For K-pop enthusiasts, the name Monsta X might ring a bell – and it should! Known for their star-studded lineup, these idols aren’t shy about branching out. Case in point: I.M, the rapper who joined the group in 2015, began releasing his solo material with mixtapes in 2016, and made his official solo debut with the EP Duality in 2021. This proves he’s not just a go-getter within the group but also a stellar soloist. What we witnessed in London at Shepherd’s Bush Empire showed that he’s got the chops to shine brightly outside the Monsta X spotlight. Whether he’s dropping bars or singing to his fans, I.M continues to demonstrate that he’s capable of reaching the top of the music industry.

But let’s start from the beginning. I went into his show with limited prior knowledge. While I’m familiar with Monsta X – I enjoyed their Wembley show in 2019 – I’m not an expert on I.M’s solo music. This, in my opinion, made his show even more exciting.

With a live band present on stage, featuring Park Jongwoo (bass), Shin Yechan (keyboard), Choi Wonseok (guitar), and Kim Seongyeon (drums), I.M walked onto the Empire’s stage with the same confidence Naomi Campbell brings to the catwalk, shining and radiating a great aura from the start. 

Burn opened the artist’s one-hour-and-a-half set, and what an incredible introduction it was. From the start, this young man impressed me a lot. Being a K-pop idol and performing with a live band is not an easy task, but I.M delivered, especially vocally.

After the first three mid-tempo songs, I.M smoothly moved to OVERDRIVE from his second EP of the same name. With a touch of rock flair added by his live band, it became a key moment in the set.

Bust It from his latest release, Off The Beat, presented well-executed vocals and kept up the energy. I was particularly impressed by I.M’s decision to mix more rock elements into tracks that are R&B in the studio. This choice showed his confidence and artistic freedom in shaping his music without constraints. During his XO performance, the artist sat in a chair and delivered the song smoothly and engagingly. Once again, I.M displayed his exceptional skill. Despite my usual focus on the technical aspects of a performance, I was thrilled to find no flaws in his execution. The 2024 non-album single Slowly introduced a beautiful jazzy vibe, further enriched by the live band. Their presence brought a fresh, dynamic layer to I.M’s music, adding new and exciting arrangements to each song.

I.M also performed LURE, NVRMND, Not Sorry, and Habit. He presented a diverse range of genres in his setlist, including, deep soul, R&B, and jazz styles that are not often associated with K-pop. With several outfit changes throughout the performance, one was distinctly eye-catching: I.M in a sleek suit. Each outfit seemed perfectly designed for different parts of the show. Moreover, the live band beautifully balanced their powerful instrumentals, complementing rather than overshadowing I.M’s vocals. 

I.M performed twenty songs, closing his show with Happy to Die from his 2021 EP Duality and Dumb from his 2023 EP OVERDRIVE. Witnessing him live in London was a revelation. His talent, vocals, and impressive repertoire left me utterly amazed. The setlist was as diverse as a Michelin-starred menu, and I.M delivered a STUNNING performance. 

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Written by Maggie Gogler

Featured image courtesy of Sony Music Korea and Hello Group

_{View of the Arts is an online publication that chiefly deals with films, music, and art, with an emphasis on the Asian entertainment industry. We are hoping our audience will grow with us as we begin to explore new platforms such as K-pop / K-music, and Asian music in general, and continue to dive into the talented and ever-growing scene of film, music, and arts, worldwide.}