There's an oft heard phrase in the record business that could apply to the career span of many a young rapper: "Here today, gone later today." It's easy to understand why. Rap fans are among the most demanding and ruthlessly trendy. After three or four albums, even the music's hottest stars--remember Hammer and Tone Loc?--fade away as fans move on to tomorrow's new hip flavor.
All of which makes the career of LL Cool J something remarkable. At 29 the New York City rapper (born James Todd Smith) has just released his eighth album, Phenomenon, and done what no other rapper...
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