I Was in The Black Eyed Peas. Then I Quit. | 'Almost Famous' by Op-Docs
In the mid-1990s, the singer and songwriter Kim Hill met a young rapper who suggested they start making music. That rapper’s name was will.i.am, and his group was a rising Los Angeles underground hip-hop crew called The Black Eyed Peas. The rest is history - or is it?
Hill found herself at a crossroads in 2000 and decided to quit the group and find her own voice, only to look on as The Black Eyed Peas reached global stardom with earworms like “I Gotta Feeling.” Having missed out on what every performer dreams of, does Hill regret her decision?
“Almost Famous” is a special Op-Docs series of short films directed by Ben Proudfoot featuring people who nearly made history - only to fall short. These are tales of overcoming disappointment at its most epic, from an astronaut who never flew to a superstar who never was.
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Credits
Director: Ben Proudfoot
Featuring: Kim Hill, Cassius Hill
Producers: Gabriel Berk Godoi, Abby Lynn Kang Davis
Co-Producer: Jeremy Lambert
Cinematography: Brandon Somerhalder
Additional Cinematography: Tom Mason
Editor: David Faddis
Composer: Nicholas Jacobson-Larson
Assistant Editor: Lisset Mendoza
First Assistant Camera: Jana McLain
Colorist: Stephen Derluguian
Re-Recording Mixer: Sean Higgins
Archival Coordinator: Sarah Stewart
Associate Producer: Caley Fox Shannon
Post-Production Supervisor: Dillon Brown
Post-Production Coordinator: Elizabeth Brooke
Supervising Editor: Federico Conforti
Sound Effects Editor: TJ Jacques
Additional Orchestration: Roger Julià Satorra
Scoring Mixer: Brad Haehnel
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Op-Docs is the New York Times’ award-winning series of short documentaries by independent filmmakers. Learn more about Op-Docs and how to submit to the series. Follow The New York Times Opinion section on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@NYTopinion).
Hey, everybody. I’m Ben, the filmmaker and creator of the ALMOST FAMOUS series. Happy to answer any questions!
Did y’all reach out to the current edition of the BEP for a comment or perspective? It definitely would have been interesting given Will.i.am’s latest comments.
@@marvinrichards8633 We did reach out to will.i.am’s team before publication but did not get a comment back in time.
Did you ever think this piece would blow up as it did?
@@reggeesexpressions No! I actually wasn’t sure it was a good idea and Executive Producer Abby Davis urged me to call Kim because she so believed in the story.
And how about the resurgence! Completely washing her start off their legacy is crazy. You did say he didn’t reach out in time, did you get what he said in response to this off the record
Ladies and gentlemen, this is what you call a classy lady.
Absolutly, my deep respects for her for not selling herself and give in to the industry... in the final account it's worth it, no material success is worth selling your femininity
This is how you act when they cameras are asking you “how are you feeling?”
Jay and NWA are trolls that hate Black women. They're on multiple videos of Black women spreading hate. Obsessed freaks
@Tired Siren Thanx
@@kalidevi26 Yes. I love it. In an industry that is VERY hard for female artists. There is never more than 2 selling female artists in rotation for hip hop
She simply didn't want to sell her soul, mind, body, and spirit for fame and fortune.
Gerson Sifuentes seems like a mistake to me
She missed out a lot but she still have her soul.
YTSE GAME SEEKER she would have had it regardless.
look at all the suicides and overdoses in entertainment, fame/money doesn’t make you happy, she wasn’t seeking fame/money
Too bad too sad, she could have been living in Ferg’s Malibu mansion her other two Beverly Hills mansions.
I love how she was so honest about the sick practices of the music business, without EVER disrespecting her former bandmates. In fact, she made me respect them more. They worked hard to escape poverty and found what made them happy, and she found what made her happy too. Amazing video.
Respect them more hahhaa what a JOKE!!!!
*Eyed*
@@davidjones8043 ??? Are you stoned or what? The only joke here is your ridiculous rude meaningless comment
@@davidjones8043 joke? You mean your life?
@@davidjones8043 why? you don't like them?
This woman is nothing but class- she walked away with no regrets and despite not making the money- she wasn’t negative- this is a woman that deserves the world!!!
i wish she was honest and negative actually
@@butterflymoon6368 If she was honest, they would have only twisted her words with clever editing to generate controversy for ratings, so we wouldn't have gotten her honest side anyway. Besides, why should she be honest with the world that does not even value honesty?
