Shad Gregory Moss , better known as Bow Wow or formerly Lil ' Bow Wow ( born March 9 , 1987 , Columbus , Ohio ) is an African-American rapper , actor , and music producer . He began his rap career when he was 13 . As Lil ' Bow Wow , Moss made his rap debut with Beware of Dog in 2000 at the age of 13 .