The album is the first entry in a series devoted to musicians from the same cities but different musical genres, the second being The Detroit Experiment (2003) and the third being The Harlem Experiment (2007).[6] The title "The Philadelphia Experiment" describes the bringing together of Philadelphia-based musicians from differing backgrounds (Caine was known for working in classical and jazz; McBride in jazz; and Thompson in rap and R&B).[7][8]
In 2002, King Britt released a remix album, titled The Philadelphia Experiment Remixed.[9]
Critical reception
David R. Adler of AllMusic gave the album 4 stars out of 5, calling it "a textbook example of how jazz, soul, and hip-hop were becoming deeply intertwined at the outset of the new millennium."[2] Todd S. Jenkins of All About Jazz said, "Here, three tight homeboys have distilled the essence of the Philly legacy down into one insanely funky disc that commands repeat listenings."[1]