Club Shay Shay - Bow Wow Part 2: A Deep Dive with Bow Wow and DJ Vlad
Podcast Information:
- Title: Club Shay Shay
- Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts, The Volume, and Shay Shay Media
- Description: NFL legend Shannon Sharpe—3x Super Bowl champion and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame—sits down with the biggest athletes, celebrities, and influencers to discuss their accomplishments, challenges, and everything in-between.
- Episode: Club Shay Shay - Bow Wow Part 2
- Release Date: April 30, 2025
Introduction to Bow Wow's Career Journey
In this insightful episode, Bow Wow engages in an open-hearted conversation with DJ Vlad, delving into his multifaceted career and personal growth. The discussion begins with Bow Wow recounting his early days in the entertainment industry, highlighting his tenure as the host of "106 in Park."
Bow Wow on Hosting "106 in Park": "Me and my boy Bart packed up, went to New York and here I am finally hosting the show that they named me at, right? That was dope." (03:52)
Bow Wow explains how he secured the hosting gig, emphasizing the pivot from being in Australia to taking on the role in New York, which he fondly remembers as a transformative period that taught him invaluable business lessons.
Navigating the Music Industry: Contracts and Collaborations
A significant portion of the conversation revolves around Bow Wow's experiences with record labels, particularly his relationship with So So Def and So So Def's founder, Jermaine Dupri (JD).
On Leaving So So Def: "I never wanted to leave. It was family. Contractually, I never was signed to So So Def. I got it tatted on me. It's still So So Def for life." (03:55)
Bow Wow candidly discusses the challenges of contractual obligations that led to his temporary departure from So So Def. He shares his emotional struggle during this period, feeling a sense of betrayal and disappointment, which eventually led him to seek guidance from mentors like T.I.
Reconciliation with JD:
06:40
"I cried to him, and he held me. That conversation reignited a fire in JD, and we came back stronger together."
This heartfelt reconciliation story underscores the importance of mentorship and loyalty in Bow Wow's career, showcasing how personal relationships can significantly impact professional trajectories.
The Art of Ghostwriting in Hip-Hop and R&B
Bow Wow shares his perspectives on ghostwriting, particularly the stigma it carries in the hip-hop community compared to its acceptance in R&B.
Bow Wow on Ghostwriting: "For me, I had to learn how to write. A lot of rappers don't know how to put it into a record. It's tough." (08:19)
He emphasizes the authenticity of storytelling in hip-hop, suggesting that ghostwriting undermines the genre's roots in personal narrative and authenticity. In contrast, he acknowledges that ghostwriting is widely accepted and even celebrated in the R&B scene, citing artists like Beyoncé and Mariah Carey.
Friendships and Collaborations: Bow Wow and Chris Brown
The episode highlights Bow Wow's enduring friendship with Chris Brown and their collaborative efforts in the music industry.
On Collaborating with Chris Brown: "When I told Chris I needed his blessing on the record, he came through instantly. We recorded 'Use Me' right there in the studio." (12:35)
Bow Wow recounts the mutual support and creative synergy between him and Chris Brown, illustrating how their friendship transcends professional collaboration, fostering an environment of trust and encouragement.
Similarities Between Chris Brown and Usher: "Both are hard workers and dedicated. But Chris leans more into rap, while Usher embodies pure R&B." (15:37)
This comparison sheds light on Bow Wow's appreciation for diverse musical talents and his respect for artists who excel in their respective genres.
Personal Life: Relationships and Fatherhood
Bow Wow opens up about his approach to relationships, emphasizing privacy and the challenges of dating in the public eye.
Maintaining Privacy in Relationships: "I try my best to keep it private. When you're public, it's open to everyone. I like it that way." (22:18)
He discusses the pitfalls of public relationships, including unsolicited attention and the complexities of managing personal life amidst fame. Bow Wow also shares heartfelt moments about his daughter, highlighting the joys and responsibilities of fatherhood.
