"Phenomenon" is the first single by American rapper LL Cool J from his seventh studio album of the same name. It samples the

Creative Source Creative Source was an American R&B group from Los Angeles, who had several funk and disco hits during the 1970s. History Creative Source was formed in 1972 by several veterans of the West Coast recording studios. They were managed by Ron Tow ...

cover of " Who Is He (And What Is He to You)?" by

Bill Withers William Harrison Withers Jr. (July 4, 1938 – March 30, 2020) was an American singer-songwriter and musician. He had several hits over a career spanning 18 years, including " Ain't No Sunshine" (1971), " Grandma's Hands" (1971), " Use Me" (197 ...

and interpolates bits of

Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid is an American no wave and dance-punk group, originally active from 1980 to 1983. They are best known for their track "Cavern," which was covered—without proper permission or attribution—by the Sugar Hill Records house band as ...

's song "Cavern". The lyrics "Something Like a Phenomenon" and the beat are taken from the song "

White Lines (Don't Don't Do It) "White Lines (Don't Don't Do It)" is a song by American hip hop recording artist Melle Mel, released as a 12" in 1983 on Sugar Hill Records. The song, which warns against the dangers of cocaine, addiction, and drug smuggling, is one of Mel's ...

" by

Melle Mel Melvin Glover (born May 15, 1961 in The Bronx), better known by his stage name Grandmaster Melle Mel (or simply Melle Mel) () is an American hip hop recording artist who was the lead vocalist and songwriter of Grandmaster Flash and the Furio ...

. "Phenomenon" was released on September 23, 1997. The single peaked at number 55 on the US '' Billboard'' Hot 100, reached number nine on the

UK Singles Chart The UK Singles Chart (currently titled Official Singles Chart, with the upper section more commonly known as the Official UK Top 40) is compiled by the Official Charts Company (OCC), on behalf of the British record industry, listing the top-s ...

, and charted within the top 20 in the Netherlands and New Zealand.

Track listings

US 12-inch single :A1. "Phenomenon" (radio edit) :A2. "Phenomenon" (LP version) :A3. "Phenomenon" (instrumental) :B1. "Hot Hot Hot" (radio edit) :B2. "Hot Hot Hot" (LP version) :B3. "Hot Hot Hot" (instrumental) UK and European CD single # "Phenomenon" (radio edit) – 3:06 # "Wanna Get Paid" (featuring the

Lost Boyz Lost Boyz are an American hip hop group from Queens, New York, consisting of MC Mr. Cheeks, Freaky Tah, and K Chrys. Originally in the early 90's LB consisted of Mr. Cheeks, Freaky Tah, Spigg Nice, and Pretty Lou. Member K Chrys or “K ...

) – 4:10 # "

Mama Said Knock You Out ''Mama Said Knock You Out'' is the fourth studio album by American rapper LL Cool J. It was produced mostly by Marley Marl and recorded at his "House of Hits" home studio in Chestnut Ridge and at Chung King House of Metal in New York City. Afte ...

" – 4:48 # "Phenomenon" (LP version) – 4:12 Australasian CD single # "Phenomenon" (radio edit) – 3:06 # "Phenomenon" (LP version) – 4:12 # "Phenomenon" (instrumental) – 4:12 # "Phenomenon" (TV) – 4:03

Charts

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Phenomenon (Ll Cool J Song) 1997 singles Def Jam Recordings singles LL Cool J songs Music videos directed by Paul Hunter (director) Songs written by Bill Withers Songs written by LL Cool J Songs written by Sean Combs