July 23, 2003

Woofing for Youth

By Carl Bialik

Bow Wow: rapper, actor—computer addict?

At a media event in HBO's New York headquarters Wednesday, the performer touted Computers for Youth, a not-for-profit group that distributes computers to New York City middle-school students and provides technical training and support. Bow Wow, 16 years old, also pledged a portion of the proceeds—a minimum of $10,000—from his upcoming tour to promote "Unleashed," his third album, which is set to debut next month. Computers for Youth (www.cfy.org) has distributed more than 3,000 computers and trained more than 6,000 students in Harlem, the Bronx and Brooklyn since its founding in 1998, accepting corporate donations of computers in lots of 50 or more, according to co-founder and executive director Elisabeth Stock. CFY gives students computers for use at home, and provides training and support so the PCs get put to good use. Corporate sponsors of the New York-based organization include AOL Time Warner and Verizon Communications Inc. Bow Wow, born Shad Gregory Moss, talked about his love for gadgets. He said he's always on his Web site (www.lilbowwow.com), uses the Web to prepare schoolwork while on the road, uses a two-way pager to keep in touch, and loves videogames. Though a planned concert in Bryant Park was rained out, Bow Wow gave an impromptu performance of a one-minute portion ("my neck full of bling-bling") from "Take Ya Home," a track on his second album, "Doggy Bag." The youngsters in the front row nodded their heads in tune with the rhymes, then clamored to take pictures with Bow Wow and get his autograph. One promptly said to his friends, "I'm gonna sell this on eBay for $50."