@@thepunisher2988 but she should have nothing negative to say about the band because they did nothing wrong, she quit, that was her decision 🤷🏾♀️!
This deserves to be the highest ranked comment.
"Where's your voice? Where are you?" We need more people like this in the world.
Seriously
But she was like you know like, i didn't eat like...who are you, like the whole time like you know? So like...nice story though it was like...magnetic like...yeah
She's awesome I think some of the others sold out & are putting out what the record company wants to telegraph not the band members.
I agree! This is what drew me in.
Cory E she’s amazing.
"Where is your Voice? " She kept her mother's words That's powerful
I thought the same thing when she said that..powerful. I really like her..a lot.
Real self respect has no price. Respect to her for staying true to herself.
And her mother is why she's broke and talking about missed opportunity.
N.W.A. She’s only talking about her experience. Self respect over a pay check is something a lot of this generation has lacked being taught.
@@bnwo you obviously missed the entire point. She's not bitter, why are you? She and her son can be proud of her for putting morals above money. Money and fame can't make everyone happy.. some people have self respect which is worth way more than any amount.
Really classy. I loved that she didn't talk negatively about Fergie or her time in the band. It seemed they shared something so special
Kim's soul is beautiful. I get emotional every time I watch this documentary. I want to be like her.
Absolutely! So mature, so classy indeed.
she should have spoken negatively if it was negative. it's not wonderful at all. we should praise women for speaking out, not encourage women to keep quiet. i hate these comments!
@butterflymoon6368 thank you for that perspective. I fall into the "be polite , meek and mild" area and I'm actively trying to speak up when things matter.
@@butterflymoon6368 But she should have nothing negative to say about Fergie because she quit!! It’s not like she was just replaced!!
The best part of the story. She fought for her voice. She said no to the big wigs. And she stood up for what she thinks broach her identity. Flesh does not sell. Creativity is. It's great to know people like Kim is still existent. What matters is not how famous you are, its the principle you stand for.
is it worth tho
it is privildge when you know you have the support to fall back on when you say no to that pressure. Lot of people can't say no if they wan't to float.
I think it's worthy. The career the Black Eyed Peas had after her was very successful but also very sexual, very commercial, far different from the underground utopia she originally intended. Had she stayed in the band, she would end up hurting herself or holding the band back. It's a no win proposition.
I agree, though the band should have stood up for her and said "that's not what we're about". She shouldn't have been forced to quit for being sexualised.
@@fabiofonseca4560 hmmm this speaks more about you than her….
Moral of the story: success has a different meaning to each and everyone of us. She found hers, find yours.
But she's not even successful though.
@@MF-LXRD It was just said that the meaning of success is subjective.
@Randall 45 okay boomer.
@@MF-LXRD bruh
@@MF-LXRD no, YOU, don't feel successful. You're projecting. Clean your room. Get a job.
She didn’t say anything bitter about anyone and that’s wonderful.
@Caleb Huskey cause some people do that. That's why.
such a beautiful soul she lowkey reminds me of my mommy ❣
@Caleb Huskey I get that. But some people would see what they could've had an just get angry and think it shoulda been them. It happens all the time. Glad she found her happiness and was secure and content in her decision.
bang g it’s sad because so many black women are automatically seen as “bitter”. Edit: I am a brown skinned black woman. I have faced what I stated in my comment. I reworded what I said because some people don’t know how to use quotation marks. If you wanna know what I said it was “it’s sad because so many black women are automatically ‘bitter’.” Some of y’all really gettin trigger because you see “black women are ‘bitter’” without even reading what it said in its entirety. This is one of the reasons why people see us the way we do. Some people are so quick to jump the gun and label someone “ism, ist, phobic” without even knowing what they’re saying. Although it’s ignorant to judge a whole race of people off of two people who cannot read, it doesn’t help.
brooke.t.g.r she was very classy and i can’t help but comment about it bec we do need more humans like her who has nothing mean to say.
I have a HUGE amount of respect for this woman; she refused to cave to the sleazy desires of the record execs and she remained true to her art form.
I never knew of her, but she has my immediate respect for not selling her soul. 🖤
Indeed I'm on shock watching this video they don't even mention her at all
she stayed true to herself and not bitter about it. class.
WOW this comment is so powerful. Did not realized that when trying to be honest in this world can get you bitter.
lol so why is she crying about it?
@@bnwo Well, maybe 'cause in life some choises are tough to make and she would have wanted to stay true herself and be succesful.
