At just 13 years old, mini-gangster Lil’ Bow Wow, who was born in Columbus, burst onto the scene in 2000 with hits like “Bounce with Me” and “Bow Wow (That’s My Name)”. In 2002, the little man picked up the main role in the movie “Like Mike.”

In 2003 the rapper decided he was a big boy now and dropped the “Lil” to become plain old Bow Wow. He also scored some roles in films such as “Roll Bounce” and “The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift,” which sort of makes him a legitimate actor. Sort of.

After a few more songs like “Marco Polo” and the ever-so-tasteful “Pole in my Basement,” Bow Wow disappeared for a bit while working on his next album, “Underrated,” which will be released Dec. 6.

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