Rapper Bow Wow has blasted rumors of a rift with his mentor Jermaine Dupri - despite snubbing the chance to sign with the music mogul's record label.

Industry insiders expected the star to hook up with Dupri after ending his deal with Columbia earlier this year - but instead he signed with the Cash Money imprint, where he joins the likes of Lil Wayne and Drake.

However, Bow Wow insists people shouldn't read too much into his decision, adding that he and Dupri are still close.

The rapper tells Globalgrind.com, "Please don't be misinformed and think I'm just jumpin' on what's hot or trying to ride others' success. Me and Dupri are cool. Nothing has or will change. He'll always be that father figure that I never had."

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(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)