With its percussive gunshots, Clash sample and lyrics about visas and bombs, M.I.A.'s year-old track "Paper Planes" was the summer's most unexpected hit — and no one is more surprised than its creator. "I always took pride in being a little underground — it really is a very unlikely record to cross over," says the Sri Lankan/British rapper. "The other songs on the chart are Katy Perry and the Jonas Brothers — then you see 'Paper Planes' and it's cool because there's hope: 'Than...

M.I.A. recently sat down with Rolling Stone associate editor Brian Hiatt to discuss her new album, Kala (check out our video and written reviews). The globe-trotting MC chatted about everything from her childhood crackhead neighbors to her obsession with "organic" sounding music. Here's a bit of their interview: