Talk:M.I.A. (rapper)/GA2

GA Review

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• Reviewer: Axl ¤ [Talk] 10:36, 9 December 2010 (UTC)

"M.I.A. (artist)" has been on the GA waiting list for too long so I am reviewing it for GA status. This is my first BLP GA review and I will be paying close attention to the sources. I expect that my full review will take about a week, but this shouldn't be a problem considering how long the article and nominator have already waited. Axl ¤ [Talk] 10:36, 9 December 2010 (UTC)

From the section "Career", subsection "Visual art and film": "At college, "the fashion courses at St. Martin’s were exciting because [it] was really disposable and moving really fast. Whereas in film, we were still working with [texts from] the 1970s," she said." I don't think that a quote is really necessary. Couldn't this be paraphrased? Also, I don't think that "Martin's" should have an apostrophe. Axl ¤ [Talk] 10:43, 9 December 2010 (UTC)

Again, I'm not really sure that the Arthur magazine quote is helpful. Axl ¤ [Talk] 10:48, 9 December 2010 (UTC)

Paraphrased and fixed - Lifebonzza (talk) 17:36, 10 December 2010 (UTC)

From "Career", subsection "Early music career: 2000–2004", paragraph 3, could Matos Michaelangelo's quote be paraphrased? Axl ¤ [Talk] 10:33, 11 December 2010 (UTC)

From the same paragraph, was MIA actually described as an "underground sensation"? Axl ¤ [Talk] 10:40, 11 December 2010 (UTC)

Paraphrased and cited - Lifebonzza (talk) 15:13, 11 December 2010 (UTC)

From "Career", subsection "Kala: 2007-2009", paragraph 1, are the recording locations also referenced to Sam Lewis, Drowned in Sound? Axl ¤ [Talk] 10:57, 13 December 2010 (UTC)

AddressedLifebonzza (talk) 14:23, 18 December 2010 (UTC)

From "Career", subsection "Kala: 2007-2009", paragraph 2: "The album's first official single "Boyz" was released by June 2007." Was it released in June 2007? Axl ¤ [Talk] 10:43, 14 December 2010 (UTC)

AddressedLifebonzza (talk) 14:23, 18 December 2010 (UTC)

From "Career", subsection "Kala: 2007-2009", paragraph 2: "The single "Jimmy", written about a genocide tour date invite that M.I.A. received from a journalist whilst in Liberia, was released later." What is "a genocide tour date invite"? Axl ¤ [Talk] 11:09, 13 December 2010 (UTC)

All addressed I think.....Lifebonzza (talk) 20:54, 14 December 2010 (UTC)

You changed it to "The single "Jimmy", written about an invitation to a genocide tour that M.I.A. received from a journalist whilst in Liberia, was released next." I still don't know what "a genocide tour" means. Axl ¤ [Talk] 09:31, 15 December 2010 (UTC)

clearer now I hope... I've changed it to "The single "Jimmy", written about an invitation to tour genocide-affected regions in Rwanda that the singer received from a journalist while staying in Liberia..."Lifebonzza (talk) 20:57, 15 December 2010 (UTC)

From "Career", subsection "Kala: 2007-2009", paragraph 4: "In 2008, M.I.A. started her record label N.E.E.T. Recordings, an imprint of Interscope Records." What is "an imprint of Interscope Records"? Axl ¤ [Talk] 09:39, 15 December 2010 (UTC)

AddressedLifebonzza (talk) 14:23, 18 December 2010 (UTC)

From "Career", subsection "Kala: 2007-2009", paragraph 4: "N.E.E.T. Recordings' first release was Slumdog Millionaire: Music from the Motion Picture, the soundtrack to the motion picture, Slumdog Millionaire." I don't think that this sentence is actually about M.I.A.; I don't think it should be mentioned in this article. Axl ¤ [Talk] 09:42, 15 December 2010 (UTC)

AddressedLifebonzza (talk) 14:23, 18 December 2010 (UTC)

Also from "Career", subsection "Kala: 2007-2009", paragraph 4: "M.I.A. was due to perform at the Oscars ceremony two weeks after her Grammy Award performance on her son's birth due date, but could not." Was she unable to perform because it was her son's birth due date? Axl ¤ [Talk] 09:44, 15 December 2010 (UTC)

Addressed this further....hope it's now clearerLifebonzza (talk) 20:57, 15 December 2010 (UTC)