@@bnwo because she's "true to herself" but broke. Being TRUE doesn't put food on the table. Why'd you think she made this sappy short documentary anyway. Its her own way of selling out. Gotta make noise to make money
@@BlacklightB Your point of view makes no sense at all. Actually shows how small minded you are. MAYBE there's a deeper problem with you.
She perfectly describes how you can easily end up listening to degrading music when you're young. I think it's formulated that way - degrading lyrics over sick beats that _almost_ make you forget what you're actually hearing.
Programming
It’s like the song hey ya by OutKast
Yeah when your young but there’s no excuse once your old enough to understand, when you keep supporting something that degrades you people feel no need to change and stop degrading you
Yeah Chris Rock said that
The powerful non-Blk people behind the music industry (yew know who they are) intended for our cultural “life to imitate the dark art” of the music industry. For Blk men to incorporate the hateful, unloving lyrics and extreme disrespect shown to Blk women, within their own lives so that the Blk family foundation would be destroyed, love marriages would become non-existent (only baby mamas and daddies and unorganized broken families) and we as a community would have no legs to stand on. Media mind programming that still occurs today with music and now politics that compels us to feel hate towards others and to only see racism everywhere in society, even when it is not really there. Their techniques are stealth and very hard to detect because they let people who look like us (who actually have their mixed blood) do their bidding . This is the power of media mind programming. Always remain discerning and use your logic, do not believe all information presented to you on the news, simply because it is presented to you. Nefarious aims are kept at play to keep our community weak and divided.
Mad props to this woman. She picked a different path to save her mental health and peace of mind. She seems like a such a genuinely good human. I wish her all the happiness in life.
This was a great series. Self-love is everything, she walked away with no regrets, no disrespect, no past embarrassments, just love and respect for her once upon a time band member. She has her happiness and in the end, that's all that really matters.
I like her. She's not bitter. She made choices. She feels happy for everyone including herself. That's really good. The only issue were the producers sexualizing her with the men, which she considers as siblings, that crossed the line of course.
Sounds bitter to me
@@CrudeConduct666 How so? She literally said she was happy for them and was explained why she made her decision.
She was not bitter. She has a lot of class. She didn't sell out to the executive pukes!
@@CrudeConduct666 even if she was bitter, which I didn't see a shred of in this vid, i'd say it's valid
FunWithFirearms explaining what happened is not the same as being bitter
She's so close to the camera my wife thought I'm on a video call.
Fairuz Hussaini lol God bless
Rest in Paraiso homie.
🤣🤣🤣
Fairuz Hussaini 😂 thank you I needed that! I wish you could hear me.....
@@sonjastarks1901 i hear you loud and clear! 😂
I Never get tired of re-watching this mini-doc of her. So genuine.
It’s so beautiful to see how Kim hasn’t become bitter/jealous/angry about what happened. She seems like such an awesome woman and glad to see she seems like she’s doing well!
It would only be human if she felt some jelousy or regret but her happiness and originality would overpower those emotions at the end of the day.
@@JeromeProductions Right.
this woman is the embodiment of the saying "don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened"
True, love it.
She not white fergue is latina
Thats what you see here. Probably in reality, she cries everyday.
And I love it
Like how I love my high school and it’s been 5 years since I graduated, I should follow this rule of ,don’t cry because it’s over, but smile because it happened
Cameraman: So how far should I zoom in on her face? Producer: Yes.
CLOSER! WE NEED TO SEE PORES!!!! And more cowbell!
Seriously, I was wondering if there was a bet going on how closely the camera could zoom in on her. I gave it a thumbs up though. It was good.
I know!! Why is the camera so zoomed in!! lol
@@SeeJaneGoTV I slide my chair 1 meter away from the screen to make this is a comfortable experience
Yooooo!!!! Lol!!
This editing was great, edited like a mini documentary & her story telling was magnetic and pulling
Love what she said about Fergie - a mutual understanding of being female in the industry. No judgement for anyone's choices, just an understanding.
she really is a woman ahead of her time. she sticks to her voice and her integrity is astounding.
Ahead of her time? People have been doing that since forever.
@@TheRealRazhel and what have you done again? Stop being a hater
@@IagainstI. What they meant is that integrity wasn't invented in the 90s, dummy. The fact that this lady is having a moment right now thanks to the NYT is symptomatic of the times we live in, as there is a demand for stories like hers. There's nothing 'ahead of the times' about it - that's just a stupid choice of words by the original poster for whom English may not even be their first language.
