Biting back

HIS BARK WAS always worse than his bite – and now the dog is coming to town.

Shad Gregory Moss was just an average albeit talented six-year-old from Ohio before a chance meeting with rap superstar Snoop Dogg changed his life. After jumping on stage with the legend during a concert, Snoop was so impressed with the young musician that he dubbed him Lil’ Bow Wow. He was subsequently signed to the notorious Death Row record label by Dr. Dre.

A few years later he helped usher in a new era of teenage hip-hop thanks to legendary producer Jermaine Dupri who said Bow Wow reminded him of a young Michael Jackson. Now the 23-year-old has dropped the ‘Lil’ from his name and is going on a world tour for his new album Underrated as Dubai gears up to see just how far the young performer has evolved since his baby-faced debut.

Bow Wow will be performing on March 4 at Chi @ The Lodge supported by Emtee, Paul Hamilton and Natalie Brogan. Tickets for the event range from Dhs100/120 for regular entry, Dhs150 for VIP and Dhs300 for a meet and greet with the artist.

Bow Wow, who has been recording, performing and acting most of his life, managed to escape the growing pains of childhood celebrity mostly unscathed. He starred in the third installment of The Fast and the Furious franchise and even joined the cast on the fifth season of the hit HBO show Entourage.

But his star really began to rise when he began dating R&B singer Ciara, with who he shared a steamy music video duet as well as a very public break-up.

His following may be lagging compared to earlier years, but with his latest tour Bow Wow may be marking his entry into adulthood and vying for a more eclectic fan base. After 17 years in the music and film industry, we doubt he’ll be calling it a comeback.

kadry@khaleejtimes.com