From "Career", subsection "Maya: 2009–present", paragraph 2: "M.I.A. hinted in an interview to Blitz that a music video is being made with Spike Jonze directing for the single "Teqkilla"." Is this still current? I.e. are they still making this video? Axl ¤ [Talk] 11:28, 17 December 2010 (UTC)

AddressedLifebonzza (talk) 14:23, 18 December 2010 (UTC)

From "Career", subsection "Maya: 2009–present", paragraph 4: "M.I.A. will be one of the judges at the inaugural Vimeo Festival & Awards in New York in October 2010." Was she? Axl ¤ [Talk] 12:25, 17 December 2010 (UTC)

I suppose the video is to be made, and yes, she served as the judge at the Vimeo Festival & Awards, in the Music Video categoryLifebonzza (talk) 17:04, 17 December 2010 (UTC)

From "Music style and image", paragraph 1: "M.I.A.'s music is a palimpsest of styles...." I didn't know what a palimpsest was, so I looked it up on Wikipedia. Is this really the correct use of this word? Axl ¤ [Talk] 11:25, 18 December 2010 (UTC)

Addressed (see below)Lifebonzza (talk) 14:23, 18 December 2010 (UTC)

From "Music style and image", paragraph 1: "M.I.A.'s music features intermedial references to her musical influences...." What does "intermedial" mean in this context? I tried looking it up on both Wikipedia and Wiktionary, but I couldn't find it. Axl ¤ [Talk] 11:34, 18 December 2010 (UTC)

Addressed (see below). In this context, I assume it means her influences are highlighted intermedially (within the song; lyrically/musically etc....Lifebonzza (talk) 14:23, 18 December 2010 (UTC)

From "Music style and image", paragraph 1: "M.I.A. has stressed her preference of being an "anti-pop" star." Should that be "anti-popstar" rather than "anti-pop" star? Axl ¤ [Talk] 11:36, 18 December 2010 (UTC)

AddressedLifebonzza (talk) 14:23, 18 December 2010 (UTC)

From "Music style and image", paragraph 2: "Jimmy Iovine, head of her American distribution label Interscope...." The article "Jimmy Iovine" seems to indicate that he is a man. Axl ¤ [Talk] 11:43, 18 December 2010 (UTC)

Yes, he is... I've changed the word "head" to "chairman" if that's clearer?....Lifebonzza (talk) 14:23, 18 December 2010 (UTC)

When I first read the sentence, I thought that "her" referred to Iovine. After re-reading it, now I realise that "her" actually refers to M.I.A.. I have changed the sentence to make it clear. Axl ¤ [Talk] 09:40, 21 December 2010 (UTC)

From "Music style and image", paragraph 2: "... has been described as having an "indeliable, nursery-rhyme swing."" Is "indeliable" a misspelling? Axl ¤ [Talk] 11:45, 18 December 2010 (UTC)

changed spelling to "indelible"Lifebonzza (talk) 14:23, 18 December 2010 (UTC)

From "Music style and image", paragraph 2: "Sasha Frere-Jones ... praised the DIY, "unpretentious, stuck together with Scotch tape" style." Did Frere-Jones actually use the term "DIY"? If so, it should be in the quoted text. If not, it shouldn't be in the article. Axl ¤ [Talk] 11:49, 18 December 2010 (UTC)

Addressed (see below)Lifebonzza (talk) 14:23, 18 December 2010 (UTC)

From "Music style and image", paragraph 2: "Hattie Collins commented ... "A new raver before it was old. A baile funk/pop pioneer before CSS." "CSS" doesn't refer to "Cascading style sheets", does it? Axl ¤ [Talk] 11:53, 18 December 2010 (UTC)

All terms that have been highlighted here are found in the sources included and used in the appropriate context. I've disambiguated the other term. All addressed I think....Lifebonzza (talk) 14:23, 18 December 2010 (UTC)

Misuse of terms

1. "Palimpsest". A palimpsest is a manuscript from which the text can be scraped off for re-use. Is M.I.A.'s music such a manuscript of different styles?
2. "Intermedial". I didn't know what this word meant and couldn't find it on Wiktionary, or a regular (British) dictionary. Is it even a real word? It should be substituted with a more accessible word.
3. "DIY". I do not believe that M.I.A. used a hammer and nails with her MC-505 to make music. As I stated above, if it is noted in the reference, it should be in quotes.

