Exodus

Album: Matangi (2013)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This Trip-Hoppy song finds M.I.A. sampling the Weeknd's vocals from "Lonely Star," a track from the R&B singer-songwriter's mixtape Thursday. The Sri Lanka native told MTV News that she tapped his producer Doc McKinney to nail down the proper sound. "When I first heard ['Lonely Star'], I wanted to make a remix version but then the song grew," she said. "I sang on top of the song, but when I heard it back it didn't really make sense as a remix so it [became a] totally different concept, and then it grew into a full song."
  • M.I.A. reprises the song later on Matangi with an alternative version titled "Sexodus."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Grunge Bands Quiz

Grunge Bands QuizMusic Quiz

If the name Citizen Dick means anything to you, there's a chance you'll get some of these right.

Jesus In Pop Hits: The Gospel Songs That Went Mainstream

Jesus In Pop Hits: The Gospel Songs That Went MainstreamSong Writing

These overtly religious songs crossed over to the pop charts, despite resistance from fans, and in many cases, churches.

Matt Sorum

Matt SorumSongwriter Interviews

When he joined Guns N' Roses in 1990, Matt helped them craft an orchestral sound; his mezzo fortes and pianissimos are all over "November Rain."

Rob Halford of Judas Priest

Rob Halford of Judas PriestSongwriter Interviews

Rob Halford dives into some of his Judas Priest lyrics, talking about his most personal songs and the message behind "You've Got Another Thing Comin'."

Gary Lewis

Gary LewisSongwriter Interviews

Gary Lewis and the Playboys had seven Top 10 hits despite competition from The Beatles. Gary talks about the hits, his famous father, and getting drafted.

Dean Friedman - "Ariel"

Dean Friedman - "Ariel"They're Playing My Song

Dean's saga began with "Ariel," a song about falling in love with a Jewish girl from New Jersey.