Phenomenon (LL Cool J album)


Phenomenon is the seventh studio album by rapper LL Cool J, released on October 14, 1997, through Def Jam Recordings. 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 is executively produced by Sean "Puffy" Combs and therefore features production from his in-house roster of producers the Hitmen, alongside the Trackmasters, Daven "Prestige" Vanderpool, L.E.S. and Erick Sermon. The album received mixed reviews from critics. Phenomenon debuted and peaked at number seven on the Billboard 200, with first week sales of 102,000, and was certified Platinum, unlike Mr. Smith, which was certified 2× Platinum. It spawned five singles: the title track, "4, 3, 2, 1", "Father", "Hot, Hot, Hot" and "Candy".

Critical reception

, writing for the Los Angeles Times, called it "LL's best record" since Mama Said Knock You Out, praising "Father" for showing him on "rap's cutting edge" and being more personal. Jim Farber of Entertainment Weekly wrote that: "Musically, the album takes far fewer risks than his innovative early work. With its happy beats, easy funk bass, and eager R&B melodies, Phenomenon best recalls the early rap LL grew up on. Think Sugar Hill for the '90s, but with a wholly new kind of role for LL: the rapper who never had a real father here aims to father us all." Natasha Stovall of Rolling Stone praised LL for delivering quality loverman ballads and battle rap tracks while also being an insightful storyteller on "Father", but critiqued that the album's "competent grooves" don't match with his words. AllMusic's Stephen Thomas Erlewine called it "a retread of Mr. Smith," highlighting "a couple of killer singles, a few dogs, and a lot of filler", concluding that: "Still, Phenomenon sounds good when it's playing, and even if it doesn't leave a lasting impression, it's a solid, professional effort that illustrates why LL is still in the game, 12 years after his first record."

Track listing

Charts

Certifications