Lil Bow Wow
Biography
At only age 13, Bow Wow made his rap debut on Beware of Dog (2000), a double-platinum Top Ten hit, and though he struggled to rival such breakout success in the years that followed, he persevered impressively, maturing as an artist (as well as a man) and releasing a series of albums that met varying degrees of commercial success. In addition to his music career, Bow Wow also found regular work in Hollywood, beginning with Like Mike (2002), a star vehicle for which he recorded a soundtrack. Successive film appearances included Johnson Family Vacation (2004), Roll Bounce (2005), and The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006).
Born Shad Gregory Moss on March 9, 1987, in Columbus, OH, Bow Wow began his rap career as Lil Bow Wow, a moniker acquired during his brief relationship with Death Row Records, then the home of Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg. A subsequent relationship with Jermaine Dupri and his So So Def label proved more fruitful for Bow Wow. Under the guidance of Dupri -- who had previously guided other kid rappers, namely Kris Kross and Da Brat, to mainstream success -- and songwriter/producer Bryan-Michael Cox, the young rapper was primed for success.
Bow Wow's debut single, "Bounce with Me," was released in summer 2000 and appeared on the soundtrack to the Eddie Murphy film Big Momma's House.
Selected Discography



