Kim Dankoor – Media expert, Hip Hop researcher, Interviewer

Wonder Woman of the Week, Kim Dankoor is a media expert, interviewer, and Hip Hop researcher. She frequently appears on several Dutch and American (national) television and radio shows to share her views on recent events in Hip Hop culture and pop culture. Kim also regularly ‘switches roles’ from interviewee to the interviewer to talk to artists, industry professionals, politicians, and scholars about a wide range of topics regarding music, politics, and society. Now, she is currently working on her doctoral dissertation on the socio-psychological impact of commercial rap music. Furthermore, she supervises bachelor and master students and guest lectures at American and Dutch universities. Due to visa guidelines, you can take Kim out of Atlanta now and then, but you cannot take Atlanta out of Kim.

Wonder Woman of the Week: Kim’s Life Mission

Tammy: What were you put on this Earth to do? In other words, what’s your life’s purpose?

Kim: Giving a voice to people that don’t necessarily believe they have a voice in this society.

Tammy: What role does your work play in your life? How does it embody your values?

Kim: My work plays an important role in my life, because – for now – I found a way to incorporate my passions (talking, music, and researching) in my daily work. Therefore, the line between work and hobby is often blurred. My drive to give a voice to underrepresented groups relates to one of my core values, namely ‘speaking up for those who can’t and trying to fight injustices in the world. Hopefully, when people read or see some of my work, it will lead to more understanding of the lived experiences of others, particularly marginalized groups in society.

Wonder Women of the Week: Words of Encouragement

Tammy: What message would you like to give to other women?

Kim: Never feel that you are ‘doing too much’ or that you are ‘extra’. In other words, never make yourself smaller. Show up the way you want to show up; don’t tone police yourself, don’t police your dress, etc.

Tammy: Tell us about your relationship with clothing. What do you think about the act of getting dressed? What role does clothing serve for you? Does it hold a certain meaning or significance?

Kim: Yes, I try to tell a story with the way I dress. I am a hip-hop researcher, so I tend to refer to iconic artists or important (hip-hop) periods in my clothing pieces. This can range from clear references such as t-shirts with pictures of artists, places, etc., or more subtle references such as a specific hairdo or color combination. The mix of certain clothing items tells the whole ‘story’.

Influence of Clothing

Tammy: How has your relationship with clothing changed throughout your career?

Kim: Very little, I may be more conscious because as my career progressed I have gotten more opportunities to speak in public.

Tammy: Describe an outfit of yours that makes you feel like Wonder Woman when you wear it.

Kim: My environment would probably say that a tight jumpsuit is my ‘signature uniform.’ Jumpsuits make me feel like Wonder Woman because they are very comfortable so I can feel that I can tackle almost anything. At least, what I wear is not an obstacle. I am also very keen on embracing my curves and you cannot wear tight jumpsuits without doing that ;). Furthermore, tight jumpsuits are a great canvas (basis) on which you can begin to tell your story.  I wear tight jumpsuits with (over the knee) heels, 80s blazers and trench coats or sneakers, dr Martens, visible socks, and 80s hip hop jackets. And then add the accessories;)

Follow Kim Dankoor, Wonder Woman of the Week

Visit Kim’s website and follow her on Instagram and Facebook to watch her latest interviews and know more about her research and Hip Hop expertise.

Tips and Tricks Delivered to Your Inbox

You can read the Wonder Woman of the Week blog for additional advice and motivational stories from extraordinary women here.

For video tips, subscribe to my YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@clothingcompass.

Want the tips to come to you? Sign up here and receive an email twice a month.