News - Bow Wow Opens Up About Past Struggle with Lean Addiction

In the wake of Mac Miller's tragic passing, rapper Shad Moss, known professionally as Bow Wow, took to social media to candidly discuss his own battles with addiction. Addressing his followers on Twitter, Moss recounted his tumultuous history with 'lean,' a concoction of cough syrup mixed with soft drinks, which had drastically affected his life. Moss revealed that during the production of the FACE OFF album alongside fellow artist Omarion, he was persistently under the influence. His dependency escalated to consuming the mixture multiple times daily while touring with Chris Brown. The habit led to an unforgettable wake-up call when he collapsed during a performance in Cincinnati and found himself hospitalized with severe withdrawal symptoms. This ordeal struck a transformative point in his life, altering his personal and professional demeanor, and eventually contributing to alienation from fans and family alike. Bow Wow expressed his regrets for missing concert dates and being publicly intoxicated during key moments like his BET appearance. He implores his audience, particularly young listeners, to steer clear of substance abuse, stressing that imitating destructive behaviors isn't 'cool.' By sharing his story, Moss aims to educate and warn against the seductive pull of such substances. Highlighting the irreversible damage already inflicted on his health, he passionately called for a shift in the culture surrounding drug use, urging parents to communicate with their children about the risks. With a heartfelt message to break the cycle of addiction, Bow Wow committed to advocating for a drug-free lifestyle to ensure his fans, especially the younger generation, can live full, unencumbered lives.