Rapper Bow Wow has been ordered to hand over $3,000 (£1,875) a month in child support to his ex-girlfriend.

The Like You hitmaker, real name Shad Moss, became a first-time father last year (11) when his former partner, Joie Chavis, gave birth to a daughter named Shai.

She recently filed legal papers demanding financial support from the hip-hop star and they appeared in a U.S. court on Monday (01Oct12) to hammer out a temporary deal.

As the judge tried to determine how much Bow Wow could afford, the 25 year old argued he currently only earns $4,000 (£2,500) a month from his contract with Cash Money Records.

However, the judge appeared to ignore his poverty plea and ruled he must pay Chavis $3,000 each month, in addition to $11,500 (£7,188) in back payments.

But Bow Wow won't be struggling financially - he was unveiled as the new co-host of U.S. cable network Bet's 106 & Park music show later on Monday. It is not yet known how much the deal is worth, although the news is likely to land him in trouble with the judge as he failed to mention anything about the lucrative contract when asked about his finances, according to Tmz.com.

The rapper is due back in court in December (12), when a permanent support order will be issued.