@@bachelorofstuff lucatme "that's just a stupid choice of words by the original poster for whom English may not even be their first language"? Really??? What an immensely asinine thing to say. Nothing the original poster said was grammatical incorrect, everything made sense. Just because you don't agree with their opinion, don't presume to know what someone's primary language is, and stop being so angry about what most would consider a positive comment
@@IagainstI. you're not really adding much to the conversation beyond excessive amounts of rage, but I'm sorry I called you a dummy - you seem unnecessarily aggravated. As I said, this lovely lady is not a trailblazer by any means - she's just a decent person who deserves to be in the spotlight for this minute and I'm glad I got to hear her story conveyed so beautifully in this short video. I like your username btw, it's a cool song. take care.
You can tell she’s a good singer just by her talking voice
HAHAH THATS WHAT I WAS SAYING
Hec†or G. yep
Hec†or G. Absolutely!
Lol 😂 Right!!
Exactly what I just thinking
She stands on her values. That's more valuable than a prize. 👏👏👏 You nailed it, girl!!
I never knew her before watching this video but now I have mad respect for her. The brother/sisterhood of the band, the respect she has for the band, and the pressure to be a female in this industry… she’s beautifully articulate. Respect!!!
It was suppose to stay unknown, but in making it known it shows how she feels about missing out. Sometimes I just can't keep it inside, and wish the world would have known. She missed out
“You made it!!” “I didn’t eat!” Yup, perfect description of what trying to become an actor is like 😆
Olivia Eats Freely nice name
Soul sellers should suffer
Live in Southern California for 13 years, and taking up some gigs in different things... I can testify to that feeling too lol
0121 there’s a difference between “soul sellers” and being an artist
"Because we know about being that female in that construct" So much respect for this lady, nothing negative and no trace of any bitterness
Eventhough Fergie did exactly what Kim didnt wanna do... Its so sad women dont get the same respect for the same work.
Ramesh B check me out! I’m a black violinist 😊
@@blountjuice4932 I'll check you out. I don't come across black women violinist real often. I'm all about supporting my people.
Sabrina Capaul And men also don’t get the same respect for the same work. But I feel that Fergie was definitely pushing herself out there and it was worth it at the end she made the band so much better she even got to do her own music and people are still listening to her songs if that’s not respect idk what is.
d I didn’t get that at all from this piece.
The true symbol of a strong woman in my eyes. She stood for something that actually signifies women in their own rights and walked away from plastic degradation. Nothing but respect.
"I never wanted to be objectified". I strongly agree with her.
I'd do it for the money lol
Nobody wants to objectify you, Anton.
I agree with her too
Sure....
Anton you’re not a woman so your attempt to relate is nice but it’s not the same. How about you challenge your male peers when they do exactly that.
Not that many people would chose integrity over money,props to her..
True but i dont think thats how she thought of it more like she didnt want to do it at the time cuz they weren't as famous till they got a girl who didnt care to much bout showing more of her body... i bet if it was the good bucks she would of did it.
eh give me the money
She can look herself in the mirror and hold her head up high. She did the right thing!
I think Fergie can still look at everyone in the eyes and don't feel guilty at all. Everyone has different values in life. She grew up from a mother who taught her not to oversexualize herself. She also grew up in a time of riots and women were always sexualized. She would act differently if she grew up in this present year (2019).
thats how satan is. you will only go so far with integrity. you will come to a crossroads like Robert Johnson. they got rid of the burden of this girls morality and the next thing you know they are rubbing shoulders with ...Oprah 😈
"I never wanted to be objectified, while doing my music. Where's your voice? Where are you?" That's attitude!!!
And now black females cry about not being in rapper's videos lol
@@bnwo dunno what you're talking about but alright
That’s deep!
Wrong industry sweetheart
What truly stands out to me is that people who has strong characters don't bring other people down. She never sold her beliefs for money and in the end she found her true happiness.
I love those early BEP songs with her vocals on them, and Kim always came across as just chill and authentic. It's a shame that she had to choose between not making great music with her close mates or not being degraded.
i loved when she repeated her mother's words, "where's your voice? where are you?" when she spoke about not wanting to be objectified while making her music.
Legit brought a tear to my eye, sad that these true female role models are often overshadowed by girls claiming that posing half naked is somehow ‘empowering’
idk if she did that or if they added that into that part
@@Chazza534 it's empowering for some. Let's not put women against each other because you don't like them being half naked. Some choose to be like that and others don't, it's not a problem.
I think that was edited
STFU
“Where’s your voice? Where are you?” I felt that.
YES! Amazing wisdom!
