Bow Wow – Interview [2005]

Ask Bow Wow what life is like now that’s he’s 18 and the music, film and television powerhouse pulls no punches. “I’m maturing,” he says. “I’m becoming a man, but staying humble. I’m staying myself and most importantly, I’m trying to make good movies and music for my fans. Every one in hip-hop talks about staying real and what that means to me is staying down to earth, not getting cocky. When I say, ‘do you,’ that means ‘be yourself.’ That’s what this album is all about.”

We chat with Bow Wow.

HIP: Life is crazy?

BOW WOW: Yeah, but its all gravy, baby. We’re just working hard trying to get it going. I’m having fun with everything—it’s a blessing.

You have a lot going on with movies and other things. Do you have to schedule time just to do music or do you do things here and there?

Anytime I work on the record I block off time so that I can be comfortable. I need time to focus and put pen to paper. I hate to be rushed when its time to work. No one wants to do a job and leave it halfway done. I need my time so I can get down and do the best I possibly can.

The beats are hot. Do you hear the track and now you have to have it?

When me and Jermaine [Dupri] get into the studio and we make records Jermaine makes the beat and it might sound crazy and I’ll ask to get it. We work things out every now and then. As far as how we get down as far as writing—it’s always different.

I saw you produced a track on this record.

Yeah, I produced a beat on this record so I’m really excited about that. It’s crazy because it was something I just messed with. I have beats and instruments and I told Jermaine that I had records and he gave me the blessing and I went with it.

Do you just mess with sounds?

It’s easy. You got that tempo in your head and you are just feeling it. It’s just fun to me and I just do it on the side. I got blessed with a good one and I just went with it.

You interested in signing other artists?

I’m definitely interested in building my own dynasty. That is something I really want to do. I want to get my own artists and watch them grow the same way Jermaine watched me grow. But you really have to take the time and right now I don’t have the time.

What do you say to kids out there that want to follow in your footsteps?

You have to take it seriously. But most of all if you aren’t having fun there’s no reason to be doing this.

I saw the “thank yous” inside the CD and you mention playing Lebron in Madden. It has to be fun when you get to play people like that.

Yeah, but he don’t be beating me in Madden. I love college football too. I’m excited for the season. Anyone who wants to challenge me can try—but they’re going to lose.

What team do you play?

I’m from Columbus so always the Buckeyes.

What about pro?

Man, I got to go with the Falcons. I’m a Vick fan.

I have to play the Bills and get it handed to me.

(Laughs)

Do you play with friends or do you run with the Franchise mode?

I play franchise but to start a game off and to get the new buttons I like to play each other.

You still have to go out to the store and stuff—is it fun or a burden when you get recognized?

It’s fun for me when people recognize me. It’s a blessing and I’m having a ball.

What have you been up to since you finished the record?

Just promoting. I’m hungry for it. I’m very confident about the record. I feel like I’m capable of doing something I haven’t done which is to go out there and put it down.

I saw the press picture and it looks like you have some new tattoos. Any painful ones?

(Laughs) Yeah I got some new ones. They all hurt.

You have a new film coming out right?

Yeah, September 23rd I have a new movie coming out called Roll Bounce. Definitely check that out.

Will you always be splitting time with music?

I will probably close my career out in film. I think that one day, I don’t know when that will be; when the music stops I’ll have a plan-b which is film.

+ Charlie Craine