1. Early Life and Talent:
- Shad Moss displayed a natural talent for rapping at an early age, impressing his family and peers with his flow and style.
2. Demo Tape and Discovery:
- At 13, Bow Wow recorded a demo tape with producer K-Baller in Columbus, Ohio.
- The tape eventually found its way to record producer Jermaine Dupri, founder of So So Def Recordings.
3. Signing with So So Def:
- Jermaine Dupri, impressed with Bow Wow's potential, signed him to So So Def Recordings.
- He became the youngest solo artist to sign with a major record label at that time.
4. Debut Album and Success:
- In 2000, Bow Wow released his debut studio album, "Beware of Dog," which featured the hit singles "Bow Wow (That's My Name)" and "Bounce with Me."
- The album was a commercial success, reaching the Top 10 of the Billboard 200 chart and eventually achieved double platinum certification.
5. Collaborative Success:
- Bow Wow collaborated with other artists on successful tracks, such as "The Whistle Song" with Eminem and "Like You" with Ciara.
- These collaborations further boosted his popularity and appeal to a wider audience.
6. Crossover into Acting:
- Bow Wow ventured into acting, starring in the comedy film "Like Mike" (2002) alongside NBA star Michael Jordan.
- The movie's success and his performance helped establish Bow Wow as a multi-talented entertainer and increased his public recognition.
7. Continued Music Success:
- Bow Wow released subsequent albums, including "Doggy Bag" (2001), "Unleashed" (2003), and "Wanted" (2005).
- He had notable collaborations with artists such as Snoop Dogg, Chris Brown, and R. Kelly.
8. Television Career:
- Bow Wow expanded his career by hosting and appearing in various television shows, such as "Bow Wow's Millennium Tour Documentary," "The Steve Harvey Show," and "Celebrity Rap Superstar."
9. Public Persona:
- Bow Wow cultivated a charismatic and playful public persona through his music and media appearances, building a strong fan base.
10. Longevity in the Industry:
- Throughout his career, Bow Wow remained active in music and acting, collaborating with other artists and releasing new material.
While his initial rise to fame was facilitated by his talent, the right connections, and a successful debut album, Bow Wow sustained his prominence by consistently evolving as an artist and branching out into different entertainment avenues.