Who Let the Dog In?

Rapper Shad Gregory Moss (born March 9, 1987) went by the moniker Kid Gangsta before being recognized by Snoop Dogg and having his name changed to Lil' Bow Wow (RollingStone.com). He has released two albums under the Lil' Bow Wow banner, "Beware of Dog" and "Doggy Bag", and his most recent album, "Unleashed", drops the "Lil'" from his name (see quote section). Bow Wow has appeared on various TV shows and starred or appeared in the feature films, "Like Mike" (summer 2002), "All About the Benjamins", and the soon-to-be-released "Johnson Family Vacation" (opens April 7, 2004). Bow Wow launched his Shago clothing line in the summer of 2003.

But the cute tween rapper, who was introduced as a tame alternative to the typical gangsta, thug rappers in the burgeoning hip-hop music market, is maturing and people are taking notice. In fact, the 5^th annual Teen People's Reader's Choice Awards (Dec '03/Jan '04 issue) lists Bow Wow as the second highest rated "Image 180", behind Christina Aguilera. Also, Bow Wow is nominated as "Favorite Male Artist" for the upcoming Nickelodeon "Kid's Choice Award", set to air on Sat April 3, 2004.

Bark Worse than the Bite?

Given Bow Wow's growing placement and prominence in the mind's eye of today's youth culture, what message is he espousing, and is it sinking in? Discerning observers would have noticed from the beginning of the potential harbinger of things to come as Lil' Bow Wow cautioned listeners with the title of his debut album, "Beware of Dog", back on September 26, 2000. The innocuously and ominously packaged album, with its watered-down message and pint-sized presenter was readily accepted and went multi-platinum (3+ million) in sales. Four songs were released as CD singles and interpreted into videos: "Bounce With Me", "Puppy Love", "Bow Wow (That's My Name)", and "Ghetto Girls".

Lil Bow Wow's sophomore album, "Doggy Bag", was released Dec 18, 2001 and sold over one million copies. Two songs, "Thank You" and "Take Ya Home", were made into videos, and "Thank You" was released as a CD single.

Bow Wow's latest album, "Unleashed", was released Aug 19, 2003, and, to date, two of the songs have been turned into videos, "Let's Get Down" and "My Baby". The album's third track, "Eighteen", is a liberation anthem as Bow Wow expresses the pent up frustrations of being an underage rapper in an adult world. The liner note "Thank You" section reads, "First & foremost, we would like to thank God for all your promises and blessings in our lives. Thank you for your faithfulness to us and for making a way for us to escape where we have failed. We joyfully and gratefully accept your gifts for our lives." The album's lyrical content, like that of the prior two album focuses on several recurring themes: cash, "chicks", cars, and "cribs". Although there is a touching tribute to his biological mother-who worked three jobs to support the family, expressed a faith in God, and encouraged Bow Wow to greatness-much of the content boasts and brags of Bow Wow's self-proclaimed "top dog" status.

Call in the Pound?

How should parents and concerned adults respond to the now teenage-soon to be adult-Snoop Dogg protege rapper? Perhaps the response of electric companies to Lil' Bow Wow's character portrayal in the summer 2002 "Like Mike" movie is the most appropriate and effective. In the movie, Lil' Bow Wow plays the character Calvin Cambridge, who climbs a tree to retrieve a pair of sneakers caught on a power line, and instead of being electrocuted, is energized to play basketball like legend Michael Jordan. Obviously electric companies understand the influencing nature of media on tweens/teens (MTV's "Jackass" show and movie) and promptly responded to prevent such copy-cat behavior. In much the same way, if youth are drawn to the music and lifestyle of maturing rappers like Bow Wow, it would behoove parents and adults to step in and question, warn, and correct the messages that are counter to biblical teaching, but to do it "with gentleness and respect."

Nice Doggie?

What will the future hold for Bow Wow and his handlers? As Bow Wow matures will he get back to his Kid Gangsta roots or begin to live out his liner note "Thank You's"? Time will tell!

Web-sites:

www.lilbowwow.com  (official site)

www.bowwowunleashed.com 

www.rapdict.org  (definitions of common rap words and expressions)

Quotes:

"I changed my name because I'm getting older now and it's too many Lil's. All these Lil' rappers, I'm just kind of getting real irritated by it. I said, 'You know what? Drop the Lil'. Forget it. I'm Bow Wow.' Besides, I'm growing up, I'm not little anymore."

          - Lil' Bow Wow talking about the decision to eliminate the "Lil'" from his name.

http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1453258/04042002/bow_wow.jhtml

"We always used to make jokes that I was going to be onstage doing "Bounce With Me" with my voice all deep."

          - Bow Wow, Vibe, April 2004, p. 141.

"I told Bow that if he ever wanted to smoke weed or take a drink, he's gonna do it with me. I don't get high, but I'd rather he come to me than someone on the street."

          - Teresa Caldwell, mother of rapper/actor Bow Wow, Vibe, April 2004, p. 141.

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