John B. Shaffer III (born June 25, 1968), known by his stage name Candyman, is an American rapper and record producer. He is best known for his hit single "Knockin' Boots". Candyman appears in the front row on N.W.A. and the Posse's 1987 album cover.^[1][2]

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Candyman
Background information
Birth name	John B. Shaffer III
Also known as	Candell Manson
Born	(1968-06-25) June 25, 1968 (age 55) Los Angeles, California, United States
Genres	Hip hop, R&B
Occupation(s)	Rapper, record producer
Instrument(s)	Vocals
Years active	1989–present
Labels	Epic, Ruckus

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Candyman was born and raised in South Central Los Angeles, where he attended Washington Preparatory High School. Manson's friend, rapper/producer Sir Jinx, introduced Manson to Dr. Dre, for whom Manson produced a three-song demo.

Candyman was featured backing Tone Lōc before he earned his own solo stint. His first recording as solo artist was the 1989 12" EP Hip Hop Addict, produced by Candyman his late friend Johnny "J".^[3] Prior to signing with Epic, Bill Walker ^[4] from Thump Records, purchased the master of "Knockin' Boots" for Lowrider Soundtrack Volume 1 and took the single to KDAY and Power 106. Candyman eventually signed to Epic Records in 1989 and released his debut album, Ain't No Shame in My Game, in the following year. It scored a Top 10 Billboard Hot 100 hit with "Knockin' Boots". The following year, he released another independent LP for Epic Records, Playtime's Over. He released I Thought U Knew for I.R.S. in 1993.

In 2000, Candyman released Candyman's Knockin' Boots 2001: A Sex Odyssey, an album featuring his 1990 hit single remixed with new tracks as well."^[5]

In 2007, Candyman was featured in Nas's Where Are They Now (West Coast Remix), which also featured Breeze, Kam, King Tee, Threat, Ice-T, Sir Mix-A-Lot, and the Conscious Daughters.