Jul 7, 2011 14:47 GMT  ·  By

Rapper Bow Wow is a father and he’s finally coming clean about it, despite the fact that reports have been mentioning a child for a while. In an open letter to fans on his official webpage, the 24-year-old star gushes about the joy of being a father.

He says the only reason he didn’t speak about his daughter so far is because he tried to shield her from the media attention, so that she doesn’t have to miss out on her childhood like he did.

Since his daughter was born, he literally became a new man – a better man, who has a better understanding and appreciation of what’s important in life.

“I felt as if i had no purpose to live(Thinking selfishly) until god gave me the illest gift of my life. No lambo, no blk card nuffn ammounts to my lil girl,” Bow Wow writes (quotes via Too Fab).

“I waited so long to tell yall the truth because i was nervous on how yall would look at me. Yall know everyone makes a big deal out of everything i do. I wanted to be 1st n let yall know the real,” he adds.

“My lil girl is getting BIG fast. i love every minute of it. She inspires me to go harder.Even made me treat my mother better, its like it made me into a man over night,” Bow Wow says.

In the same open letter, the rapper explains he has no intention of making public photos of his daughter because he aims to do whatever in his power to shield her from the paparazzi and the media, and not be the one who pushes her into this world that he too hates.

“i want my boo boo to have everything i didnt. Want her to be able to cheerlead with her lil friends with out some [expletive]hole sticking his camera all in my lil girl face. I know how fame is. I missed out on so much that i now know how important it is to cherish and have those things in your life,” Bow Wow says.

So, instead of uploading personal photos on his webpage, he’s changing diapers and traveling from his place to his ex’s, where his daughter lives: it’s hard but it’s definitely worth it.

Below is the trailer for the upcoming documentary “Who Is Shad Moss”: at one point, Bow Wow is seen holding a baby who, Too Fab believes, could be his daughter.