Bow Wow (rapper)
Bow Wow | |
|---|---|
| Born | Shad Gregory Moss March 9, 1987 Columbus, Ohio, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Rapper, actor |
| Years active | 1993–present |
| Known for | Rap music, acting roles in Like Mike, The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, F9 |
Shad Gregory Moss (born March 9, 1987), widely recognized by his stage name Bow Wow (previously known as Lil' Bow Wow), is an American rapper and actor. At the age of six, he was discovered by rapper Snoop Dogg in 1993 and later, in 1998, signed with producer Jermaine Dupri's label So So Def Recordings, a subsidiary of Columbia Records. His first album, Beware of Dog (2000), was released when he was just 13 years old, followed by his sophomore album Doggy Bag (2001); both albums enjoyed commercial success, reaching numbers 10 and 11 respectively on the Billboard 200 chart.
After parting ways with So So Def, Moss secured a direct contract with Columbia Records and dropped his third album, Unleashed (2003). This album climbed to number three on the Billboard 200 and marked his transition from "Lil' Bow Wow" to simply "Bow Wow". His fourth studio effort, Wanted (2005), included major hits such as "Let Me Hold You" featuring Omarion and "Like You" featuring Ciara, which peaked at numbers four and three on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming his highest-charting singles. The 2006 track "Shortie Like Mine", featuring Chris Brown and Johntá Austin, also reached the top ten ahead of his fifth release, The Price of Fame (2006).
His sixth album, New Jack City II (2009), experienced diminished commercial performance and mixed critical reviews, marking his final project under a major label. In the same year, Moss briefly joined Birdman's Cash Money Records, releasing promotional singles such as "Ain't Thinkin' 'Bout You" featuring Chris Brown and "Sweat" with Lil Wayne for an unreleased seventh album titled Underrated. Later in 2015, he signed with Puff Daddy's Bad Boy Records, though no albums were issued during this period.
Moss expanded his career into acting with a cameo role in All About the Benjamins (2002) and a starring role in the sports comedy film Like Mike that same year. He also appeared in Johnson Family Vacation (2004) and Roll Bounce (2005), along with a supporting role in The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006), reprising this character in the 2021 film F9. On television, he made appearances in five episodes of Entourage and played Brody Nelson on CSI: Cyber until its cancellation in 2016.
1987–2001: Early life and Beware of Dog
Born Shad Gregory Moss in Columbus, Ohio, Bow Wow showed an early fascination with rap music by age three and began performing under the name "Kid Gangsta" at six years old. It was during a Los Angeles concert in 1993 that rapper Snoop Dogg discovered him and bestowed upon him the stage name "Lil' Bow Wow". He featured on Snoop Dogg's album Doggystyle, specifically on the track "Gz and Hustlas", and appeared in the music video for "Gin and Juice". Although he recorded a song intended for the Murder Was the Case soundtrack, it remained unreleased until the early 2010s.
At eleven years old, Bow Wow connected with producer Jermaine Dupri, who became instrumental in advancing his career. In 1999, his track "Stick Up" was included on the soundtrack for Wild Wild West. His debut album as Lil' Bow Wow, Beware of Dog (2000), contained successful singles such as "Bounce with Me" featuring Xscape, and "Bow Wow (That's My Name)" featuring Snoop Dogg, which topped rap charts. Other notable tracks included "Puppy Love" and "Ghetto Girls". The album earned double platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America in 2001 after selling over two million copies; Bow Wow later reported total sales exceeding three million units.
2002: Doggy Bag, Like Mike and dropping "Lil'"
In 2002, Bow Wow unveiled his sophomore album, Doggy Bag, which featured the singles "Take Ya Home" (reaching #72 on the Hot 100 and #21 on R&B/Hip-Hop charts) and the chart-topping R&B track "Thank You" performed with Jagged Edge. The album climbed to #11 on the Billboard 200 and secured the #2 spot on Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums, ultimately earning platinum certification. Additionally, Bow Wow contributed "Basketball" to the Like Mike soundtrack, which achieved the #1 position on the R&B chart.
In April of that year, he officially removed "Lil'" from his stage name to signify his growth and distinguish himself from other artists, explaining: "I'm Bow Wow now... I'm growing up, I'm not little anymore."
