Kim I Am

BY: Dante Fresse

Kim I Am is a powerful documentary from the New York TImes OpDocs series. It carefully follows stories as they offer intimate examinations of celebrities and great thinkers. This award-winning series is historic and has Oscar-nominations for its unique content. This show is about former Black Eyed Peas artist, Kim Hill. It tells her story as a founding member of the group, along with will. i. am and rapper DJ Taboo. Hip hop aligned with the early rise of Hill’s career as a solo artist in LA.

Hill documents her story as a solo artist and music lover then bridges to her career as a member of the group. However, the real depth comes from the portrait she paints of the music business when she was touring and living with her band. Hill wrote early Black Eyed Peas songs. She also had a hand creating hits like “Hot.” Her punchy vocals solidified the group’s talent as a soul group.

Unique storytelling, close-ups and Hill’s musical journey make this a compelling show. She controls the narrative of her rise to “almost famous” plus details of her artistry. She left the group in 2002 due to pressure to sexualize her image. Ms.Hill closes the show with her happiness as an artist, music fanatic and passionate mom. While Ms. Hill never reached the mainstream success of the group, she said she feels sympathy for Fergie as a solo singer. Kim ends with commentary on the sexualization of the industry that pushed her out and altered her relationship with music.