🙏😇🙏
biscuit yes, so so so strongly so
same
Whats its this meany
I’ve watched this several times, the cinematography is just amazing (well done Ben!) Watching this again makes me think of the butterfly effect. Either way, I’m proud of her for not succumbing to degrading herself to make it, it’s not always easy to choose to have integrity when your career is on the line
it is so rare to have a life story such as this be told without bitterness. well done Karen & ben for bringing us this story. Lets us all hear more of Kim Hill . Will I am .. please bring your friend along with you now and shine aa light on her light.
I thought this would fit here: "Everyone you meet always asks if you have a career, are married, or own a house as if life was some kind of grocery list. But no one ever asks you if you are happy" - Heath Ledger.
❤❤❤
... interesting.... RIP Heath
I've never heard that before. Thank you for the quote and your perspective.
Amazing quote.
@@shannonallaround9490 Happiness is very subjective. I would go for content. #Content01012020
Great short documentary. She didnt talk bad about the group nor bad about Fergie. She was professional in every aspect.
AMEN. VERY CLASSY
After the camera went of she broke down and cussed out the entire group
Felix Antonio Sanchez Borrero I remember seeing them around ‘98 or ‘99. They were on the Vans Warped Tour & were with Everclear & a couple other bands. I had a backstage pass & when they were on stage I was mesmerized by her. She shined, she really did. As they were coming off stage & headed towards the back, she looked at me & gave me that great smile she has & I remember thinking ‘That girl’s one in a million.’ I’d talked about seeing them without Fergie, but no one I talked to ever remembered them like that, so I thought maybe she was just a contract player or something. It’s good to get an answer to a question I had wondered about for some 20 years.
@@busterthe2 how do you know?
Real musicians are like that
I so much respect for her. She's an actual role model for you girls, and boys as well
'you girls' be quiet. we'll decide who our role models should be, not some man on the internet.
She's so articulate, it's wonderful to listen to.
You sound surprised🙄
@@CinnCity78 Hahaha. You sound like you tried really, really, really hard to find something to be indignant about. Well done, you found it. What a score!
why call her articulate? wth is that racist sh?
@Butterfly Moon Jesus, the utter state of that question. I called her articulate because she's articulate. And I found it wonderful to listen to. What insane sh*t did you decide to infer about why I called her articulate? Actually, don't answer. Just jog on.
@@Aritro77 No, dear. There was nothing wrong with the question and everything wrong with your stupid, ignorant comment. I will answer considering you will probably do this again to some poor soul who doesn't deserve the prejudice of low expectations. Society typically treats us (black people) as if we are not articulate therefore we get comments like 'you're so articulate' as if people are surprised when we speak well. Were you not prejudiced, you would not be surprised. I won't jog on since this isn't your universe and you're not in charge.
This woman has to be one of the most respectable people I have ever heard of.
well with all do respect do more research because there are plenty of women out there like herself noooo offense lolz
@@scarletdamsel3139 This woman has to be ****one**** of the most respectable people I have ever heard of.
@@stupidfrog only if whamen could listen
Amen to that
Cornflack I can see the point that Sweetcherries was trying to get at but I ultimately agree that your comment was interpreted/read incorrectly. The thing that stood out to me about your comment was that you said “this woman is one of the most respectable PEOPLE I have ever heard of” You didn’t just say one of the most respectable women, you said people. That’s the point right there and you got it 100%
I love the close up shot. It’s like she’s actually talking to the audience and not someone behind the camera
thats what i'm saying
Watashi Wa Noodle it’s very intimate
really tho!!
Yep ,that's it
that said more in 13 minutes than most documentaries do in 90 or 120.Well done. You all found your voice, thank you for sharing.
This chick represents a time when Black Eyed Peas were good. Respect to her. She kept her integrity, and dignity and clearly still does so. She made the right and good choices and she knows it. 🙌
She may not be so famous but she still has integrity, which is better.
I agree .You have to have respect for yourself to get respect from others.
She can look at herself in the mirror and not be ashamed. Her kids can look up to her
Exactly 👍👍
Integrity is my cousin..... My cousin is dead
Respect.
I really like her. You can tell she’s 100 percent authentic.
And could probably nails the national anthem
Lol exactly what i said 1 minute into the video
mascottie true!
Alek ok troll lmfao if you knew better you'd do better! She isnt fake by any means especially seeing as how i personally know her
I was just saying that to myself.lol
You are the one in millions who decides to do right thing even when it means losing fame and money. Salute to you
This classy woman can live with herself, sleep peacefully at night and look her son in the eye and say she never sold her soul.
