At this point in his career, this veteran rapper is perhaps known more for his role as retired NFL baller Marion Hill on the sitcom In The House than as one of hip-hop's first rhymers. Still, LL continues to remain a platinum-selling music artist. On this, the artist's seventh album, LL offers sugary commercial rap tunes backed with harder street tracks. Phenomenon boasts a collection of creative talent, including Sean "Puff Daddy" Combs, Babyface, Kirk Franklin & the Family, Busta Rhymes, Redman and Method Man. Though no monster jams are immediately apparent, several tracks readily catch the ear. The title track brings the rapper's familiar "Around The Way Girl" sound, with its slinky hip-hop cadence. "Another Dollar" is a soul-strutting song that offers a quasi-underground sound backed by thick bass rhythms. But the most interesting track is the spiritually-influenced "Father," a rhythmic ode to LL's old man, that delivers with an inspiring gospel chorus.

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