2003–2006: Unleashed, Wanted and The Price of Fame
Bow Wow’s first album released under his new moniker was Unleashed in 2003. The lead single, "Let's Get Down" featuring Birdman, peaked at #14 on the Hot 100 and #6 on Hot Rap Tracks. The subsequent single, "My Baby" with Jagged Edge, sustained his commercial success. Unlike previous projects, Unleashed was crafted without Jermaine Dupri’s guidance but included collaborations with artists like Birdman, Mario, and Amerie. The album received gold certification. In 2004, Bow Wow appeared on JoJo's remix of "Baby It's You."
In 2005, Wanted launched featuring the #1 rap hit "Let Me Hold You" with Omarion and the well-received follow-up "Like You" alongside Ciara, aligning with their romantic involvement. The third single, "Fresh Azimiz", featuring J-Kwon and Jermaine Dupri, reached #23 on the Hot 100. This album went platinum. During this phase, Bow Wow was managed by Positive Management and also appeared on Dem Franchize Boyz's remix of "I Think They Like Me", which topped rap charts. His relationship with Ciara concluded in 2006.
Released in 2006, The Price of Fame featured the lead single "Shortie Like Mine" with Chris Brown, which peaked at #9 on the Hot 100 and topped rap charts. The track "Outta My System", featuring T-Pain, reflected on his breakup with Ciara and reached #22 on the Hot 100. The album earned gold certification.
2007–2009: Face Off and New Jack City II
On December 11, 2007, Bow Wow collaborated with Omarion to release their joint album Face Off. Its lead single, "Girlfriend", peaked at #33 on the Hot 100, followed by the release of "Hey Baby (Jump Off)". In addition, Bow Wow dropped the mixtape Half Man, Half Dog Vol. 1 in 2007, with its follow-up Vol. 2 arriving in February 2009.
His sixth studio album, New Jack City II, arrived in March 2009 as his first project to carry a Parental Advisory label. The record explored subjects such as crack cocaine’s influence on urban communities and included features from artists like T.I.. Promotional singles released toward late 2008 included "Marco Polo" featuring Soulja Boy, "Big Girls", and "Roc The Mic". The official single "You Can Get It All" featuring Johntá Austin, which sampled TLC’s "Baby-Baby-Baby," reached #55 on the Hot 100 and climbed to #9 on Hot Rap Tracks.
On July 4, 2009, Bow Wow previewed a track from his forthcoming album titled Underrated. Subsequently, on August 16, he signed with Cash Money Records, joining a roster that includes Nicki Minaj, Drake, Lil Wayne, and Birdman.
2010–present
Bow Wow's album Underrated, initially planned for release under Cash Money Records, encountered several postponements; by November 2011, he confirmed it would not be launched before 2012. The album was anticipated to include collaborations with notable artists such as Birdman, Boyz II Men, Chris Brown, DJ Khaled, Fabolous, Game, Lil Wayne, Meek Mill, Nas, Nelly, Sean Kingston, Snoop Dogg, DMX, Styles P, and Talib Kweli. The promotional track "For My Hood" featured DJ Khaled alongside Sean Kingston.
The lead promotional single from the project was "Ain't Thinkin' 'Bout You", featuring Chris Brown, released in November 2010; it reached the top position on 106 & Park. Other songs that surfaced either through leaks or official releases included "I'm Da Man" in June 2011 and "Sweat", featuring Lil Wayne, released in October 2011 and regarded as a promotional single.
On May 18, 2012, Bow Wow unveiled the official lead single "Better" featuring T-Pain, accompanied by a well-received music video premiered on 106 & Park. The subsequent single "We In Da Club", produced by DJ Mustard and released on June 26, 2012, garnered attention through its video despite modest chart performance. A third single entitled "Right Now", featuring Miguel, was also planned. After Universal Republic Records dissolved, Bow Wow's contract was transferred to Republic Records.
In August 2013, Bow Wow attributed additional delays of Underrated to his responsibilities as a father and personal development, indicating intentions to make a comeback after turning 28. By June 2014, he announced retiring the stage name Bow Wow in favor of his real name Shad Moss to better represent his maturity as a parent and actor.
In May 2015, Bow Wow amicably left Cash Money Records to regain control over his music release timeline. He stressed the importance of independence to adequately provide for his family.
