Phenomenon (LL Cool J album)

Last updated
Phenomenon
Phenomenon - LL Cool J.jpg
Studio album by
ReleasedOctober 14, 1997
Recorded1996–1997
Genre Hip 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 Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [1]
Encyclopedia of Popular Music Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [2]
Entertainment Weekly B+ [3]
Los Angeles Times Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [4]
Rolling Stone Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [5]
The Source Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [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.

Contents

Track listing

Phenomenon track listing
#TitleLengthFeatured ArtistsProducer(s)Sample(s)
1"Phenomenon"4:04 Sean "Puffy" Combs for The Hitmen, Ron "AMEN-RA" Lawrence
2"Candy"4:32 Ricky Bell & Ralph Tresvant Trackmasters
3"Starsky & Hutch"4:03 Busta Rhymes L.E.S.
4"Another Dollar"3:48 Curt Gowdy, Trackmasters
5"Nobody Can Freak You"3:20LeShaun & Keith Sweat Trackmasters
6"Hot, Hot, Hot"4:22 Sean "Puffy" Combs, Deric "D-Dot" Angelettie & Ron Lawrence for The Hitmen
7"4, 3, 2, 1"4:16 Canibus, DMX, Master P & Method Man & Redman Erick Sermon
8"Wanna Get Paid"4:11 The Lost Boyz Daven "Prestige" Vanderpool
  • "Action" by Orange Krush
9"Father"4:44 Trackmasters
10"Don't Be Late, Don't Come Too Soon"6:38 Tamia Steven "Stevie J" Jordan for The Hitmen

Charts

Chart performance for Phenomenon
Chart (1997)Peak
position
Australian Albums (ARIA) [7] 88
Canadian Albums (Billboard) [8] 7
Dutch Albums (Album Top 100) [9] 48
German Albums (Offizielle Top 100) [10] 24
New Zealand Albums (RMNZ) [11] 39
Swedish Albums (Sverigetopplistan) [12] 57
Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade) [13] 48
UK Albums (OCC) [14] 37
UK R&B Albums (OCC) [15] 6
US Billboard 200 [16] 7
US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard) [17] 4

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada) [18] Platinum100,000^
United States (RIAA) [19] Platinum1,000,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Related Research Articles

<i>Bigger and Deffer</i> 1987 studio album by LL Cool J

Bigger and Deffer is the second studio album by American rapper LL Cool J, released on May 29, 1987, by Def Jam Recordings and Columbia Records. With over two million copies sold in the United States, it remains one of LL Cool J's best-selling releases. Bigger and Deffer dominated the summer of 1987, spending 11 weeks atop the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and peaking at number three on the Billboard 200. It became the fourth hip hop album to receive platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

<i>Greatest Hits</i> (Tupac Shakur album) 1998 greatest hits album by 2Pac

Greatest Hits is a posthumous double-disc greatest hits album by American rapper 2Pac, released by Amaru Entertainment, Death Row Records, Interscope Records, and Jive Records on November 24, 1998.

<i>Until the End of Time</i> (Tupac Shakur album) 2001 studio album by 2Pac

Until the End of Time is the seventh studio album and third posthumous album by American rapper 2Pac.

<i>This Is Not a Test!</i> 2003 studio album by Missy Elliott

This Is Not a Test! is the fifth studio album by American rapper Missy Elliott, released by The Goldmind Inc. and Elektra Records on November 25, 2003, in the United States. It was primarily produced by Timbaland, with additional production from Craig Brockman, Nisan Stewart and Elliott herself.

<i>Nellyville</i> 2002 studio album by Nelly

Nellyville is the second studio album by American rapper Nelly. It was released on June 25, 2002, by Universal Records and Fo' Reel Entertainment. The album's production was handled by Waiel Yaghnam, the Neptunes, Jay E, Trackboyz, Ryan Bowser, and Just Blaze. Two singles from Nellyville, "Hot in Herre" and "Dilemma", both topped the US Billboard Hot 100 for respectively seven and ten weeks. The album received generally favorable reviews from music critics, who praised the production.

