M.I.A.’s “Paper Planes” (2007) is an unconventional global hip-hop anthem that pairs a laid-back reggae beat with biting social commentary. With its famous sound effects (cash registers and gunshots) and the wry chorus “All I wanna do is [gunshots] and [cash register] take your money,” the song satirizes stereotypes of immigrants and violence. It unexpectedly became a Top 5 hit in the US after featuring in the film Pineapple Express, turning M.I.A.’s edgy commentary into a mainstream sing-along. “Paper Planes” remains one of the defining indie-meets-pop tracks of the decade.
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