Parenting Insights: "Teaching my daughter about money management is crucial. Seeing her save up shows she's learning well." (46:22)
His anecdotes about parenting, such as managing his daughter's financial independence, reflect his commitment to fostering a healthy and responsible upbringing.
Overcoming Personal Struggles: Mental Health and Addiction
One of the most poignant segments of the episode is Bow Wow's discussion about his mental health struggles and past substance abuse.
Mental Health Journey: "I hit a dark point where I felt like I couldn't find peace. It was selfish, and I'm glad that chapter's closed." (54:13)
Bow Wow bravely shares his thoughts during a period of profound self-doubt and contemplation of life-ending measures. He attributes his recovery to his support system, including his mother, friends, and faith.
Battling Addiction: "Lean was destructive. My body almost needed it, but I'm committed to staying clean now." (63:22)
He elaborates on his experience with Lean, detailing the physical and emotional toll it took on him. Bow Wow emphasizes his determination to maintain sobriety, recognizing the importance of self-care and support from loved ones.
The Impact of Social Media and Public Perception
Bow Wow critiques the pervasive influence of social media on personal privacy and public perception.
Challenges with Social Media: "It's hard to live freely when everyone's judging you. I can't stand the constant scrutiny." (54:31)
He reflects on the difficulty of maintaining a genuine sense of self amidst the relentless exposure that comes with fame. Bow Wow shares instances of being mistakenly portrayed online, underscoring the challenges celebrities face in controlling their narrative.
On "Fake Flexing": "I posted something to throw everyone off. It was a mistake, but I owned up to it." (56:53)
This honesty about his missteps on social media highlights Bow Wow's commitment to authenticity and accountability.
Tour Life and Camaraderie with Fellow Artists
The episode concludes with Bow Wow discussing the dynamics of touring and his relationships with fellow artists like Trey Songz and Soulja Boy.
Tour Highlights: "Our camaraderie makes the tour successful. We support each other and have a great time together." (68:03)
Bow Wow shares anecdotes from the Millennium Tour, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and mutual respect among artists. He recounts humorous incidents and the joy of performing in his natural habitat, reinforcing the bond he shares with his tour mates.
Rebuilding Relationships: "I never had true beef. We race whose Lambo is faster, but now we laugh and collaborate." (69:07)
This reflection showcases Bow Wow's growth in handling relationships within the industry, moving from competition to collaboration and mutual support.
Closing Thoughts: Embracing the Journey
In his final remarks, Bow Wow reflects on his enduring career, the lessons learned, and his optimistic outlook for the future.
On Longevity in the Industry: "I'm 38, started at 5, and I'm still going strong. It's just the beginning." (65:40)
He expresses gratitude for his sustained success and the unwavering support from his fans, underscoring his resilience and passion for his craft.
Future Endeavors: "Business is booming, and I'm excited for what's to come. I'm ready for this year and next." (72:06)
Bow Wow hints at upcoming projects, including new records and collaborations, demonstrating his commitment to evolving as an artist and entrepreneur.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
-
"I never wanted to leave. It was family. Contractually, I never was signed to So So Def."
— Bow Wow [03:55] -
"Forming a group chat with friends is my therapy."
— Bow Wow [53:53] -
"Lean was destructive. My body almost needed it, but I'm committed to staying clean now."
— Bow Wow [63:22] -
"I'm 38, started at 5, and I'm still going strong. It's just the beginning."
— Bow Wow [65:40] -
"Our camaraderie makes the tour successful. We support each other and have a great time together."
— Bow Wow [68:03]
Conclusion
This episode of Club Shay Shay offers an intimate glimpse into Bow Wow's life, exploring his professional milestones, personal challenges, and the resilience that drives his ongoing success. Through candid conversations with DJ Vlad, Bow Wow not only shares his journey but also imparts valuable lessons on authenticity, mental health, and the importance of genuine relationships in both personal and professional realms.