<i>No More Drama</i> 2001 studio album by Mary J. Blige

No More Drama is the fifth studio album by American singer Mary J. Blige, released on August 28, 2001, by MCA Records.

<i>Ill Na Na</i> Album by Foxy Brown

Ill Na Na is the debut studio album by American rapper Foxy Brown. It was released by Def Jam Recordings on November 19, 1996, and reissued on September 29, 1997, in the UK with an additional song "Big Bad Mamma". Brown began working on the album after being discovered by the production team Trackmasters and appearing on a number of singles by other artists, such as LL Cool J, Case and Jay Z. The immediate success of the singles led to a bidding war at the beginning of 1996, and in March, Def Jam Recordings won and signed the then 17-year-old rapper to the label. Mostly produced by Trackmasters, Ill Na Na features guest appearances from Blackstreet, Havoc, Method Man, Kid Capri and Jay Z. Lyrically, the album mainly focuses on themes of fashion, sex and mafia.

<i>Ginuwine... the Bachelor</i> 1996 studio album by Ginuwine

Ginuwine... the Bachelor is the debut studio album by American R&B artist Ginuwine. The second major Swing Mob album, it was chiefly produced by Timbaland and released October 8, 1996, on 550 Music. The distribution was handled through Epic Records. The album peaked at number 26 on the US Billboard 200 and reached number 14 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart. A steady seller, it was certified gold by January 1997. In March 1999, the album was certified double platinum in sales by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), after sales exceeding two million copies in the United States. Ginuwine... the Bachelor featured the singles "Pony", "When Doves Cry" and "Holler".

<i>The DEFinition</i> 2004 studio album by LL Cool J

The DEFinition is the tenth studio album by American rapper LL Cool J, released on August 31, 2004 by Def Jam Recordings. Largely produced by Timbaland, with several tracks produced by N.O. Joe, Teddy Riley, and 7 Aurelius, the album peaked at number 4 on the US Billboard 200 and spawned two singles: "Headsprung" and "Hush". It was certified Gold by the RIAA for selling over 500,000 copies.

<i>Walking with a Panther</i> 1989 studio album by LL Cool J

Walking with a Panther is the third studio album by American hip hop recording artist LL Cool J, released June 9, 1989, on Def Jam Recordings.

<i>10</i> (LL Cool J album) 2002 studio album by LL Cool J

10 is the ninth studio album by American rapper LL Cool J. It was released by Def Jam Recordings on October 15, 2002 in the United States. LL Cool J and 10 hit a milestone in Def Jam history, being the first artist ever on Def Jam to have ten albums under the same record label. The album peaked at number two on the US Billboard 200, while also reaching number 26 on the UK Albums Chart.

<i>G.O.A.T.</i> (LL Cool J album) 2000 studio album by LL Cool J

G.O.A.T. featuring James T. Smith: The Greatest of All Time is the eighth studio album by American rapper LL Cool J. Released September 12, 2000 on the Def Jam label, the album topped the US Billboard 200, the rapper's first to reach number one.

<i>Mr. Smith</i> (album) 1995 studio album by LL Cool J

Mr. Smith is the sixth studio album by American hip hop recording artist LL Cool J, released on November 21, 1995, by Def Jam. The album has been certified Double Platinum in the US by the RIAA.

<i>All World: Greatest Hits</i> 1996 greatest hits album by LL Cool J

All World: The Greatest Hits is the first greatest hits album by American rapper LL Cool J. The compilation was released on November 5, 1996 via Def Jam Recordings, and cover the artist's career from his 1985 debut album Radio to his 1995 sixth studio album Mr. Smith. Production was handled by Rick Rubin, Marley Marl, L.A. Posse, Rashad Smith, Quincy Jones III, Tone, and LL Cool J himself, with Brian Latture and Steve Ett serving as assistant producers on three out of sixteen tracks. It features guest appearances from Boyz II Men and Total.

