Altsounds - Rap Star M.I.A. Barred From US

British rapper M.I.A. has been denied the chance to work with legendary hip-hop producer Timbaland after she was barred from entering the US.

The star, who was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize for her debut album 'Arular' last year, has been denied a visa to work in the States.

M.I.A. made the announcement on her official website, but did not explain why the decision had been made.

Her message, under the headline "They try to shut my door!" reads: "Roger Roger do you here me over!!!! The US immigration won't let me in!!!!!"

She added: "Now I'm strictly making my album outside the borders!!!!" and asked fans to spread the word using the internet.

Her UK record company, XL Recordings, would not comment on why she had not been able to get into America, but numerous messages of support posted by fans suggest it is related to the political content of her songs.

Her records have featured controversial lyrics about revolution such as the line "like PLO I don't surrender" in her most recent single, 'Sunshowers'.

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