For West Coast, working with MTV was really just a means to an end.

Read on to learn stunning transformation of Chanel West Coast.

However, she was also tugged between both coasts, as she explained in an interview withFashionista.

Chanel West Coast as a young girl

“My mom is actually a heavy metal rock chick,” she shared.

“I took the MTA bus growing up,” she toldIn Touch.

“I’m very familiar with how to get around all of L.A. on the MTA bus.”

Chanel West Coast as a baby at a birthday party

As she toldIn Touch, she didn’t buy her way into celebrity.

Before the MTV star got her big break, she had an adolescence that was far from traditional.

Even as a teen, West Coast continued carrying on in her unconventional ways.

Chanel West Coast as a baby in her mother’s arms

The female MC was inspired by the late West Coast rapper Tupac Shakur.

In fact, she’s gushed about him in a number of interviews.

In October 2013, she toldVibejust how impactful Tupac has been to her.

Chanel West Coast as a baby on her mother’s lap

“My biggest influence is Tupac,” she revealed.

“He was a poet, and listening to Tupac is what inspired me to start rapping.”

Although the iconic rapper passed away in 1996, West Coast grew up listening to his music non-stop.

Chanel West Coast as a young girl sitting next to her mother

“Chanel’s my middle name,” she explained toPop Crush.

“Britney Spears that sounds catchy.Christina Aguilera that sounds catchy,” she continued.

“My real, full name is Chelsea Chanel Dudley.”

Chanel West Coast with braids next to her mother

And in her opinion, that doesn’t exactly sound like a hot rap moniker.

West Coast got crafty, infusing her middle name with a little extra flair.

“It’s funny because I added the West Coast by accident,” she added.

Chanel West Coast as a young girl next to her mother

From there, the name just kind of stuck!

AsInTouchreports, Dyrdek and West Coast reportedly met through mutual friends in 2008.

He quickly became a friend and mentor to the budding rapper, and eventually, her MTV co-star.

Chanel West Coast as a tween with a dog

AsThe Ringerreported, the reality show became somewhat synonymous with the MTV data pipe over time.

So it’s no surprise West Coast has stayed with the online grid for so many years.

The rapper signed West Coast to his Young Money record label, instantly taking a liking to her beats.

Chanel West Coast at a 2011 event in Hollywood

“I went to Miami, played him my music,” she continued.

Despite the word’s usual negative connotation, West Coast knew he meant it in a positive way.

“As soon as he said that, I knew I was in,” she added.

Chanel West Coast at a gala in 2011

In an interview withLA Weekly, West Coast talked about how much she loves the heiress.

“Paris always throws the sickest parties,” she gushed.

“She’s literally the most down-to-earth, coolest person ever.”

Chanel West Coast at an In Touch event in 2012

West Coast confirmed they were done for good in an interview several weeks later with theDaily Mail.

“I’m single and focused on my music career,” she told the outlet.

“I’m really excited aboutLove & Hip Hop,” she continued.

Chanel West Coast shooting a music video in 2013

Between arrests and bar brawls, the songstress doesn’t always play nice.

To make matters worse, West Coast allegedly kicked a cop as well.

It didn’t sound like a pretty scene, at least not according to eyewitnesses who were there.

Chanel West Coast backstage in 2013

One person even made a citizen’s arrest, and held West Coast down until authorities arrived.

According to law enforcement, West Coast got into a fight with a woman inside the club.

Naturally, she was kicked out of the party, but then proceeded to fight security outside.

Chanel West Coast at a gala in 2014

Unfortunately, this wasn’t West Coast’s only run-in with the law.

As she toldSeventeen, West Coast fell into the fashion design line of work unexpectedly.

“It’s crazy.

Chanel West Coast at a benefit in 2019

As for the name of her first line, Valleywood, it actually has a meaningful back story.

“I’m still in the Hollywood scene,” she continued.