Lil’ Bow Wow – Interview [2000]

getting down with lil’ bow wow

What could be cooler than being discovered by one of rap’s biggest stars? Maybe when that star gives you your nickname. Just ask Lil’ Bow Wow. “I was six when I met Snoop.” Lil’ Bow Wow went onstage that night and dazzled the audience as well as Snoop Dogg. After that show, it was Snoop who dubbed him Lil’ Bow Wow. It wasn’t long before this little pack of dynamite was on the tongues of the likes of Will Smith and Jermaine Dupri.

You wouldnt think that a first grader coming out of Columbus, Ohio had a chance to become a superstar. But there he was and here he is. Youve seen his face on Mtv. Youve heard his song, “Bounce With Me”.

“Its pretty cool, but its still sort of weird”, he says about seeing his video and hearing his song on the radio.

The story picks up after Lil Bow Wow left the Chronic Tour behind. Through some people he happened to know, he met super producer Jermaine Dupri. Dupri signed Lil Bow Wow to his record label, So So Def, and they got to work on the freshman release, Beware Of Dog.

Bow Wow discussed the making of the album. “I had so much fun working with Jermaine. I liked all the songs and we worked really hard. I cant wait to make the next one.” Lil Bow Wow got the chance to work with Jermaine in the booth, and Da Brat too. “The songs they wrote were so tight. And they are songs that anyone can listen to.”

Working with Dupri opened the door for Lil Bow Wow to work with such artists as Will Smith and again with Snoop Dogg. “Will was cool. I guess I was sort of intimidated by him.”

What other idols has Lil Bow Wow been able to meet? “Michael Jordan,” he says. For such a little guy, Jordan must have been huge. “His hands were bigger than my head. He is so big. But hes the nicest guy”.

Outside of his world as Lil Bow Wow, called Shad by his friends, hes still able to lead a normal life, or as normal as can be expected. “I cant go to the mall because people start crowding all around. That kind of stinks, but my family treats me just the same. At home Im treated just like I was before all of this happened.”

Lil Bow Wow has a tutor since he cant go to school with his schedule of touring, publicity, and everything that comes with being a rising star. So life has changed some, but Lil Bow Wow says he still feels like the same kid he was before all this happened. “I dont really feel any different. I probably wouldnt have ever come to New York (City) or done a lot of the things Ive been able to,” explains Lil Bow Wow.

Its great to meet a seemingly well adjusted star. If Lil Bow Wow keeps his head about him, he just might have a long career ahead of him. Can you imagine a twenty year old named Lil Bow Wow? “Snoop changed his name, I might have to do the same someday,” Lil Bow Wow says with a laugh.

+ charlie craine