Axl ¤ [Talk] 11:03, 20 December 2010 (UTC)

I've used quotation marks/changed terms per your concerns. All quotes/information in the references are included in quotation marks/paraphrased accordingly. Lifebonzza (talk) 12:13, 20 December 2010 (UTC)

Thak you for removing "intermedial" and "DIY". Regarding "palimpsest", even though the word may be used in the reference, the fact that I have to look up its meaning, and then interpret the author's figurative use in this context, makes it unsuitable for our encyclopedic article. Axl ¤ [Talk] 09:36, 21 December 2010 (UTC)

Addressed - Lifebonzza (talk) 23:42, 21 December 2010 (UTC)

Thank you. Axl ¤ [Talk] 09:51, 23 December 2010 (UTC)

Ongoing review

From "Music style and image", subsection "Themes and artwork", paragraph 1: "Referencing the PLO and the Tamil independence movements on her debut, its themes, use of culture-jamming, use of multi-lingual slang, and its mix of strident and elusive imagery, social commentary and storytelling have incited debate." What is "culture-jamming"? Axl ¤ [Talk] 09:54, 23 December 2010 (UTC)

Culture jamming is the tactic of disrupting or subverting mainstream cultural institutions/advertising, often ironically by using the same mediums/techniques. Arulpragasam is acclaimed and famous for this endeavour/theme and it's cited. - Lifebonzza (talk) 10:59, 23 December 2010 (UTC)

I am also unsure what "elusive imagery" means. Does it mean "subtle imagery"? Axl ¤ [Talk] 09:55, 23 December 2010 (UTC)

That is perhaps a clearer term. AddressedLifebonzza (talk) 10:59, 23 December 2010 (UTC)

There are several long sentences in the "Themes and artwork" subsection. It is possible to split them? Axl ¤ [Talk] 09:57, 23 December 2010 (UTC)

I'll address this soon...Lifebonzza (talk) 23:27, 25 December 2010 (UTC)

Hello, I have been trying to clarify some sentences in the "Themes and artwork" section to make them more understandable. But there is a sentence that I am not really sure what it is trying to say. It is talking about the album Kala and says It contained love songs set in Darfur and pieces about war that shared her experiences during recording sessions in Chennai, Angola, Trinidad shantytowns, Liberia and London— these were well appreciated. I am confused. Well appreciated by who? And in what way? I think that the article is making great improvements though. Basilisk4u (talk) 01:36, 28 December 2010 (UTC)

All addressed now....Lifebonzza (talk) 14:16, 28 December 2010 (UTC)

From "Career", subsection "Maya: 2009-present", the picture ("M.I.A. singing at Atlantico") should be moved to Wikimedia Commons. Axl ¤ [Talk] 09:36, 31 December 2010 (UTC)

Correction: the picture is licensed CC BY-NC-ND 2.0. This is non-free. Therefore the picture should be deleted. Axl ¤ [Talk] 09:41, 27 January 2011 (UTC)

From "Music style and image", subsection "Activism", paragraph 2: "In 2010, she condemned China's role in supporting and supplying arms to the Sri Lankan government during the conflict in an interview with Mondomix." Who/what is "Mondomix"? Axl ¤ [Talk] 09:59, 31 December 2010 (UTC)

A music/culture magazine from France. I've added a description in the article to address this....Lifebonzza (talk) 12:23, 31 December 2010 (UTC)

From "Music style and image", subsection "Activism", last paragraph: "M.I.A. confronted Pitchforkmedia over some of their writings in 2007, and in 2010, the musician and others raised issues of misrepresentation with the New York Times after a controversial piece on the musician and her activism written by Lynn Hirschberg for the paper, and after other pieces on the artist and Sri Lanka were published." I am unsure if the misrepresentation was by Pitchforkmedia, the New York Times, or both. I don't think that there is a need to mention Lynn Hirschberg by name, unless she is a particularly well-known journalist. The sentence would probably be better split into two. Axl ¤ [Talk] 11:01, 5 January 2011 (UTC)

Addressed -Lifebonzza (talk) 11:29, 5 January 2011 (UTC)

From "Music style and image", subsection "Fashion and style", paragraph 1: "Clothes from her limited-edition "Okley Run" line—Mexican and Afrika jackets ... were sold in 2008." Why is "Afrika" spelt with a "k"? Axl ¤ [Talk] 11:10, 5 January 2011 (UTC)

