Candyman

Candyman is a suave, laid-back but tough-rapping MC whose commercial peak was “Knockin’ Boots,” a playful pop-rap single that entered Billboard’s R&B chart in September 1990 and eventually crossed into the Top Ten of the Hot 100. Born John B. Shaffer III (and sometimes identified as Candell Manson), the South Central Los Angeles native started rapping in the early ’80s and was an affiliate of Ice-T’s Rhyme Syndicate. He’s also shown on the cover of N.W.A and the Posse, though his connection to that crew has been considered happenstance. Early releases like “Money Talk$,” co-produced by Afrika Islam, and “Hip Hop Addict,” were issued on Fila Ali’s King Quality label. A demo recording of “Knockin’ Boots” attracted a deal with Epic, who released the song’s official studio version and the MC’s debut album, Ain't No Shame in My Game, in 1990. The Top 40 set was produced by Candyman with longtime creative partner Johnny J. The duo also directed a second album for Epic, Playtime's Over (1991), but it failed to chart, though the single “Oneighundredskytalkpinelevenotwosevenine” did put a sizeable dent in Billboard’s rap chart. Harder-sounding albums I Thought U Knew (1993), a BMG-distributed independent album, and Phukk Whatcha Goin Thru (1995), released on the smaller Ruckus, featured productions from the likes of DJ Quik, Prince Paul, and J-Swift and had limited commercial appeal. Following an extensive break, Candyman released Knockin’ Boots 2001: A Sex Odyssey (2001). After that, his recorded appearances were sporadic, including a spot on a remix of Nas’ “Where Are They Now” (2007) and a collaboration with producer J Bigga on a Miracles spoof titled “Fuck Machine” (2011). ~ Andy Kellman