Well, one thing is for sure about M.I.A.: She knows how to grab your attention. Whether writing a protest song about the New York Times, calling out Lady Gaga, or announcing the release date for her new studio album via blimp, the musician born Mathangi Arulpragasam has proven that publicists aren’t always necessary.

As Rap-Up.com reports (via TFB), the folks behind HARD hired a blimp to fly over Jay-Z’s Friday night set at Coachella to advertise M.I.A.’s upcoming performances in Los Angeles and New York. The blimp also flashed the message “New Album 6.29.10”. Though an official announcement has not yet been made, we can probably conclude the obvious and assume the message is a reference to her upcoming, yet-to-be titled third LP and its now June 29th release date. Update: It’s official.

As previously reported, M.I.A. worked with producers Diplo, Rusko, Switch, Blaqstarr, and Sleigh Bells’ Derek Miller on the album. Beyond all the aforementioned, we don’t know much more.

M.I.A. 2010 Tour Dates:
07/17 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Cornfields of Los Angeles State Historic Park
07/24 – New York, NY @ Governors Island
08/01 – London, UK @ Underage Festival
08/05-08 – Herefordshire, UK @ The Big Chill
08/10-14 – Oslo, NO @ Oya Festival