Shad Gregory Moss or is famously known for his stage name ‘Bow Wow’ is an American rap artist, singer, actor, TV host, and record producer. He was formerly called ‘Lil Bow Wow’.
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Personal Details
Stage Name: Bow Wow
Full Name: Shad Gregory Moss
Gender: Male
Birthday: March 9, 1987
Place of Origin: Ohio, United States
Age: 33
Height: 5 ft, 6 in
Nationality: American
Sexual Orientation: Straight Male
Status: Single
Spouse: None
Children: Shai Moss
Profession: Rap Artist, Singer, Music Artist, Actor, Record Producer, and Television Show Host
Total Net Worth: $1.5 million
Personal Life
Shad Gregory Moss was born on March 9, 1987, in the city of Columbus, Ohio, United States. His parents are Teresa Rena Caldwell Jones and Alfonso Preston Moss.
Shad started his interest in music at an early age, and his parents supported him with his career choice.
He is now residing together with his mother in Atlanta, Georgia.
He has a daughter with Joie Chavis, named Shai Moss, who was born in 2011.
Shad in his relationship was also formerly engaged to TV personality and former video model, Erica Mena.
Social Media
The ‘Bow Wow Challenge’ became a social media trend in 2017 where Shad posted a photo portraying his private jet and travel lifestyle. The photo however, came out as a hoax and that the actual photo was taken from a stock photograph. Still, the challenge gained more popularity from the photo sharing and tagging them as ‘bowwowchallenge’.
Political Engagements
Shad led an event for a 15 city ‘Walk Across America’, to gain new registered voters in the 2008 US presidential election.
In 2014, he participated in a charity flag football game that was organized by celebrity Chris Brown in a tribute to Michael Brown, who was a victim of a Missouri police shooting incident.
Career
Shad began his career at an early age of 3. He went by the name ‘Kid Gangsta’. At the age of 6, Shad began rapping as a form of recreation. His influence started with the rap group N.W.A.
His first public exposure was in 1993 where he performed in a Los Angeles concert. This was the time that he caught the attention of rap artist Snoop Dogg, who then gave him the name ‘Lil Bow Wow’. In the same year he made appearances in the album track ‘Doggystyle’ – ‘Gz and Hustlas’, and performed in The Arsenio Hall Show.
His first music video appearance is in the music video, ‘Gin and Juice’.
In 1998, Shad’s professional career grew when he met record producer Jermaine Dupri. His song ‘The Stick Up’ was featured in the 1999 movie ‘Wild Wild West’.
Shad was 13 years old when he made his first debut album called ‘Beware of Dog’ with a debut single ‘Bounce with Me’. The song also featured the R&B girl group called ‘Xscape’.
In 2002, his success in the music industry continued with the release of his album ‘Doggy Bag’. His singles ‘Take Ya Home’, reached the 72 spot on Hot 100 and the 21 spot in R&B/Hip Hop song chart. His song ‘Thank You’ made it to the number 1 on the R&B chart. The album ‘Doggy Bag’, was ranked 11th on the Billboard 200, second on the Top R&B/Hip Hop albums, and was awarded with certified platinum. One of his singles ‘Basketball’ was featured in his film ‘Like Mike’.
In the same year, Shad announced in the media that he will be removing the ‘Lil’ from his rap name with a statement saying many artists have already used this and it irritates him. Nevertheless, Shad is growing up and would like to stand by the name ‘Bow Wow’.
In 2003, he released another album with his new name called ‘Unleashed’. Followed by ‘Wanted’ which was released in 2005 and ‘The Prince of Fame’ in 2006.
In 2007 to 2009, he made a collaborative album with artist Omarion called ‘Face Off’.
In 2010 to this present time, he plans to continue the successful career in music by the release of his new album called ‘Underrated’, under Cash Money Records. It was an album created to feature several known artists such as Boyz II Men, Birdman, DJ Khaled, Chris Brown, Fabolous, Lil Wayne, Nelly, Sean Kingston, and several others more.
Acting Career
Shad began his acting career as guest appearances on films and television shows such as sitcom show Moesha, The Steve Harvey Show, and Brothers Garcia.
He got his debut as an actor in the film ‘Like Mike’, in 2002.
Although before his debut film, he already made appearances in other films like ‘All About The Benjamins’, ‘Carmen: A Hip Hopera’, and ‘Johnson Family Vacation’.
After his debut film success, Shad starred in several Hollywood films like ‘The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift’, ‘Hurricane Season’, and ‘Roll Bounce’. This includes television shows like ‘Ugly Betty’, ‘Smallville’, and ‘ Entourage’.
Awards and Nominations
In all of his career, Shad has been successful with his music, hosting, and acting. This is shown by the awards and nominations he received.
He has received nominations in BET Awards, Billboard Music Awards, Teen Choice Awards, Vibe Awards, NAACP Image Awards, Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards, Black Reel Awards, MTV Music Awards Japan, Soul Train Music Awards, and Young Artist Awards.
He has won awards in Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards for Favorite Male Singer in 2001, Billboard Music – R&B/Hip Hop Awards for Rap Single of the Year with the song ‘Bow Wow (That’s My Name)’ in 2001, and BET Awards for Viewer’s Choice with his song ‘Bow Wow (That’s My Name)’ in 2001.
Bow Wow Total Net Worth
Shad is one of the unique talents in his generation and community. He is well acknowledged by many of his fellow artists, celebrities, fans, and critics. He also has a wonderful stage personality that made him a successful actor and entertainment host.
He has a total net worth of $1.5 million.