There are multiple artists with the name Bow Wow. 1. Bow Wow is a Japanese heavy metal band from Tokyo, formed in 1975. The band released their self-titled debut in 1976. The band briefly changed their name to Vow Wow from 1984-1990, and changed back to Bow Wow by their 1995 album Bow Wow #1. 2. Shad Gregory Moss (born March 9, 1987), better known by his stage name Bow Wow (formerly Lil' Bow Wow), is an American rapper, actor and television host. As Lil' Bow Wow, he released his first album, Beware of Dog, in 2000 at age 13, which was followed by Doggy Bag in 2001.