| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   [1] |
| Entertainment Weekly | B+[2] |
| Rolling Stone |  [3] |
Phenomenon is the seventh studio album by rapper LL Cool J. 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 2x Platinum. The album is executively produced by Sean "Puffy" Combs and therefore features production from his in-house roster of producers The Hitmen.
Track listing
| # | Title | Length | Featured Artists | Producer(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 | The Lost Boyz (uncredited additional vocals) | Curt Gowdy, Trackmasters |
|
| 5 | "Nobody Can Freak You" | 3:20 | LeShaun & Keith Sweat | Trackmasters |
|
| 6 | "Hot Hot Hot" | 4:22 | LeShaun | 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 |
|
| 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 positions
| Chart (1997) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australian Albums Chart[4] | 88 |
| Canadian Albums Chart | 7 |
| Dutch Albums Chart | 48 |
| German Albums Chart | 24 |
| New Zealand Albums Chart | 39 |
| Swedish Albums Chart | 57 |
| Swiss Albums Chart | 48 |
| UK Albums Chart | 37 |
| US Billboard 200 | 7 |
| US Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums | 4 |
Certifications
| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Canada (Music Canada)[5] | Platinum | 100,000^ |
| United States (RIAA)[6] | Platinum | 1,000,000^ |
| ^ Shipments figures based on certification alone. | ||
Credits
- Marketing: David A. Belgrave
References
- ^ https://www.allmusic.com/album/r312967
- ^ EW link
- ^ Rolling Stone link
- ^ Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010 (PDF ed.). Mt. Martha, VIC, Australia: Moonlight Publishing. p. 169.
- ^ "Canadian album certifications – LL Cool J – Phenomenon". Music Canada.
- ^ "American album certifications – LL Cool J – Phenomenon". Recording Industry Association of America. If necessary, click Advanced, then click Format, then select Album, then click SEARCH.