On the 6 | ||||
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Studio album by Jennifer Lopez | ||||
Released | June 1, 1999 | |||
Recorded | 1998–1999 | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 64:13 | |||
Label | Work | |||
Producer |
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Jennifer Lopez chronology | ||||
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Singles from On the 6 | ||||
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Professional ratings | |
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Review scores | |
Source | Rating |
AllMusic | |
Entertainment Weekly | (C) |
Robert Christgau | |
Rolling Stone | |
Los Angeles Times | |
NME | |
Sonic.net |
On the 6 is the debut studio album by American entertainer Jennifer Lopez. It was released on June 1, 1999, by the Work Group. Beginning her career in musical theater, Lopez re-entered the music scene with her portrayal of the title role in Selena (1997). The role inspired her to launch a career in music; critics deemed it risky, noting that failure would be embarrassing and could damage her career. Lopez worked with several producers on the album, including Rodney Jerkins, Cory Rooney, Dan Shea and her boyfriend at the time, rapper and record producer Sean "Puffy" Combs.
Critics greeted Lopez's musical debut with a generally positive response. On the 6 was praised for its conservative, though dynamic, musical style and combination of Latin with pop and R&B Lopez's vocal performance received praise for its versatility, described as "seductive" and "sultry" by critics. Some found the album's material and vocals underwhelming, however. The album was successful on the charts, reaching the top ten in the United States and other countries (dispelling preconceptions that it could ruin her career). On the 6 went on to sell nearly three million copies in the United States (certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America) and over eight million copies worldwide.
On the 6 produced five singles, most of which were commercially successful. "If You Had My Love" peaked at number one in the United States, while "Waiting for Tonight" peaked in the top ten. "No Me Ames", a ballad with Lopez and future husband Marc Anthony, was a hit on Billboard's Latin charts, while "Let's Get Loud" has become one of the entertainer's signature hits. The music video for "If You Had My Love" became a fixture on MTV, VH1 and BET, with "Waiting for Tonight" and "Feelin' So Good" receiving a similar response. At the time of the album's release several other Latin recording artists (including Ricky Martin and Marc Anthony) were achieving success in the mainstream music market, considered a Latin "explosion" and "ethnic boom" led by Martin and Lopez. On the 6's success allowed Lopez to evolve into an icon of pop culture in the years after its release.