It's the name she used to brand one of the lines of her designs. With that spelling. I've made it clearer now hopefully...Lifebonzza (talk) 11:29, 5 January 2011 (UTC)

From "Music style and image", subsection "Activism", last paragraph: "Media portrayals of M.I.A. throughout her career have been called "problematic."" Is this sentence referenced to Melissa Kapadia-Bodi? Axl ¤ [Talk] 09:12, 7 January 2011 (UTC)

Yes-Lifebonzza (talk) 11:29, 7 January 2011 (UTC)

Also from "Music style and image", subsection "Activism", last paragraph: "In 2010, the musician and others raised issues of misrepresentation with the New York Times after a controversial piece on the musician and her activism was written for the paper's magazine. This followed criticism at other pieces on the artist and Sri Lanka that the paper published previously." It would be better to state the first criticism, then follow this by the later criticism. From the second sentence, I am unsure if the paper was criticising M.I.A., or M.I.A. was criticising the paper. Axl ¤ [Talk] 09:18, 7 January 2011 (UTC)

Addressed-Lifebonzza (talk) 11:29, 7 January 2011 (UTC)

From "Music style and image", subsection "Fashion and style", paragraph 2: "Building on this during the Kala era with a "playful" combination of baggy t-shirts, leggings and short-shorts, incorporating eccentric accessories in bold patterns, sparkle and "over-saturated" neon colour fashioned M.I.A.'s signature style that has inspired flocks of “garishly-clothed all-too-sassy" new-rave girls with bright red tights, cheetah-skin smock and faded 80's T- shirts." This sentence is long and awkward to read. Perhaps it could be split? Axl ¤ [Talk] 10:25, 7 January 2011 (UTC)

Addressed-Lifebonzza (talk) 11:29, 7 January 2011 (UTC)

From "Music style and image", subsection "Fashion and style", paragraph 2: "Her commodifying and performance of this refugee image has been noted to "reposition" the refugee marker from a site of ostensible disarticulation to one of synthesis and possibility." Er, what? Axl ¤ [Talk] 10:29, 7 January 2011 (UTC)

Addressed-Lifebonzza (talk) 11:29, 7 January 2011 (UTC)

References

1–40

There seems to be a problem with this website reference from the Huffington Post. Axl ¤ [Talk] 09:59, 8 January 2011 (UTC)

Addressed-Lifebonzza (talk) 00:18, 10 January 2011 (UTC)

This reference (Mark Binielli, Rolling Stone, number 22 on the list) doesn't seem to be working. Axl ¤ [Talk] 09:50, 12 January 2011 (UTC)

Addressed-Lifebonzza (talk) 21:31, 13 January 2011 (UTC)

This reference (Jonah Weiner, Blender, number 24 on the list) doesn't seem to be working. Axl ¤ [Talk] 09:52, 12 January 2011 (UTC)

Addressed-Lifebonzza (talk) 21:31, 13 January 2011 (UTC)

Deleting the url hyperlink does not address the problem. Is the Blender magazine reference published (i.e. printed in a magazine)? If so, details are required. If not, how can we verify the information? I tried searching for M.I.A. on the Blender magazine website but I couldn't find the reference. Axl ¤ [Talk] 09:55, 15 January 2011 (UTC)

What further details are required?....Lifebonzza (talk) 20:53, 15 January 2011 (UTC)

The reference uses the "cite web" format. It should have the "citation" format and also indicate the page number. Axl ¤ [Talk] 10:09, 17 January 2011 (UTC)

Addressed-Lifebonzza (talk) 23:44, 27 January 2011 (UTC)

The Pitchfork Media reference (Mark Pytlik, number 25 on the list) is blocked by my safe filter. I don't seem to have a problem with the main Pitchfork Media website. Axl ¤ [Talk] 09:56, 12 January 2011 (UTC)

Addressed-Lifebonzza (talk) 21:31, 13 January 2011 (UTC)

The Fused Magazine reference (Gemma Pearson, number 27 on the list) is blocked by my safe filter. Again, I have no problem with the main Fused Magazine website. Axl ¤ [Talk] 09:59, 12 January 2011 (UTC)

Addressed. This, like the above link are archived, maybe that's what's causing you some difficulties accessing them?....-Lifebonzza (talk) 21:31, 13 January 2011 (UTC)

