Bow Wow’s ‘Use Me’ Is His First Hit in 19 Years — Is It Another Summer Anthem?

Bow Wow Is Dominating Radio With “Use Me,” featuring Chris Brown

With his newest single, “Use Me,” Bow Wow is reminding the world of who he is. Long before social media, he made hits. When he was 13-years-old, Bow Wow was running the rap game. As a result, he retired when most people his age were just hitting the work force. Reuniting with Chris Brown, Bow Wow is proving he still has what it takes to win. Most impressive? It’s been nearly 20 years since his last hit record.

Bow Wow is back, and this time, he might just run the summer again. After nearly a decade without releasing a full project, the rap icon returned on March 27, 2025 with “Use Me” featuring Chris Brown — a slick blend of R&B and rap produced by Hitmaka. Released under BPC Music Group, the song is a sensual ode to loyalty and late-night love, gaining serious traction with 5 million Spotify streams and over 1.4 million YouTube views. It’s nostalgic yet current, sparking the question: Is this Bow Wow’s next summer anthem?

Let’s look back at 10 times Bow Wow proved he’s a summer hitmaker — and how “Use Me” fits right in.

1. Bounce With Me (2000)

Bow Wow’s debut single, “Bounce With Me,” featuring Xscape, was an instant summer favorite. Dropping from his platinum-certified Beware of Dog album, the track had youthful energy and undeniable bounce that introduced the world to “Lil’ Bow Wow.” With Jermaine Dupri behind the boards, it blended So So Def swagger with kid-friendly charisma. The song peaked at No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was a staple on BET’s video shows. As far as introductions go, Bow Wow had the summer on lock from day one.

2. Bow Wow (That’s My Name) (2000)

Featuring the legendary Snoop Dogg, “Bow Wow (That’s My Name)” dropped in late 2000 but fully took over the airwaves during the following summer. With its catchy hook, confident verses, and West Coast co-sign, it became Bow Wow’s signature track. It reached No. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 and helped solidify him as more than a kid rapper — he was a full-blown star. By the time summer hit, this song was on every mixtape, radio countdown, and school dance playlist across the country.

3. Puppy Love (2001)

Teaming up with Jagged Edge, “Puppy Love” tapped into teen romance while keeping that summer energy alive. Released just before summer 2001, the track had crossover appeal, drawing fans from both pop and R&B. It was one of his most memorable early songs, showcasing Bow Wow’s softer side while staying catchy. The music video’s playful tone and radio-friendly vibe made it a go-to for summer love anthems and elevated his credibility as more than a one-hit wonder.

4. Take Ya Home (2002)

Taken from his Doggy Bag album, “Take Ya Home” was another standout that warmed up the charts going into summer 2002. Produced by Jermaine Dupri, the song blended playful flirtation with grown-up delivery, signaling Bow Wow’s transition from kid rapper to teenage heartthrob. The track was paired with a slick music video and consistent radio play, giving it legs well into July. By this point, it was clear — Bow Wow didn’t just make music during the summer, he defined it.

5. Basketball (2002)

From the soundtrack to Like Mike, Bow Wow’s movie breakout, “Basketball” was a cultural crossover. Featuring Jermaine Dupri and Fabolous, this remix of Kurtis Blow’s classic became the soundtrack of every pick-up game and sports montage that year. Released mid-summer, it was energetic, fun, and pure nostalgia. As a single tied to a major box office hit, it showcased Bow Wow’s ability to control not just music but pop culture during the summer.

6. Let’s Get Down (2003)

By 2003, Bow Wow had officially dropped the “Lil’” — and with “Let’s Get Down” featuring Baby (Birdman), he made it known. The track served as the lead single for Unleashed and hit the scene with a more mature image and sound. It arrived just in time for the summer party circuit, offering a bouncier beat and slicker lyrics than his earlier work. This song proved Bow Wow could evolve — and keep the summer momentum going while doing it.

7. Let Me Hold You (2005)

One of Bow Wow’s most iconic tracks, “Let Me Hold You” featuring Omarion, is a certified R&B summer classic. It peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and dominated radio during summer 2005. The smooth melody, intimate lyrics, and grown-up subject matter showed fans a new side of Bow Wow — and they loved it. It also launched the legendary Bow Wow + O collab era, cementing his transition into mature R&B territory while keeping his summer streak intact.

8. Like You (2005)

Released just a few weeks after “Let Me Hold You,” Bow Wow’s duet with then-girlfriend Ciara became the couple anthem of summer 2005. “Like You” climbed to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, fueled by their real-life chemistry and massive fan interest. It was flirty, feel-good, and everywhere — from mall speakers to school dances. With back-to-back summer smashes in one season, Bow Wow had officially become the king of summer ’05.

9. Girlfriend (2007)

From the Face Off album with Omarion, “Girlfriend” dropped at the end of 2007 but picked up steam in spring 2008. Its catchy hook, polished production, and melodic blend of rap and R&B made it a slow-burn summer jam. While not as chart-topping as his earlier hits, it resonated with his growing fanbase and reinforced his chemistry with Omarion. By the time summer rolled around, it was a favorite on both urban and pop radio stations.

10. Use Me (2025)

Nineteen years after his last major hit, Bow Wow has returned with “Use Me” — and it’s a certified contender for summer anthem status. Released on March 27, 2025, and produced by Hitmaka, the track features Chris Brown and channels late-night devotion, sensual vibes, and grown-man energy. With over 5 million Spotify streams and 1.4 million YouTube views, it’s clear fans are tuned in. The reunion with Breezy, a decade in the making, only adds to the buzz. With nostalgic appeal and modern swagger, “Use Me” shows Bow Wow still has the formula to run the summer.