On September 27, 2015, Bow Wow signed with Puff Daddy’s Bad Boy Records and formed a new management team focused on revitalizing his career trajectory.
On August 7, 2016, he declared his retirement from rapping following the release of one final album titled NYLTH, originally scheduled for 2017. In 2021, he disclosed that this concluding project would be named Before 30, with plans for release through Death Row Records and renewed promotion set for early 2024.
Prior to this final album’s release, Bow Wow collaborated with Soulja Boy on the joint retail mixtape Ignorant Shit, which debuted on October 25, 2016.
In 2020, Bow Wow participated as "Frog" on season three of The Masked Singer, finishing in third place. He regarded this experience as preparation for headlining The Millennium Tour, which he led from 2020 through 2022.
Acting career
Bow Wow’s acting portfolio includes appearances on television series such as Brandy's Moesha, The Steve Harvey Show, and Brothers Garcia. His film debut came with Like Mike (2002), where he portrayed a young orphan who gains an NBA opportunity. Prior to this role, he made cameo appearances in All About The Benjamins and Carmen: A Hip Hopera. He also co-starred in Johnson Family Vacation alongside Cedric the Entertainer, Vanessa L. Williams, and Solange Knowles. Following Like Mike, Bow Wow appeared in films such as Roll Bounce, The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, and Hurricane Season.
His television credits include guest roles on shows like Smallville and Ugly Betty, along with a recurring character in the fifth season of HBO's Entourage playing Charlie—an up-and-coming comedian managed by Eric Murphy. In 2010, he starred opposite Ice Cube in the comedy film Lottery Ticket. A documentary titled Who Is Shad Moss? released in 2011 chronicles his journey starting from his early days with Death Row Records.
Bow Wow appeared in the movie adaptation of Madea's Big Happy Family (2011) and joined the cast of the CSI franchise spinoff CSI: Cyber in 2014. In 2021, he reprised his role as Twinkie in the installment F9.
BET's 106 & Park
On October 1, 2013, Bow Wow was announced as the new host of BET's 106 & Park, succeeding former hosts Terrence J and Rocsi who had stepped down. The program was broadcast to over 85 million households spanning the United States, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, Africa, the Caribbean, and Germany until its discontinuation in 2014.
RnB Friday Nights
In 2016, Bow Wow took on the role of host for RnB Friday Nights, which is the evening edition of the Australian Hit Network radio show titled RnB Fridays.
Business
In 2018, Bow Wow collaborated with Red By Kiss, a hair care brand, to introduce a premium line of durags. By 2024, he ventured into the hospitality industry by inaugurating "Prime on Peachtree," a restaurant located in Atlanta.
Legal issues
On March 28, 2012, a court mandated Bow Wow to pay $3,000 per month in child support. Later that year, on October 2, he disclosed financial difficulties, stating an income of $4,000 monthly and only $1,500 in his checking account. Despite this, he accepted a position as one of four co-hosts on BET's 106 & Park the following day. Subsequently, he addressed these financial claims by affirming his economic stability and dedication to his career.
On February 2, 2019, Bow Wow was taken into custody in Atlanta, Georgia on battery charges after an altercation with a woman. Both individuals involved suffered minor injuries and faced charges; Bow Wow was released after posting an $8,000 signature bond.
Personal life
Bow Wow's family has been supportive of his musical endeavors. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia, alongside his mother. He has a daughter named Shai Moss (born April 27, 2011) with Joie Chavis and was previously engaged to Erica Mena. In September 2020, Bow Wow welcomed a second child with model Olivia Sky.
Politics
During the 2008 U.S. presidential election, Bow Wow spearheaded a "Walk Across America" voter registration initiative covering 15 cities. In 2014, he took part in a celebrity flag football game organized by Chris Brown as a tribute to Michael Brown.
In 2016, Bow Wow stirred debate by announcing his decision not to vote in that year's presidential election, citing that his mixed racial background distanced him from traditional civil rights movements.
On March 15, 2017, Bow Wow posted a threatening message directed at First Lady Melania Trump following President Donald Trump's criticism of Snoop Dogg's music video. The tweet was removed within a day.