Well, I don't know. Is there any other way to reference the info provided by these two archives? If not, I'll have to take your word for it that the references are good. Axl ¤ [Talk] 10:04, 15 January 2011 (UTC)

I'm afraid not that I know of. They are working fine.Lifebonzza (talk) 20:53, 15 January 2011 (UTC)

The Antics TV reference (number 28) doesn't seem to be about M.I.A.. Axl ¤ [Talk] 10:47, 12 January 2011 (UTC)

Addressed-Lifebonzza (talk) 21:31, 13 January 2011 (UTC)

Again, deleting the url is not sufficient to address the problem. Axl ¤ [Talk] 10:07, 15 January 2011 (UTC)

What further details are required....Lifebonzza (talk) 20:53, 15 January 2011 (UTC)

The series, station, and airdate. Axl ¤ [Talk] 10:14, 17 January 2011 (UTC)

Addressed-Lifebonzza (talk) 23:45, 27 January 2011 (UTC)

This reference (Timmermann, Stylus Magazine, number 35) doesn't seem to be working. Axl ¤ [Talk] 10:48, 13 January 2011 (UTC)

Addressed-Lifebonzza (talk) 21:31, 13 January 2011 (UTC)

The new link (an archive) is blocked by my safe filter again. Axl ¤ [Talk] 10:14, 15 January 2011 (UTC)

Again, I can access them...Lifebonzza (talk) 20:53, 15 January 2011 (UTC)

Another reference (Slant magazine, number 37) isn't working. Axl ¤ [Talk] 10:55, 13 January 2011 (UTC)

Addressed-Lifebonzza (talk) 21:31, 13 January 2011 (UTC)

41–80

This reference (Simmons, Stylus Magazine, number 43 on the list) is not working. Axl ¤ [Talk] 10:18, 15 January 2011 (UTC)

Fixed. It was a repeat of another link...Lifebonzza (talk) 20:49, 15 January 2011 (UTC)

Hmm, now it is blocked by my filter. Axl ¤ [Talk] 10:16, 17 January 2011 (UTC)

This reference (De Tijd, number 44) appears to require payment, and it is in Dutch. Any chance of finding the same info in an English reference that doesn't require a fee? Axl ¤ [Talk] 10:20, 15 January 2011 (UTC)

Not that I know of....Lifebonzza (talk) 20:49, 15 January 2011 (UTC)

This reference (Vibe, number 45) isn't about M.I.A.. Axl ¤ [Talk] 10:23, 15 January 2011 (UTC)

FixedLifebonzza (talk) 20:49, 15 January 2011 (UTC)

Is number 46 (Spin magazine) a printed article? Is W.H. the author? Axl ¤ [Talk] 10:25, 15 January 2011 (UTC)

YesLifebonzza (talk) 20:49, 15 January 2011 (UTC)

It should use the "citation" format, not "cite web". Is there an issue number? Axl ¤ [Talk] 10:23, 17 January 2011 (UTC)

Yes. Added. Addressed-Lifebonzza (talk) 23:43, 27 January 2011 (UTC)

Another reference from Stylus magazine (number 47) that has a problem with the link. Axl ¤ [Talk] 10:27, 15 January 2011 (UTC)

FixedLifebonzza (talk) 20:49, 15 January 2011 (UTC)

Ditto from Pitchfork Media (reference number 48). Axl ¤ [Talk] 10:29, 15 January 2011 (UTC)

RemovedLifebonzza (talk) 20:49, 15 January 2011 (UTC)

Regarding reference number 50 (Vogue magazine), the magazine cover doesn't mention M.I.A.. Nor does a search for "Sarah Mower Keeping It Real" find any useful information. Axl ¤ [Talk] 10:37, 15 January 2011 (UTC)

It was published in Vogue US, not Vogue UK. And there's a whole article in this edition published, s it is cited as such. With cite journal format.Lifebonzza (talk) 20:49, 15 January 2011 (UTC)

Okay, thanks. Axl ¤ [Talk] 09:07, 18 January 2011 (UTC)

The new number 50 reference (Myers, KEXP-FM) is blocked by my filter. (I'm not expecting a response. I'm just noting this for my own benefit.) Axl ¤ [Talk] 10:48, 17 January 2011 (UTC)

Why is this reference (Dietz, Metacritic, number 52) given the title "Ten Years of Metacritic: The Best Music of the Decade"? Axl ¤ [Talk] 10:51, 17 January 2011 (UTC)

