.
