Video: M.I.A. "XXXO"

If the "Born Free" video and the subsequent PR nightmare leading up to the release of /\/\/\Y/\ hurt M.I.A.'s chances at mainstream popularity, the newly released video for "XXXO" might help fix that.

The track itself is sort of a sleeper -- it's a grow-er, not a show-er. It's definitely the poppiest effort of the album, but it doesn't really stand out at first. But after a few listens, the message starts becoming clearer. As a visual artist, M.I.A. really tries to drive the point home of digital love in a vacant digital world.

With the help of hip-hop director Hype Williams, M.I.A. lives in a world full of Blingees and outdated MySpace references. Really, the video seems to reference some of her past visual work like "Galang," "Sunshowers," and "Jimmy," except that she's a bit sexier.

And quick note: We've notice some people on the interwebs saying the "tigers" in the video allude to her Tamil Tiger past. Um, last we checked, tigers had stripes.

Watch M.I.A.'s sexy digital postcard after the jump.