Rapper/actor Shad Moss, a.k.a. Bow Wow (a.k.a. Lil' Bow Wow, for people my age) has signed on to co-star in the CSI spinoff CSI: Cyber alongside Patricia Arquette and James Van Der Beek. In the show, Bow Wow will be playing the role of Brody "Baby Face" Nelson, a savant computer hacker who's ordered by a judge to work with a cyber crimes police unit.

"Bow Wow is a gifted young actor who will have the responsibility, through his character, to set an example for young people who watch the show to 'do what's right' even when you know 'nothing but wrong,'" said CSI creator Anthony E. Zuiker. "It will be a redemption story and a cautionary tale all wrapped into one. The role of Nelson required someone with deep acting chops and off the charts smarts. Shad Moss is a unique talent that possesses both."

CSI: Cyber will be the third spinoff of the original CSI series, following CSI: Miami and CSI: NY.

Bow Wow made his music debut in 2000 with his album Beware of Dog, which was released under the name Lil' Bow Wow when he was just 13 years old. He made his acting debut in a 2001 episode of the short-lived sitcom Moesha, and made his film debut with 2002's All About the Benjamins. His first starring role was in the 2002 basketball movie Like Mike.

Starting with 2003's Unleashed, Bow Wow dropped the "Lil'" from his name. His most recent album was 2009's New Jack City II, and his next album Underrated is slated for release in 2015.

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