Keke Palmer and her 2-year-old son Leodis delivered an unforgettable Halloween 2025 tribute, expertly transforming into hip-hop icons Snoop Dogg and Bow Wow, delighting fans with their spot-on costumes and celebrating the joyous bond between mother and son.
Actress and host Keke Palmer, known for her vibrant personality and creative flair, has once again stolen the Halloween spotlight. This year, she and her 2-year-old son, Leodis “Leo”, paid an epic tribute to hip-hop legends Snoop Dogg and Bow Wow, channeling their iconic looks from Bow Wow‘s 2000 hit “Bow Wow (That’s My Name).” The internet exploded with admiration for the mother-son duo’s dedication and style, solidifying their place as Halloween royalty.
The meticulously crafted costumes showcased Palmer’s attention to detail. Keke effortlessly transformed into Snoop Dogg, complete with a white T-shirt, a zip-up hoodie, baggy pants, white sneakers, and a signature silver chain. Her son, Leodis, perfectly embodied a young Bow Wow, sporting a white sweatband, a dark-wash denim jacket, a white T-shirt, and cool sunglasses.
Unveiling the Hip-Hop Homage
Palmer shared their impressive looks across several Instagram posts on Wednesday, October 29, much to the delight of her fans. One caption proudly declared, “My son my lil road dog FORREAL! Happy Halloween 👻🎃,” underscoring the special bond evident in their coordinated efforts. Another post featured a lively video of the pair singing along to the “Bow Wow (That’s My Name)” track, with Leodis bopping and adjusting his sunglasses, proving he inherited his mother’s star power. Palmer captioned it, “Woof the dogs came to playyyy 🎤 Happy Halloween :).”
The tribute quickly garnered widespread attention, even catching the eye of Snoop Dogg himself, who reportedly reposted the video multiple times on his Instagram stories. This nod from one of the hip-hop icons they were portraying added another layer of authenticity and excitement to the viral moment, as noted by NBC Insider.
A Deeper Look: Motherhood and Creative Expression
Beyond the fun of Halloween, this costume reveal offered fans a glimpse into Keke Palmer‘s world as a devoted mother. Leodis, born in February 2023, is Palmer’s son with ex-boyfriend Darius Jackson. Her journey as a single mom is one she openly shares with her audience, offering support and genuine insights.
Earlier in October, Palmer posted a candid message on Instagram acknowledging other single mothers, writing, “This is to all my mother’s doing it on their own… I just want to acknowledge you!” She opened up about navigating a challenging week, emphasizing self-worth and the importance of allowing children to see their parents’ human emotions. “You are doing good. You are capable. Your baby does love you. Your sacrifices are accounted for. God is with you,” she affirmed, a powerful message resonating with her followers, as reported by People.
Leodis’s Name and a History of Iconic Costumes
The name Leodis itself has a unique backstory. Palmer, whose real first name is Lauren, revealed on Scott Evans‘ House Guest podcast that Darius Jackson suggested combining their names. The result, Leodis Andrellton Jackson, struck Keke as both adorable and sounding like a historically significant name, joking that he “sounded like he was marching with [Martin Luther King Jr.].”
This isn’t the first time Keke Palmer and Leodis have captivated fans with their Halloween costumes. In 2024, they embraced a fantasy theme, with Palmer as the strawberry-blonde Cersei Lannister and Leo as Joffrey Baratheon from HBO’s Game of Thrones, complete with an Iron Throne setting. Her consistent dedication to elaborate, pop-culture-referencing costumes underscores her playful and artistic spirit, always delighting her loyal fanbase.
Keke Palmer: A Multifaceted Star
Beyond her iconic Halloween transformations and candid insights into motherhood, Keke Palmer continues to thrive in her career. The multi-talented actress, singer, and television host is currently the host of NBC’s game show “Password.” The show, which features Jimmy Fallon as a recurring player, was recently renewed for a third season in August 2025, promising more laughter and fun. Palmer and Fallon expressed their excitement, stating they would be taking the show “to another level this season with bigger guests, wilder guesses, and guaranteed laughs.”
Whether she’s channeling hip-hop legends, embracing fantasy royalty, or leading a prime-time game show, Keke Palmer consistently brings her unique blend of talent, humor, and authenticity to everything she does. Her Halloween celebrations with Leodis are more than just costumes; they are a vibrant testament to her creativity, her bond with her son, and her powerful voice as a role model for mothers everywhere.