Addressed-Lifebonzza (talk) 23:43, 27 January 2011 (UTC)

Similarly, I'm not sure why this reference (Metacritic, number 53) is called "Best Albums of 2005". Axl ¤ [Talk] 10:54, 17 January 2011 (UTC)

Addressed-Lifebonzza (talk) 23:43, 27 January 2011 (UTC)

Reference number 54 (Beggars Group Canada) is another blocked archive. Axl ¤ [Talk] 10:55, 17 January 2011 (UTC)

Addressed-Lifebonzza (talk) 23:43, 27 January 2011 (UTC)

This reference (Lewis, Drowned in Sound, number 55) isn't working. Axl ¤ [Talk] 10:57, 17 January 2011 (UTC)

Addressed-Lifebonzza (talk) 23:43, 27 January 2011 (UTC)

Is the Aera reference (number 60) a magazine? If so it should use the "citation" format rather than "cite news". Also, it should have a page number. Axl ¤ [Talk] 09:50, 18 January 2011 (UTC)

Addressed-Lifebonzza (talk) 23:43, 27 January 2011 (UTC)

Reference number 61 (Rolling Stone, 5 February 2007) is another blocked archive. Again, I'm not expecting any further comment or action from anyone. Axl ¤ [Talk] 11:28, 20 January 2011 (UTC)

Reference 63 (Thompson, Pitchfork Media) is also blocked. Axl ¤ [Talk] 11:30, 20 January 2011 (UTC)

Reference number 69 ("M.I.A. adds U.S. dates to Summer Tour", Pitchfork Media) is blocked. Axl ¤ [Talk] 11:34, 20 January 2011 (UTC)

For "M.I.A. Picks Best Global Sound" (Rolling Stone, number 70), is there a page number available? Axl ¤ [Talk] 11:38, 20 January 2011 (UTC)

Not that I know of Im afraid....-Lifebonzza (talk) 23:43, 27 January 2011 (UTC)

Reference number 71 (Spike Jonze Spends Saturday with M.I.A. Episode 4, VBS.tv): the link is redirecting to a different page. Axl ¤ [Talk] 09:16, 22 January 2011 (UTC)

Addressed-Lifebonzza (talk) 23:43, 27 January 2011 (UTC)

Number 74 (Best Albums of 2007, Metacritic): the link redirects to a different page. Axl ¤ [Talk] 09:23, 22 January 2011 (UTC)

Addressed-Lifebonzza (talk) 23:43, 27 January 2011 (UTC)

This link (O'Donnell, Rolling Stone, reference number 75) isn't working. Axl ¤ [Talk] 09:33, 22 January 2011 (UTC)

Addressed-Lifebonzza (talk) 23:43, 27 January 2011 (UTC)

81–120

Reference number 91 (Neowing) is in Japanese. I'm not expecting any specific action at the the moment; this is for my benefit. Axl ¤ [Talk] 10:15, 25 January 2011 (UTC)

References 90 and 92 (Pitchfork Media) are the same. Axl ¤ [Talk] 10:17, 25 January 2011 (UTC)

I have fixed this. Axl ¤ [Talk] 09:46, 27 January 2011 (UTC)

Reference number 96 (Single cover: M.I.A. - "XXXO", Rap-Up) doesn't seem to be providing the info that the text states. Axl ¤ [Talk] 10:23, 25 January 2011 (UTC)

Addressed-Lifebonzza (talk) 23:43, 27 January 2011 (UTC)

Reference number 98 (Sudoeste TMN, Blitz) is in Portuguese. Again, there's no need for any action at present. Axl ¤ [Talk] 10:30, 25 January 2011 (UTC)

Reference number 99 (Pinheiro, Sudoeste atrai os estreantes) is also in Portuguese. Axl ¤ [Talk] 10:32, 25 January 2011 (UTC)

The new number 97 (Beau succes du rap, Le Monde) is in French. Again, no action needed at present. Axl ¤ [Talk] 10:38, 28 January 2011 (UTC)

Reference number 116 (Matheson, USA Today) uses the "cite web" format. If it is a magazine, it should have the "citation" format, with issue and page numbers. Axl ¤ [Talk] 10:49, 29 January 2011 (UTC)

