Candy Shop: The Chart-Topping Hit by 50 Cent and Olivia
Released in early 2005, Candy Shop stands as one of the most recognizable tracks from the peak of the 2000s hip-hop era. Performed by rapper 50 Cent and featuring vocals from Olivia, the song served as the second single from 50 Cent's second commercial studio album, The Massacre. Blending elements of East Coast hip-hop and dirty rap, the track became a global phenomenon, dominating charts and sparking significant critical debate.
The song was a collaborative effort between 50 Cent and producer Scott Storch, who also co-wrote the track. Its release was backed by a powerhouse of labels, including Interscope, Aftermath Entertainment, Shady Records, and G-Unit Records.
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Key Facts
- Peak Position: Number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for nine consecutive weeks.
- Certifications: Quintuple platinum certified by the RIAA in 2023.
- Production: Produced and co-written by Scott Storch.
- Accolades: Nominated for Best Rap Song at the 2006 Grammy Awards.
- Milestone: The official music video surpassed 1 billion views on YouTube on November 6, 2024.
Composition and Creative Vision
The creation of "Candy Shop" was marked by a specific intent to balance provocation with accessibility. 50 Cent stated that his goal during the writing process was to be as sexual as possible from a male perspective without crossing the line into being vulgar or obscene.
The production process involved significant persistence from Scott Storch, who reportedly contacted 50 Cent numerous times to ensure the beat was utilized for the project. The resulting track is characterized by a heavy bass line designed for club environments, a hallmark of the mid-2000s urban sound.
Critical Reception
Critical response to "Candy Shop" was polarized. Some reviewers praised the track's energy; PopMatters described it as "sexy as hell" and dripping with sexual energy, while MusicOMH highlighted the explicit chemistry between 50 Cent and Olivia.
Conversely, other critics viewed the song as repetitive. Entertainment Weekly dismissed it as an "appealing throwaway single," and author Ethan Brown argued that the track was nearly identical to 50 Cent's previous collaboration with Lil' Kim, "Magic Stick." Pitchfork Media and Stylus magazine echoed these sentiments, suggesting the song was a reprise of previous work in both timbre and beat.
Chart Performance and Commercial Success
Despite mixed reviews, the song was a massive commercial success. In the United States, it debuted at number 53 on the Billboard Hot 100 and climbed rapidly, reaching number one in its fifth week. It maintained the top spot for nine straight weeks and remained on the chart for a total of 23 weeks.
Beyond the Hot 100, the song topped the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, Hot Rap Tracks, and Rhythmic Top 40 charts. Its success was bolstered by strong digital downloads, leading it to number one on the Hot Digital Songs chart. Internationally, the song hit number one in Germany, Austria, Belgium, and Switzerland, and performed strongly in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Billboard Hot 100 Peak | #1 (9 weeks) |
| RIAA Certification | Quintuple Platinum (2023) |
| Primary Genre | East Coast hip-hop / Dirty rap |
| Key Collaborators | Olivia (Featured Artist), Scott Storch (Producer) |
| Album | The Massacre (2005) |
The Music Video
Directed by Jessy Terrero and filmed in Hollywood, California, the music video sought to avoid clichés. 50 Cent noted that because Trick Daddy had already used candy references in a previous video, they aimed for a different visual approach. The video features Olivia as the lead dancer and includes appearances by models Erica Mena, Chessika Cartwright, and Stephanie "Lyric" Evans.
The video also featured cameos from G-Unit members Lloyd Banks and Young Buck, as well as Lil Scrappy. It was nominated for Best Male Video at the 2005 MTV Video Music Awards and spent 46 days on MTV's Total Request Live chart.
Legacy and Cover Versions
The influence of "Candy Shop" extended beyond its initial release through various covers and samples. In 2011, the German group The Baseballs released a rockabilly version, and "Weird Al" Yankovic included the song in his 2006 polka medley, "Polkarama!"
The track has also been sampled by folk artist Suzanne Vega (2014) and Riton (2023). Notably, the song was interpolated in Pop Smoke's 2020 single "The Woo," which also featured 50 Cent and Roddy Ricch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who produced the song "Candy Shop"?
The song was produced and co-written by Scott Storch, in collaboration with 50 Cent.
How long did "Candy Shop" stay at number one on the Billboard Hot 100?
The song held the number one position on the Billboard Hot 100 for nine consecutive weeks.
Was "Candy Shop" nominated for any awards?
Yes, it was nominated for Best Rap Song at the 2006 Grammy Awards, and its music video was nominated for Best Male Video at the 2005 MTV Video Music Awards.
Which album is "Candy Shop" from?
The song is the second single from 50 Cent's second commercial album, titled The Massacre.
What is the RIAA certification for the track?
As of 2023, the RIAA has certified "Candy Shop" as quintuple platinum.