"I Am" is a song by American R&B singer Mary J. Blige. It was written by Blige, Johntá Austin, Ester Dean, Magnus Beite, Tor Erik Hermansen, Mikkel Eriksen for her ninth studio album, Stronger with Each Tear (2009), while production was helmed by Hermansen and Eriksen under their production moniker Stargate. Lyrically, the song "I Am" confidently tells one's lover nobody can treat them better than the person they are with at the present time.[1]
BET.com wrote of the song: "This song is a perfect showcase of Mary's brighter outlook in the new millennium. Looking back at all the drama and pain of the '90s – both in her music and in her personal life – it's hard not to smile hearing her newfound confidence and optimism here."[12]
Chart performance
"I Am" debuted at number 67 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in the week ending December 26, 2009. It eventually peaked at number 55, also reaching number three on the Dance Club Songs and number four on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs as well as topping the Adult R&B Songs. Billboard ranked it 12th on the latter chart's 2010 year-end ranking.[13] In the United Kingdom, "I Am" entered and peaked on the UK Singles Chart at number 24 on March 7, 2010.[14] Elsewhere, it peaked at number 11 on the Japan Hot 100.[14]
Music video
A music video for "I Am" was directed by Anthony Mandler, who has also produced the visuals for Blige's other 2009 singles "The One" and "Stronger."[15] It was filmed in various locations throughout Somis, California, in particular at the 10,000-square-foot L-shaped Sharpe residence that had been completed in 2005 as well as the nearby coastline.[16] The video premiered via Vevo on December 8, 2009.[17]