I've added the issn and oclc details for USA Today and changed the cite template format. Strangely, the actual list for this story is not on the website anymore although the urls directing to this story can still be accessed. She was positioned number 27 on that list: "USA Today 100 people of the year 2007", released in parts through December 2007. Issue/page numbers I haven't got, although someone else might... Lifebonzza (talk) 10:48, 30 January 2011 (UTC)

For reference number 119 (M.I.A. Goes Global, Rolling Stone), is there a page number? Axl ¤ [Talk] 10:56, 29 January 2011 (UTC)

Couldn't find the page number, but someone else might....Lifebonzza (talk) 10:48, 30 January 2011 (UTC)

For number 120 (Stroumboulopoulos, The Hour), airdate 2007 isn't specific enough. Axl ¤ [Talk] 10:57, 29 January 2011 (UTC)

Addressed-Lifebonzza (talk) 10:48, 30 January 2011 (UTC)

121+

There is a problem with this hyperlink (reference number 137, Rolling Stone). Axl ¤ [Talk] 10:11, 1 February 2011 (UTC)

AddressedLifebonzza (talk) 16:25, 1 February 2011 (UTC)

Reference number 148 (called "M.I.A repousse les frontières", Bouard, Mondomix) does not have the same title as the linked page. (Also, it is in French, which doesn't need any action at present.) Axl ¤ [Talk] 10:22, 1 February 2011 (UTC)

The title of the article has changed since it was first cited, so I've refined it on the article to reflect this. AddressedLifebonzza (talk) 16:25, 1 February 2011 (UTC)

Reference number 149 (Denver, Complex magazine) is blocked by my safe filter. (I'm not expecting any specific action at present.) Axl ¤ [Talk] 10:25, 1 February 2011 (UTC)

References 154, 155 and 156 are from Twitter. How can we be sure that it really is M.I.A. saying these things? Axl ¤ [Talk] 10:18, 5 February 2011 (UTC)

I'm pretty sure that's her official account. She's confirmed her tweets in numerous interviews etc. ...Lifebonzza (talk) 12:50, 5 February 2011 (UTC)

Reference number 158 (Ezugwu, Rewind Magazine) is blocked by my safe filter. (I'm not expecting any action at present.) Axl ¤ [Talk] 10:20, 5 February 2011 (UTC)

Reference number 164 (Liberia school!, MySpace): the hyperlink doesn't seem to be going to the statement about the school. Axl ¤ [Talk] 09:47, 7 February 2011 (UTC)

Wikipedia won't allow the Myspace blog link specific to the statement to be posted here as a citation for some reason, so the link directs to her Myspace account url instead. I'll remove it if it's a problem?....Lifebonzza (talk) 09:41, 12 February 2011 (UTC)

The hyperlink for reference number 166 (Unstoppable Foundation) doesn't state that M.I.A. supports the foundation. Axl ¤ [Talk] 09:49, 7 February 2011 (UTC)

Addressed Lifebonzza (talk) 09:41, 12 February 2011 (UTC)

Reference number 167 (The Analyst, Liberia) is blocked by my safe filter. (No action required at present.) Axl ¤ [Talk] 09:51, 7 February 2011 (UTC)

Is reference number 170 (Kev Kharas, NME) a magazine article? If so, it should use the "citation" format, not the "cite web" format. Also, it should have a page number. Axl ¤ [Talk] 09:56, 7 February 2011 (UTC)

AddressedLifebonzza (talk) 09:41, 12 February 2011 (UTC)

This hyperlink (reference number 173, Billboard) isn't working. Axl ¤ [Talk] 10:14, 11 February 2011 (UTC)

Addressed per GAR (replaced with another source) - Lifebonzza (talk) 09:41, 12 February 2011 (UTC)

• Are we near a conclusion to the review? Both sides are doing a great job, I'm just curious since it's been over two months since the review began. Wizardman _{Operation Big Bear} 06:16, 15 February 2011 (UTC)

Nearly finished. Axl ¤ [Talk] 10:35, 15 February 2011 (UTC)

Summary

Phew! It has taken a while; it's my longest GA review, both in time and text.

1. The article is well-written. The spelling and grammar are accurate. It complies with the manual of style recommendations.

2. As far as I can tell, the article is factually correct and appropriately referenced. I have tried to verify all of the references, but there are several that I have been unable to check. See below for more details.

