Maya

The third studio album, styled /\/\ /\ Y /\, came out through N.E.E.T. Recordings, XL and Interscope. M.I.A., Blaqstarr and Rusko handled most of the songwriting and production, with Diplo and Switch also contributing. She began it in a home studio in her Los Angeles house, using a Korg Kaossilator among other tools, and the work was completed in a rented studio in Hawaii. Rusko, who played guitar and piano on it, recalled getting carried away in the studio and making a mad, distorted and hectic sound. Her work with Derek E. Miller of Sleigh Bells on Meds and Feds led her to sign the band to N.E.E.T.

She described the sound as a "digital ruckus", and it was the first time she used elements of industrial music. The reception was mixed to positive. The Observer's review called it "a headache-inducing patchwork of ideas that's actually rather brilliant". It entered the UK chart at 21 and reached nine on the Billboard 200, her highest placing on both, and debuted in the top ten in Finland, Norway, Greece and Canada.