Discography
Studio albums
- Beware of Dog (2000)
- Doggy Bag (2001)
- Unleashed (2003)
- Wanted (2005)
- The Price of Fame (2006)
- New Jack City II (2009)
Collaboration albums
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Carmen: A Hip Hopera | Jalil | ||
| 2002 | All About the Benjamins | Kelly | ||
| Like Mike | Calvin Cambridge | |||
| 2004 | Johnson Family Vacation | Divirnius James "D.J." Johnson | ||
| 2005 | Roll Bounce | Xavier "X" Smith | ||
| 2006 | The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift | Twinkie | ||
| 2009 | Hurricane Season | Gary Davis | ||
| 2010 | Lottery Ticket | Kevin Carson | ||
| 2011 | Madea's Big Happy Family | Byron | ||
| The Family Tree | T-Boy | |||
| 2012 | Allegiance | Specialist Chris Reyes | ||
| 2013 | Scary Movie 5 | Eric | ||
| 2019 | In Broad Daylight | Malik Boudreaux | TV movie | |
| 2021 | F9 | Twinkie | ||
| 2022 | Hip Hop Family Christmas Wedding | Mega | TV movie |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Soul Train | Himself | |
| 2001 | Showtime at the Apollo | Himself | |
| E! True Hollywood Story | Himself | ||
| Live & Kicking | Himself | ||
| The Steve Harvey Show | Himself | ||
| Moesha | Ray-Ray | ||
| 2002 | Soul Train | Himself | |
| 2003 | Exposed | Himself | |
| Punk'd | Himself | ||
| 2004 | All That | Himself | |
| 2005 | My Super Sweet 16 | Himself | |
| 2006 | Smallville | Baern | |
| 2007 | Access Granted | Himself | |
| 2008 | My Super Sweet 16 | Himself | |
| Ugly Betty | Himself | ||
| Entourage | Charlie |
Recurring Cast: Season 5, Guest: Season 6 | | |
| 2009 | Himself | ||
| 2010 | Kourtney and Kim Take Miami | Himself | |
| 2011–12 | The Secret Life of the American Teenager | Dante | |
| 2012–14 | 106 & Park | Himself/Host |
Main Host: Seasons 9–10 | |
| 2013 | Real Husbands of Hollywood | Himself | |
| 2015–16 | CSI: Cyber | Brody "Baby Face" Nelson |
Main Cast | |
| Growing Up Hip Hop: Atlanta | Himself | ||
| 2018 | The Hollywood Puppet Show | Himself | |
| 2019 | Ridiculousness | Himself | |
| 2020 | The Masked Singer | Himself/Frog | |
| Growing Up Hip Hop | Himself | ||
| 2022 | I Can See Your Voice | Himself/Panelist | |
| After Happily Ever After | Himself/Host | ||
| All Elite Wrestling | Himself | ||
| 2023 | Celebrity Game Face | Himself |
Documentary
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Who Is Shad Moss? | Himself |
Awards and nominations
- 2001, Viewer's Choice Award for "Bow Wow (That's My Name)" (Won)
- 2006, Best Collaboration for "Like You" (featuring Ciara) (Nominated)
- 2007, Viewer's Choice for "Shortie Like Mine" (featuring Chris Brown) (Nominated)
- 2001, Rap Single of the Year for "Bow Wow (That's My Name)" (Won)
Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Awards
- 2004, Top R&B/Hip-Hop Singles – Sales for "Let's Get Down" (featuring Baby) (Nominated)
- 2006, Hot Rap Track for "Like You" (featuring Ciara) (Nominated)
- 2003, Best Breakthrough Performance – Viewer's Choice for Like Mike (Nominated)
- 2006, Best Collaboration for "Let Me Hold You" (featuring Omarion) (Nominated)
- 2008, Outstanding Duo or Group (with Omarion) (Nominated)
Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards
- 2001, Favorite Male Singer (Won)
- 2006, Favorite Male Singer (Nominated)
- 2008, Favorite Male Singer (Nominated)
- 2001, Best R&B/Soul or Rap New Artist for "Bounce with Me" (with Xscape) (Nominated)
- 2007, Choice Music: Male Artist (Nominated)
- 2008, Choice Music: R&B Track for "Hey Baby (Jump Off)" (with Omarion) (Nominated)
- 2009, Choice Music: Rap Artist (Nominated)
- 2005, Coolest Collaboration for "Like You" (featuring Ciara) (Nominated)
- 2003, Best Performance in a Feature Film – Leading Young Actor for Like Mike (Nominated)