<i>Beware of Dog</i> (album) 2000 studio album by Lil Bow Wow

Beware of Dog is the debut studio album by American rapper Lil' Bow Wow. It was released on September 26, 2000, through So So Def Recordings and Columbia Records. Recording sessions took place from 1999 to 2000, with Lil' Bow Wow's mentor Jermaine Dupri primarily producing the album, and Xscape, Jagged Edge, Da Brat and Snoop Dogg, among others, appearing as guests.

<i>Lets Get It Started</i> (album) 1988 studio album by M.C. Hammer

Let's Get It Started is the second studio album, and first major-label debut, by American rapper MC Hammer. It was released via Capitol Records and EMI Records on September 28, 1988. The album was produced by Hammer and Felton Pilate.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LL Cool J discography</span>

This is the discography of American rapper LL Cool J.

<i>Dutty Rock</i> 2002 studio album by Sean Paul

Dutty Rock is the second studio album by Jamaican dancehall deejay Sean Paul. Released on 12 November 2002, it features four top 15 Billboard Hot 100 hits, "Gimme the Light", "Get Busy", "Like Glue" and "I'm Still in Love with You". It is also his first album to have a Parental Advisory sticker. The album debuted at number 26 on the US Billboard 200, selling 65,000 copies in its first week and went on to become an international phenomenon, eventually climbing the charts peaking at number 9 on the US Billboard 200, number 2 on the UK Albums Chart and topping the Canadian Albums Chart. The song "Top of the Game" was featured in NBA Live 2004.

<i>Stoney</i> (album) 2016 album by Post Malone

Stoney is the debut studio album by American rapper and singer Post Malone. It was released on December 9, 2016, by Republic Records. The album features guest appearances from Justin Bieber, Kehlani, and Quavo. The deluxe edition was released on the same day. It features an additional guest appearance from 2 Chainz. The production on the album was handled by Malone himself, Mustard, Metro Boomin, Vinylz, Frank Dukes, Illangelo, Charlie Handsome, Rex Kudo, Foreign Teck, and Pharrell Williams, among others. Malone generally sing-raps on the album, which is noted for its woozy, contemporary R&B-hip hop production. The album also features influence from country and outlaw country music.

<i>Lil Pump</i> (album) 2017 studio album by Lil Pump

Lil Pump is the debut studio album by American rapper Lil Pump. It was released on October 6, 2017, through Tha Lights Global and Warner Records. The album features guest appearances from frequent collaborator Smokepurpp, alongside Lil Yachty, Chief Keef, Gucci Mane, 2 Chainz and Rick Ross. It also features production from Bighead, Ronny J, TM88, among others. A sequel album, Lil Pump 2, was released six years later on March 17, 2023.

References

  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.
  7. Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010 (PDF ed.). Mt Martha, Victoria, Australia: Moonlight Publishing. p. 169.
  8. "LL Cool J Chart History (Canadian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved August 22, 2022.
  9. "Dutchcharts.nl – LL Cool J – Phenomenon" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved August 22, 2022.
  10. "Offiziellecharts.de – LL Cool J – Phenomenon" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved August 22, 2022.
  11. "Charts.nz – LL Cool J – Phenomenon". Hung Medien. Retrieved August 22, 2022.
  12. "Swedishcharts.com – LL Cool J – Phenomenon". Hung Medien. Retrieved August 22, 2022.
  13. "Swisscharts.com – LL Cool J – Phenomenon". Hung Medien. Retrieved August 22, 2022.
  14. "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved February 18, 2023.
  15. "Official R&B Albums Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved February 18, 2023.
  16. "LL Cool J Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved August 22, 2022.
  17. "LL Cool J Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved August 22, 2022.
  18. "Canadian album certifications – LL Cool J – Phenomenon". Music Canada.
  19. "American album certifications – L.L. Cool J – Phenomenon". Recording Industry Association of America.