A look at Bow Wow's net worth: How rich is Shad Moss now?
Despite being in the entertainment industry since he was 13, Bow Wow's net worth is significantly low. The rapper once shared how hard it is sometimes to make money off music, saying:
Although most people think you instantly become rich after signing to a label, this is not the case. Some artists have sold millions of records, but they still do not have a dollar in their bank account.
Source: Getty Images
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
- Bow Wow was discovered by rapper Snoop Dogg.
- He reportedly earned $774,000 from his third album, Unleashed.
- The hip-hop star purportedly had his $220,000 Ferrari repossessed.
- He has over 3 million monthly listeners on Spotify as of March 2025.
Bow Wow's profile summary
| Full name | Shad Gregory Moss |
| Famous as | Bow Wow, Kid Gangsta |
| Gender | Male |
| Date of birth | 9 March 1987 |
| Age | 38 years old (2025) |
| Zodiac sign | Pisces |
| Birthplace | Columbus, Ohio, USA |
| Current residence | Atlanta, Georgia, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Mixed |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Height | 5'7" (170 cm) |
| Weight | 67 kg (148 lbs) |
| Hair colour | Black |
| Eye colour | Dark brown |
| Sexual orientation | Straight |
| Marital status | In a relationship (Rumoured) |
| Partner | Jade Pinkett |
| Children | 2 |
| Parents | Teresa Rena Caldwell and Alfonso Preston Moss |
| Half-siblings | 2 |
| Profession | Songwriter, rapper, actor, TV presenter |
| Years active | 1993-present |
| Social media | InstagramX (Twitter)Facebook |
Insights into Bow Wow's net worth in 2025
According to Celebrity Net Worth and Wealthy Gorilla, Shad Moss is worth $1.5 million. He has amassed this wealth from his musical, acting and entrepreneurial endeavours. In a March 2012 interview, Bow Wow revealed why he decided to diversify his income streams, stating:
Rap money is fast money, but you have to keep doing it to make a fortune. A single acting role might earn you millions, but it could take time before you bag another gig.
Source: Original
Bow Wow has sold over 10 million records
Under the stage name Kid Gangsta, Moss began rapping at age six. When he met Snoop Dogg in 1993, he changed his nickname to Lil Bow Wow. In 1998, at 11, the budding rapper signed with Jermaine Dupri's So So Def Recordings.
At 13, his debut studio album, Beware of Dog, peaked at number 10 on the Billboard 200. According to TheRichest, Bow Wow's earnings from this album were $2,810,000. Throughout his career, Shad has released seven studio albums and eight mixtapes.
He has worked with renowned artists such as Soulja Boy, Lil Wayne, Omarion, and Ciara, among others. On 7 August 2016, Moss announced his retirement from rapping via a tweet that read:
I have amassed over 20 million off rap. Why be greedy? I happy with my accomplishments. I made it to the White House.
Source: Getty Images
Exploring Bow Wow's acting ventures
Shad Moss made his acting debut, portraying Calvin Cambridge in Like Mike. In 2004, he starred in Johnson Family Vacation alongside stand-up comedian Cedric the Entertainer. Below are some of Bow Wow's other acting credits:
- Roll Bounce (2005)
- Smallville (2006)
- Entourage (2008)
- The Family Tree (2011)
- Ridiculousness (2019)
Bow Wow launched his career as a television personality at 26
Shad became the host for BET's 106 & Park in October 2013. However, despite the show's large viewership, it was cancelled in 2014. Two years later, the artist began hosting Hit Network's RnB Friday Night.
Source: Getty Images
Venturing in the fashion and hotel industry
In 2018, the rapper partnered with Red By Kiss and launched a new line of luxury durags. During a February 2024 interview with The Art of Dialogue, he shared how this business contributed to his financial success, saying:
The durag business is not too crowded. I get a percentage off every sale because my image really pushes the product.
In 2024, Moss opened a new restaurant in Atlanta called Prime on Peachtree.
Bow Wow's financial issues and legal woes
In 2011, TMZ reported that the Like You hitmaker owed the IRS $91,105. His $200,000 Bentley had also reportedly been repossessed, and he owed a luxury car leasing company $280,000.
The same year, Bow Wow admitted to fathering a child (Shai) with ex-partner Joie Chavis. The following year, a court ordered him to pay $11,500 in back child support and $3,000 monthly after he claimed to only have $1,500 in his account.
Shad also revealed he was making $4,000 monthly. He was released on an $8,000 signature bond in 2019 after a fight with a woman.
Source: Getty Images
FAQs
Shad Gregory Moss competed in the third season of The Masked Singer in 2020. Below are some frequently asked questions about the artist:
How old is Bow Wow?
The Bounce With Me star (38 as of 2025) was born on 9 March 1987 in Columbus, Ohio, USA. His parents, Teresa Caldwell and Alfonso Preston, separated when he was young, and his mom remarried Rodney Caldwell. Shad has two step-siblings, Jasarah and Erica Caldwell.
Who is Bow Wow's wife?
Moss is unmarried. However, he had previously been engaged to American actress and singer Erica Mena.
Does Bow Wow have children?
The songwriter has two kids. Bow Wow's daughter, Shai Moss, was born on 27 April 2011. He welcomed his son, Stone Moss, with model Olivia Sky in September 2020.
Where does Bow Wow live now?
Bow Wow's house is located in Atlanta. He reportedly lives in the 8-bedroom mansion with his mother.
Source: Getty Images
While speaking to People in December 2020, the rapper revealed the main reason why he still lives with his mom.
The house is too big, so it just makes sense. I also want to make sure she is forever comfortable.
Bow Wow's net worth is lower compared to that of other icons that have been in the game as long as he has. Issues ranging from financial mismanagement to legal troubles have significantly drained his bank account.
READ ALSO: Bart Millard's net worth: How the MercyMe star built his fortune
As published on Briefly.co.za, Bart Millard has led MercyMe, one of Christian music's most successful bands, for over thirty years.
Through faith-inspiring songs, he has reached millions and established himself as a prominent gospel artist. Bart Millard is a Grammy-nominated and Dove Award-winning American musician.
Source: Briefly News