Her soul is still intact. She didnt want to compromise her integrity and stood her ground. Shes has a home, a great kid and she is happy. What else do you need.
Bennet Diaz millions
But like the rest of the group said, "she didn't have to move back to east LA if this didn't work out"
Estoy de acuerdo , esa dama consiguió su bighomme y su pelao bien fanny
You think anyone in that group cares about their integrity as they count the money? If you want to be famous, you have no soul to begin with
And a puppy!
It’s so weird how different the band was when she was in it. Nothing but respect for this queen
They're getting back to that feel, check out their last album. I had stopped listening for years because it was just pop music but they're returning to their roots
E.E.Rey but what’s really crazy is i didn’t see Fergie grind on Will like they asked her 🤔
@@justicelyric Maybe they asked her too but she stood her ground and didn't quit.
@@NoOneHere2Day I'm sure she stood her ground too, but was probably told to for so long and possibly threatened to be put out if not. Judging by the video and how much she seemed to want to be a musician.
@@liv1522 She didnt say that. How would you know?
Can’t believe I’m just seeing this after it was posted a year ago. She’s such a beautiful person inside and out. Wishing the best for her and her family. She deserves it ❤️
Wow, Kim is such a classy lady. Glad to hear her story.
She didn't feel comfortable with something, she stepped away from it and didn't hold anyone back and still was ok with herself. HERSELF. That is strength.
@@snausagesmcgee3963 it’s true. She probably had like 13 sausages back to back, and then she said. Yeah they ain’t gonna make it. And then she quit. Tell after they became famous
@@ulquiorra2520 Weirdo wtf are you talkin about…
@@ulquiorra2520 How would you know?!? She made it further in life then you ever have and besides what do you know about staying true to yourself and not wavering from that??
@@MT-il5tk homie. She had those sausages and then got tired of show business. 😂
@@ulquiorra2520 'She had those sausages and then got tired of show business', then you took over? 😂 Stop hating.
I like that she’s not salty and super level headed
Nah i saw some salty, she cant hide it all
Prince who wouldn’t be a little bit salty. I’m sure she would have loved to be famous but she wasn’t going to Change her morality for the music industry
Ferry Gunadi Who says they wouldn’t be as famous as today??
she probably told herself this after all the regrets of leaving black eye peas earlier than it blew up. the feminism thing is a recent thing, she riding on that bandwagon and getting some fame. if she could live with it, she would have left it as it is.
She wants to paint herself as the purest of purists why would u think she would let you believe anything was wrong wit her ...moral of the story she took a L & was definitely not irreplaceable
Now that’s a beautiful story. Period. You stayed pure and true to yourself.
Affirmative.
This was really, really enjoyable to watch. And what a story! She’s so authentic, so true to herself - and yet I don’t think any less of the guys or Fergie for having continued down the path they chose. Ultimately there were no winners and losers, no right and wrong decisions, just life as you choose to live it. Great job!
the level of peacefulness that she's at is incredible
She's peace.
😂😂 that's called denial. Hence the documentary.
@@isaacc3307 you are in denial dear, maybe stop your bitternes would lead you to recognize some real peace. Bye.
@@nyctophobia787 Amen. Peace comes from acceptance, not denial.
@@nyctophobia787 you are naive dear. That's how you end up in the same position as her.
Her mentality at the time was far ahead of everyone else’s
Starkey Whitman check me out! Ima violinist
no.. her actions were more ahead than nowadays.. but not really. Singers and actresses today still go through a lot of social pressure because of how they dress and act, ex: fifth harmony, little mix, billie eilish, miley cyrus... the list goes on and on...I'm sure a lot of women thought the same way as her, but they didn't take action, or fighted in the shadows like Kim Hill..
@@cacaktuaaa5695 joan jett and big mama in the 50s were very influential
@@cacaktuaaa5695 thry opened the way for those ladies to act less like females and more like there counterpart stereotypically speaking
@Eric Parras Granted, I think she's a little older than the fellas in the group were but yes, she definitely chose to live in her truth. I just wish she would've put out more material as a solo artist and maybe even had Will produce her, always loved her voice.
I love the love, integrity, and genuine respect for one another potent throughout her story. I'm glad she chose the path that was right for her and that their success makes her happy. I bet they reciprocate that feeling.
I was crazy about her back then. Seeing this, I give this beautiful young lady all the respect and love she can carry.
She made her is choice. She choose to love herself more and respect herself.
