Say what you want about Bow Wow, but you can’t deny his music career. Kids today may know the Ohio native from his social media antics, but that’s not who he is. Bow Wow is one of the original kid superstars. He has songs with some of the biggest rappers in Hip Hop. In case you didn’t know, Snoop Dogg is his godfather. Bow Wow was always in good hands.
After being discovered by Jermaine Dupri, Bow Wow became the hottest thing in Hip Hop. In fact, many rappers wanted to be Bow Wow as rappers started putting “Lil” before their monikers. Bow decided to drop his after other artists were copying his style. Early in his rap career, Bow crossed over into Hollywood. After releasing his second album, he even starred in the basketball movie, Like Mike.
Along with filming movies and TV shows, he also spent time being the host of BET’s 106 & Park. Bow has done a lot in his career and remains relevant today. His music cannot go unnoticed, though, as he is vital to Hip Hop. Let’s look at some of his best songs, in no particular order.
“Fresh Azimiz” ft. Mike Jones (2005)
Bow Wow has always rapped a big game even when he had the “Lil” in front of his name. It’s no different here in “Fresh Azimiz.” The way Bow raps the chorus makes for a catchy phrase to use. “You ain’t fresh as I’m issss” was a popular saying after this song was released, and it’s still remembered today. Additionally, this track scored Bow another Top 40 hit. It originally had three verses from Bow, but Mike Jones is featured, substituting his second verse.
6. “Ain’t Thinkin’ ‘Bout You” ft. Chris Brown (2010)
Besides making hits with Omarion, Bow Wow also sees success with Chris Brown. A few years after “Shortie Like Mine,” they both linked up for “Ain’t Thinkin’ Bout You.” This song differs from what we usually hear from these two. Instead of catering to the ladies, Bow Wow and Breezy make an anthem for the fellas. In what can be labeled a breakup anthem, neither artist thinks about their failed relationship. “Ain’t Thinkin’ Bout You” is the first single Bow released as a Cash Money artist.
5. “Bounce With Me” ft. Xscape (2000)
“Bounce With Me” is our introduction to Bow Wow. Later, we realize he was one of the kids at the beginning of Snoop Dogg’s “Gin & Juice” video. That was just a cameo, but he showed off in his debut. “Bounce With Me” set the tone for his debut album, Beware of Dog. It was also a lead song for the movie Big Momma’s House.
Clearly, Jermaine Dupri knew what he was doing with Bow Wow. After discovering Kriss Kross, JD knew how to make records everyone enjoyed. Kids, teens, and adults danced to this song. The young star rolls through the neighborhood in the video as everyone enjoys the song. It gave Bow Wow his first No. 1 on the Billboard Rap chart.
4. “Bow Wow (That’s My Name)” ft. Snoop Dogg (2000)
Bow Wow must be one of the biggest kid stars ever! He was just a phenomenon. “Bow Wow (That’s My Name)” told you all you needed to know about the young rapper. Out the gate, Snoop and Dupri’s protégé lets it be known that he’s the hottest thing in music. Move over, Backstreet Boys!
The video was even better as he ran around town, away from the crowd of people chasing him. He transforms into a dog at points in the video, making this his signature that mirrors Snoop. The visual appeared on BET’s 106 & Park so much it was retired from the network’s popular show.
3. “Let Me Hold You” ft. Omarion (2005)
There were a lot of hits off Bow Wow’s fourth studio album, Wanted. “Let Me Hold You” is another one. This is the first time he joins forces with Omarion. The platinum record reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. Once again, Bow Wow always manages to speak to the ladies. He continues to grow up right before our eyes. The lane he is in with creating timeless R&B/Hip Hop hits suits him well. “Let Me Hold You” shows Bow makes these songs with ease.
2. “Like You” ft. Ciara (2005)
Ciara and Bow Wow collaborated for a massive R&B-Hip Hop hit. Off Bow Wow’s Wanted album, “Like You” is the perfect song for a young couple in love. This is precisely what Bow Wow and Ciara were. At this time, Bow and CiCi were dating, and the media loved them. They were at the top of their careers, and this song gave both artists another Top 10 hit. It was reported that the two were engaged for a short stint.
This song is still Bow Wow’s highest-charting song to date. The Ohio native has been a favorite amongst the ladies since he started. He continues to make songs catered to them and excels at it. “Like You” is undoubtedly one of the more popular tracks of the 2000s.
1. “Shortie Like Mine” ft. Chris Brown & Johntá Austin (2006)
Bow Wow knows how to make a hit. He grabbed Chris Brown and Johntá Austin for “Shortie Like Mine.” He adds another ballad for the ladies to his catalog as he praises his special woman throughout the song. Actually, “Shortie Like Mine” is one of the first videos to integrate social media. At this time, MySpace was huge, and the music video incorporated similar Myspace features. Bow Wow was ahead of his time with this one.