Phenomenon (LL Cool J album)

Phenomenon
Studio album by
LL Cool J
ReleasedOctober 14, 1997
Recorded1996–1997
GenreHip hop
Length43:58
Label
Producer
LL Cool J chronology
All World: Greatest Hits
(1996) 		Phenomenon
(1997) 		G.O.A.T.
(2000)
Singles from Phenomenon
  1. "Phenomenon"
    Released: September 23, 1997
  2. "4, 3, 2, 1"
    Released: December 9, 1997
  3. "Father"
    Released: January 13, 1998
  4. "Hot, Hot, Hot"
    Released: March 27, 1998
  5. "Candy"
    Released: July 3, 1998
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[1]
Encyclopedia of Popular Music[2]
Entertainment WeeklyB+[3]
Los Angeles Times[4]
Rolling Stone[5]
The Source[6]

Phenomenon is the seventh studio album by rapper LL Cool J, released on October 14, 1997. After the success of his previous release Mr. Smith, the same basic principles are followed here, with several R&B-influenced tracks, and a couple of more hardcore rap tracks. The album was certified Platinum, unlike Mr. Smith, which was certified 2× Platinum. The album is executively produced by Sean "Puffy" Combs and therefore features production from his in-house roster of producers the Hitmen.

  1. ^ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. Phenomenon at AllMusic
  2. ^ Larkin, Colin (2011). "LL Cool J". The Encyclopedia of Popular Music (5th concise ed.). Omnibus Press. ISBN 978-0-85712-595-8 – via Google Books.
  3. ^ Farber, Jim (October 17, 1997). "Cool's story of youth". Entertainment Weekly. No. 401. New York. p. 73. Archived from the original on May 8, 2023. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
  4. ^ Hodari Coker, Cheo (November 2, 1997). "In Brief". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on January 22, 2023. Retrieved January 21, 2023.
  5. ^ Stovall, Natasha (October 30, 1997). "Bigger and deffer". Rolling Stone. No. 772. pp. 65–66. Archived from the original on November 9, 2007. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
  6. ^ Wilson, Elliott (December 1997). "Record Report: LL Cool J – Phenomenon". The Source. No. 99. New York. p. 179. Archived from the original on December 11, 2010. Retrieved September 20, 2024.