Obviously the wrong choice
Samy Bachir fame and money are empty pursuits.
I must say she looked really good in video's
so why is she crying over her choice?
@@bnwo If you watched video you would know.
I wasn't going to watch the whole thing. I just wanted to hear her voice and her name then watch something else... but her personality got me watching the whole video. She has a charm, seems authentic.
Yuh Sehd samee!!!
wine in winter I really Like her
Same!!! That's why they say never judge a.....🙂
💯💯💯💯
Same!!!
This was a beautiful story. Her grace, beauty and heart really comes through in her story. I love that she has her happy!
I don't know how to explain this, but I know she's speaking from the heart here
i was expecting her to blame someone but she only blamed the era of music that this opportunity was in
She did, right? I was also expecting the same thing. It's such a beautiful video.
And white people. She specifically mentions fergies race which she got incorrect. Fergie is mixed she's White and Hispanic and yes there is a difference between the two.
@@torinjones3221 you can be a white hispanic
@@torinjones3221 There should be a difference between half black people and black people but society doesn't see it that way so it is what it is. I don't make the rules, society sees you as white....you're white.
She was way too up tight. She thinks she was better. Good thing she quit, she would be dragging them down.
Can we all just stop and appreciate the editing and interview style of this
Ikr sooooo good
yes we can... totally well done
yesssss
Yesss!!!!!!
@@manuelh.4147 Really? Why?
i would love to see a reunion or a comeback w/ the original lineup
I just don't think it would be ... The same. I'd love to see it too but shoot, Will is an alien cyborg now. And am I the only one that found it weird that their current Female vocalist looks strikingly similar to Kim too?
Give her her flowers ! She made the best decisions for herself in a business relationship. She gave a very refreshing take on her side without any animus towards the group's success.
She is really likeable...made her point without dragging anyone down.
That Part!!
@@thebushdoctorjuicebar7131 she's awesomeness 😊
Besides the first 30 seconds when she accused the other 3 black guys of getting rid of her because she was black and Fergie is white this girl failed because of herself
@@ml.9746 You unfortunately did not understand a thing
@@ml.9746 Sad @$$ Human You Are!!! 😥
This woman doesn’t need fame and fortune. She values herself so endlessly that she’s worth...infinity + 1.
That’s easy for you to say she just taking the hide road
corregidor park village and what have you accomplished in your worthless life?
corregidor park village Hide road? Lol. #BoneAppleTea. And it is easy for me to say, because the truth is easy to say.
Omg yeeeees
so tell me why she made a video titled "i was in the black eyed peas, then i quit?"
Man I had no idea how much this story would move me. Proud of you for sticking to who you are!
The way her son smiled at her, I’m not crying……..u are U got it sis
I am glad she stayed true to herself and did not sexualize herself for the industry and for the money.
I agree. I'm glad too, since Fergie is waaay hotter! Lady lumps in full effect!Fergie shimmy dance and booty shake on fleek!
john galt dough _capitalism is good! how sad of a response you made there
lol "I didn't want to be wildly successful" like, sorry, that's the biz, LOTS of people can sing...entertainment/attractiveness + talent is the draw
@@cameron_fairchild You look wise on your pic until i read your comment. It killed it completely. A fool is accounted wise until he opens his mouth..
john galt dough _capitalism is good! If that’s you on your picture then you’re just a worthless old fool. You grew older but brains stayed useless and miserable
Give this man a raise who directed this, it was amazing and I didn’t plan on watching the whole thing but I did
Seriously!! This was SO well produced!
Me too but then I got deeply invested in it
Same loved it
Yes indeed very well done.😊
Je-va-duh me too!
I admire this woman for boldness and courage to know what she wants/worth ...it more than money and stand for it 💯
The early BEP recordings were the best, and her vocal added something to the fresh sound. It a shame that we didn't hear from her again after she had left the group.
This was so authentic that I could feel the disappointment in her voice when she said they were wanting her to objectify herself and that's not what she wanted her music to be
Summer NT. They tried to do the same to Alicia Keyes. They wanted her to be more like Beyoncé.
My heart hurt 💔 for her because she was authentic with her soul, but to see the trade-off? Well that leaves dents in anyone's mind. But no doubt she did the right thing 💯 mad respect for her!
See? Not always objectfying a woman is a bad thing.
Truth be heard. So unfortunate that great artists are reduced to cheap tricks and ruined as artists... the people deserve better than greedy executive moves.
@Idea Headed You can easily want the money but not the things associated with it. Some people would be willing to commit murder for $100,000 others would never do that no matter the price. I think it's more of a thing concerning values and morals and what you're willing to put a price on.
