Bow Wow Says He's "Thankful" He Couldn't Use His Money Before He Was 18

Bow Wow says that he's grateful he didn't have access to his wealth until the age of 18. Speaking about his personal finances and being a star at a young age, Bow Wow told Real Lyfe Street Starz that he wouldn't have lasted if he could have spent his own money at the time.

“You don’t really see it. You just doing all the work and you getting, you know all the gifts and treats for being famous, but as far as being able to touch the bag, you don’t touch it,” Bow Wow said. “I’ll go back to your question when you said what’s the gift and the curse, that would probably be the only thing that for the first five years of my career I couldn’t touch none of my money.”

Bow Wow explained that he would've spent his earnings as soon as he got them if he could. He added: “If I would have came in the game at 19 or 18, I probably would’ve tapped out the game cause I would’ve been like it’s crazy that I’m seeing this type of paper and I get to touch it as soon as I hit. So I was kind of thankful for that.”

Bow Wow has addressed the issue of young rappers being exploited for their finances in the past. Back in January, he said that the hip-hop community needs to start a union to protect its artists. “Hip hop needs a board!” Bow Wow wrote at the time. “No different than the NBA w/ the players association. A committee. That can set rules and keep things in control and protect this thing we call hip hop! And have a retirement plan for the og rappers. I hate seeing my heros liquor’d out no money just washed.” The idea is something The Hip Hop Alliance has tried to enact. The organization was founded by Chuck D, Kurtis Blow, and KRS-One.

[Via]