Not So Lil’ Anymore

He’s 15 years old, has sold more than 3.5 million records and stars in an upcoming feature film. But what exactly are we supposed to call this young rapper and actor?

We’ve known him as Lil’ Bow Wow, and that’s how he’s billed in “Like Mike,” the basketball-themed movie that opens July 3. But at the recent MTV Movie Awards, he was billed simply as Bow Wow.

Is the pup growing up and having an identity crisis?

“I’m getting older. I don’t want to be known as Lil’ right now,” he barks (not really) over the phone. “For me, the whole Lil’ thing has gotten out of hand.”

But the “Lil’ ” handle has not been officially retired yet, says manager--and mom--Teresa Caldwell.

We’ll abide by whatever they finally decide, as long as he doesn’t follow what Prince once did and ask to be ID’d with simply a symbol. (What would it be, a bone?)

And, for the record, young Mr. Wow (a.k.a. Shad Moss) stands 5 feet 1--but “I’m still growing,” he snarls (no, really, we’re making that up).

Sorina Diaconescu