I knew BEP had another female singer before Fergie, but I didn't know who it was. Now I do. Gorgeous woman. Love her integrity. Beautifully shot and edited little film too. Loved it.
They had another one named Sierra Swan who did vocals. This girl did backing vocals.
Nicole Scherzinger
And Esthero. She sings in a song "Weekends". I read once that she had left because of pregnancy, but I don't know if it's true.
Fergie's so 3008; she's so 2000 and late!
soaky1 *2008
I love how she's still on good terms with everyone and isn't bitter and isn't trash talking anybody and gives kudos where they're due! It's good that they all found their "Happy."😁
This was so beautiful and powerful I’m in tears. I get it. She just wanted to do art and she walked as the super human she is and I am so proud
I honestly didn’t plan on watching this whole thing, but she is magnetic. This was beautiful.
Agree same what a class act
Omg I was thinking the same exact thing! But she's just so magnetic and just such great way of speaking that I just wanted to keep listening. Really loved her story.
I was ready to close the video any second! But she was being so honest and genuine, it makes you want to hear her story.
James Clifton forreal!
I watched because there were no newspeople narrating over her testimony. Finally
I was kinda feeling sad for her not living in mansions and having all the luxuries, until I saw her son's smile and realized she already won at life.
Such a beautiful comment
are you a "woke b**ch" now?.... calling yourself a b word doesn't go hand in hand with this video
also she probably wasn't prepared to sell her soul like her other members
@@paidamichelle754 exactly
EXACTLY
I admire her self respect and how she didn't fell for money. She is happy and that's all we need.
" but I was there for that part of hip-hop, that was kind of the last of it..." that line broke my heart, because it's so true. It's not the same. #Ihavemyhappy
So in the end she kept her soul and they fulfilled their dreams.
Not their true dreams
I'm sure it's hard for them to sleep at night in the multi million dollar homes haha.
🎯🎯🎯
@@jeffjones4880 it should be
konami man LOL HOW WOULD YOU KNOW !!?!?
She chose herself above all else; literally a queen.
I agree taetae!
"Queen" - Definition: (the female ruler of an independent state, especially one who inherits the position by right of birth.) So no - _ -'.... She is not *LITERALLY* a queen, you dimwit - _ -'....
@@ballisticbadger9955 look at a dictionary and stop calling people dimwits. Some dictionaries have added that informally, literally can be used to emphasise something that is not literally true. You dimwit
hope she sees this bro
@@vaarbz6764 He's right doe
I absolutely loved this short documentary. She's so proud, honest, professional and looks so in peace with everything. Thank you for portraying her story.
I REALLY, REALLY needed to hear this RIGHT at this very moment. Thank you. I am so proud of you for getting off the machine, for letting others have their happy and for finding your own. Brava♡
She seems happy, healthy, with shelter and family. That's wealth to me.
True ❤️
Amen
Yup
Amen
It's all we really need♥️
How on earth did she tell this whole story with not an ounce of resentment or bitterness? What an amazing person!
coz she knows the band wouldnt have hit the heights it did if she was still in it.
She has the right to be bitter and resentful though.
@@zah936 Yeah but again she knew for the better of the group she had to leave
@@samiulhuda4001 I'm pretty sure the point of this video was that while she could've been the one to be a superstar with them, she valued her image over that possibility and didn't want to objectify herself... maybe watch the video one more time?
Probably she's very good at acting.
Aww, this was so sweet. I am glad she didn't sell out for the industry. So many people do, but at least she stayed true to herself. On the same note, I know that group has worked their butts off, and whether their persona is true to who they are, or not, I still have mad respect for them, too. Very nice video. I appreciate the neutrality.
Did you not watch the video? The "you don't have to go back to east LA". People sell out because they don't have any other choice. She mentioned several times she was in the privileges position to step away. It's not some moral high ground to not sell out, it's a privilege.
are you glad that she had to go through that? we should be angry at those men.
after years trying to forget, BEP songs are stuck again in my head lol wish her the best, she seems to be a great person with so much integrity. and no one cant take that away from you - only yourself.
Her sons smile at the end was worth a million dollars!
He looks just like her. Same smile.
I agree. 👍
"Where's your voice? Where are you?" That will stick with me until I die.
yellowned truly
That was so beautiful
I’ve been thinking about this same issue, I see so many people “imitating” “celebrities” and each other’s voices so much that they lose their own. Use your own unique voice!