Candy Man 187 started his career in his early teens as Tupac’s protege and Havenots group member. They had mutual family, and this led to Candy Man 187 finding himself in the recording studio being “schooled” and shown the right path to success by Hip-Hops biggest selling artist of all time and most revered cultural Icon. After building his own buzz, through years of hustling and making speaker busting west coast music he’s collaborated with Snoop Dogg and the likes, and toured with Shock G and Digital Underground. It’s safe to say that Tupac’s soldier, is now a Major General of his own.

Being in the rap game so early, when was the first time you recorded in a professional studio and do you remember the song?

I believe the first song I recorded in a professional studio was in 1993 at Larchmont owned by Skip Saylor. The title of the song at that time wasn’t decided on, but I know my verse went, “Ever since the days of a seed, all we’ve ever seen is hate and misery, still we have to carry on long in our own way, even if I’m wrong I gotta make my songs pay, plus my momma cries every other night, just lost my homie in a street fight.”

 Has the recording process changed from when you started in Hip Hop till now?

Back then we used to use 2 inch tape, so punching in or editing was a pain. In fact, half the time if you messed up you would really have to think whether you wanted to change it or not. And now, we use ProTools, which is a simple “click, click” no problem.

Having Tupac as a mentor what are three lessons you learned (not business wise) about the art of making music?

Be real, always come from the heart.

Be vulnerable, you are a man of the people.

If you say it, make sure you mean it

We’re not going to dwell in the past but you’ve worked with some giants in the music game. What did you pick up musically from Shock G and then Snoop Dogg?

Shock G put me up on game when I was young. Touring with Digital Underground I learned how to put on a performance. You’re not just going out to perform for people, you’re there to give them a full experience. In your performance you’ve got to connect with people through their minds, bodies, and soul. Snoop taught me how to stay relevant through the times, and how to stay true to the homies.

What do you think it takes to be a household name as a west coast rapper?

If I knew the answer to that one, I would’ve already made it to the top. All I can do is put the best music out, and give it all I’ve got… I’m LA to the core, and I put it out in my music.

What inspires you to be able to adapt, as the hip hop landscape goes through so many changes?

I love music, I grew up listening to all different genres, so to me it’s not adaptation, it’s more experimentation as I’m creating art. To me, it’s poetry. My lyrics are poetry rapped over music. Aside from that, my fans. Sticking to my roots has gotten me through this roller-coaster of a game.

Tell us about the single Candyman 187 “Long Roads” ft. Rod Castro and Chase:
http://soundcloud.com/candyman-187/long-roads-candyman-187-ft-rod
And will it be on the upcoming album, If Tomorrow Never Comes?

Long Roads is a representation of what I’ve been through, and what I’ve gone through. It shows you my hopeful side yet my evil hopeless side. It wasn’t an easy road to get here, and I’ll be damned if anyone takes it from me. I am trying to get away from my old ways and better myself, but the streets ain’t never too far behind. Yes, it will be on the album If Tomorrow Never Comes.

 On the “Long Roads”, there’s Hip-Hop incorporated with a live Rock feel, who produced the song?

Myself, The Havenotz & Skip Saylor. I have a live band that is into rock, and merging the two styles was something I was always interested in. I’m happy with what came out, I hope the fans appreciate it too.

 What are your plans for 2012? And will you seek to be on a major label, or will you go the independent route?

I say this all the time – there’s only one thing I want. To take over the world, I’m simple, we’re thinking about an imprint sometime in the future, but we’re not completely sure yet. We’re here still trying to materialize our dreams, whether solo or with a label, I will get there…That much I know. Only God knows where it will take us from there.

 Do you think your association with Tupac and The Havenotz, is attractive to labels?

Personally, it’s not something I like dwelling on. Labels have tried to use the Tupac angle and exploit the Havenotz, but that’s not what we or this game is about. Tupac & Kadafi were my mentors and so are other people around me. I’m here fighting for my dreams and going through the same struggle they are. If they like it, cool. If they don’t, fuck them.

Please tell us about all upcoming projects, tour dates, business ventures or anything else you would like to promote.

We have an album with The Havenotz that’s going to release soon, it features Zodiak Killa, Yong 3rd, Trey Billie, Gullie Lamont, and a few other up and coming artists that believe in what I believe in. We got movies and games in the works. I’m working with Yaasmyn on her documentary about our struggles and movement. My debut album is releasing in 2012, and we have shows coming up. I’ll be sure to keep you guys in the know and I’d appreciate your support.
http://www.candyman187.com
www.twitter.com/candyman187
www.facebook.com/officialcandyman187
www.youtube.com/candyman187havenotz

 At the end of your career how would you like your fans to remember you…in a sentence or two?

Somebody who fought for their dreams and gave it their all, regardless of circumstance. Somebody who was a voice for the under dogs and Havenotz, and anyone else that didn’t have one.