Rapper Bow Wow recently announced that after the release of his next album he will be focusing on a career with the WWE. That’s right – he is going to drop his music career for wrestling. This isn’t the first time he’s said he is going to step out of the rap game though. Here is a look at his career and Bow Wow’s net worth now.
About Bow Wow
Born Shad Gregory Moss on March 9, 1987, Bow Wow began rapping at the young age of six. In 1993, he performed at a show in Los Angeles where Snoop Dogg was in attendance. At the time, he was rapping under the name “Kid Gangsta,” but Snoop Dogg soon dubbed him “Lil Bow Wow.” Later that same year, he appeared in Snoop’s “Doggystyle” album, was a guest on Arsenio Hall, and even appeared in Snoop Dogg’s “Gin and Juice” music video.
At the age of 11, Bow Wow met another industry leader, Jermaine Dupri, who helped him kickstart his recording career. In 2000, when he was just 13, he released his debut album “Beware of Dog,” which has sold more than 3 million copies since its release. He went on to produce three more studio albums.
Movie Career
Although Bow Wow got famous for his rap career, he has had some success on the big screen as well. He performed in Like Mike in 2002, which earned him $1 million. Additionally, his music was used in the soundtrack for the film, so his brand got even more exposure. This is something he tried to do in many movies he took part in. Bow Wow was also in Johnson’s Family Vacation, The Lottery Ticket, Madea’s Big Happy Family, Allegiance, Hurricane Season, and Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift.
He has made some appearances on the small screen as well. You may have seen Bow Wow on an episode of Moesha, The Steve Harvey Show, or Brothers Garcia. He also made some cameos in All About the Benjamins and Carmen: A Hip Hopera. In 2013, he was named the host for BET’s 106 & Park. Three years later, he began hosting an Australian radio show called RnB Friday Nights.
Now, it is rumored that Bow Wow will be shifting his focus to a different career path entirely: the WWE. So, what is next for his career and what is Bow Wow’s net worth?
Bow Wow’s Net Worth
Photo: Urbanworld Film Festival
Bow Wow’s net worth is estimated to be around $600,000. Considering the rapper often boasts about having made more than $20 million in his career, this number seems kind of low. Bow Wow, unfortunately, has dealt with a lot of financial trouble in his adult life. Before we delve into those troubles, here is a look at his earnings during his more popular years, according to The Richest.
- 2000: $2.7 million in record sales of “Beware of Dog”
- 2001: $1.1 million in record sales of “Doggy Bag”
- 2002: $1 million in salary for the film Like Mike
- 2003: $774,000 in record sales of “Unleashed”
- 2004: $750,000 in salary for Johnson’s Family Vacation
- 2005: $958,000 in record sales of “Wanted”
- 2006: $1.3 million in record sales of “The Price of Fame” and salary for Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift
It is around this time that Bow Wow’s earnings slow down significantly. His next major reported earnings were in 2009. This was $400,000 for estimated album sales of “New Jack City” and salary for the film Hurricane Season. In 2010, he earned $1 million for his role in The Lottery Ticket. During 2011 and 2012, he played roles in two films (Madea’s Big Happy Family and Allegiance). These two films led to earnings of around $1.15 million. Then, in 2013, he earned around $1 million from his hosting gig on the show 106th Park.
Endorsements and Investments
Photo: colvanz718
Over the years, Bow Wow has been able to land a few endorsements here and there. He doesn’t typically hold on to the cash though. Some of the endorsements he is known for are:
- Asphalt Yacht Club
- Besado
- Campbells Chicken Noodle Soup
- Caviar Gold S. Moss Vape Pen
- Cavoda Vodka
- Hot Pockets
Bow Wow hasn’t been landing many endorsement deals recently though. He has largely been out of the spotlight. So, one would hope he’s been smart and invested his money. Sadly, he hasn’t. Most of his cash has been spent on petty purchases and settling lawsuits.
Lawsuits
One big reason Bow Wow isn’t as rich as one would think is he’s managed to get sued… a lot. The most recent lawsuit against the rapper was after he was arrested in a domestic violence dispute with his then-girlfriend, Leslie Holden. Both of them filed a suit against each other for the incident. Bow Wow was backed up by two eyewitnesses to the event that Holden was the main aggressor.
Back in 2012, Bow Wow was sued by a bank in the state of Georgia over the repossession of his Lamborghini Murcielago. The bank received $161,000 when reselling the vehicle but sued Bow Wow for the $25,000 it cost them to do so. Of course, when this was brought to the attention of the public, Bow Wow denied everything and insisted he was financially comfortable.
He was brought into court again for child support later that year and it was revealed how not okay his finances actually were. Bow Wow disclosed to the courts that he was only earning $4,000 per month at Cash Money Records. Additionally, he leased a Jeep at the time. In combination with other bills, this only left him with an excess of $1,500 per month. However, it was later uncovered that Bow Wow withheld earnings from the court. Later he was ordered to pay $11,500 in back child support.
Those aren’t his only financial woes either. He also owes collection agencies and the IRS. One agency is chasing him down for $283,000. After failing to properly file his taxes, he owes the IRS approximately $90,000 as well.
Assets, Home, and Cars
While there is no telling what is next for Bow Wow’s career (in terms of wrestling or rapping), one thing is for sure. If he does not get his financial habits under control, he will wind up bankrupt or possibly in jail for what he owes.
Readers, what do you think about Bow Wow’s net worth?
Read More
- What is Oprah Winfrey’s Net Worth Now?
- Logan Paul’s Net Worth
- SkyDoesEverything: Adam Dahlberg’s Net Worth
- Brittany Banks’ Net Worth
Amanda Blankenship is the Director of Social Media for District Media. In addition to her duties handling everything social media, she frequently writes for a handful of blogs and loves to share her own personal finance story with others. When she isn’t typing away at her desk, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, husband, and dog. During her free time, you’re likely to find her with her nose in a book, hiking, or playing RPG video games.
Speak Your Mind