3. The article is broad in scope, and covers the important aspects of M.I.A.'s life and career.

4. The article is unbiased.

5. There is no edit war or significant controversy over the content.

6. The pictures are appropriate, with free use licenses from Wikimedia Commons. [One non-free picture has been removed during this review.]

The article meets all of the GA criteria. I am delighted to award GA status. My congratulations and thanks to the editors, especially Lifebonzza.

There are a few minor caveats and areas for improvement that I shall add in the next few days. Axl ¤ [Talk] 10:52, 15 February 2011 (UTC)

Areas for further review/improvement

There are a number of issues still remaining with the article.

1. I have read the whole article and made many changes to the syntax, grammar and formatting. Despite this, I am sure that there is room for improvement. It would be helpful if an experienced editor copy-edits the article, perhaps someone from WikiProject Musicians.

2. I have tried to check all of the references. However there are several that I haven't been able to.

References blocked

There are several hyperlinked references that are blocked by my safe filter:-

24. Pytlik, "Interview: M.I.A.", Pitchfork Media

26. Pearson, "M.I.A.", Fused Magazine

34. Timmermann, "M.I.A.—Arular—review", Stylus Magazine

42. Simmons, "M.I.A.", Stylus Magazine

49. Myers, "M.I.A. 2005: Live Performances", KEXP-FM

58. "M.I.A.'s Out for Blood With New Track", Rolling Stone

60. Thompson, "DFA, Adrock Remix M.I.A.'s "Paper Planes" on New EP", Pitchfork Media

66. "M.I.A. adds U.S. dates to Summer Tour", Pitchfork Media

150. Denver, "M.I.A.", Complex

160. Ezugwu, "Head2head: Afrikanboy Vs Cassette Playa", Rewind Magazine

168. "Top British Singer, MTV Crew in Town", The Analyst

Foreign language references

43. "De Tijd: M.I.A./Arular", De Tijd. This article is (I believe) in Dutch, and it requires a fee to view.

87. "[CD] 未定 (3rd Album) [3ヶ月期間限定価格盤]/M.I.A.", Neowing (Japanese)

94. "Sudoeste TMN: Colbie Caillat com disco novo, M.I.A. filma com Spike Jonze", Blitz (Portuguese)

95. Pinheiro, "Sudoeste atrai os estreantes", Diário de Notícias (Portuguese)

97. "Beau succès du rap de MIA à Rennes", Le Monde (French)

149. Bouard, "M.I.A: Les Sri Lankais sont dévastés, cassés", Mondomix (French)

Magazines, books & TV

There are several printed magazine articles, book references and videos/TV shows that I have been unable to check.

23. Weiner, "The Next Best Thing! M.I.A.", Blender

37. Meyers, "Missing in Act(i)on", Vibe

44. Collins, "M.I.A.—Front Line"

45. W.H., "M.I.A.", Spin

48. Mower, "Keeping It Real", Vogue

57. "M.I.A.: Person in Focus", Aera

67. "M.I.A. Picks Best Global Sound", Rolling Stone. This reference also requires a page number.

68. "Spike Jonze Spends Saturday With...", VBS.tv. The video is no longer available.

116. Matheson, "My top 100 people of 2007", USA Today. This reference also requires a page number.

119. "M.I.A. Goes Global", Rolling Stone. Another reference that needs a page number.

120. Stroumboulopoulos, "M.I.A.". I don't have access to this TV show episode.

164. "M.I.A. Retro Edge", Vogue

171. Kharas, "Still the world's most wanted: MIA", NME

Questionable sources

103. Arulpragasam, "M.I.A.", Twitter. I am unsure if Twitter is a reliable source.

156, 157, & 158. More Twitter statements.

Potential references

I am surprised by the lack of references to books. The section "Books and further reading" mentions "M.I.A. No. 10", but does not use it as a reference. Another potential book reference is "The Pocko Collection: Series 3" by Arulpragasam, Asis & Happaniemi.

Other points

3. The article is broad in coverage. I don't think that there are any obvious omissions.

4. & 5. In my opinion, the article is neutral. There is no edit war. However a previous reviewer, Atlantictire, has ongoing concerns about the neutrality of the article's content. I have tried to engage other (uninvolved) editors at "Wikipedia_talk:WikiProject_Musicians#M.I.A.", but without success.

6. The article is nicely illustrated with free pictures. The pictures would benefit from alternative text.

Axl ¤ [Talk] 11:04, 5 March 2011 (UTC)