The Truth About Chanel West Coast's Parents

MTV darling Chanel West Coast (real name Chelsea Chanel Dudley) is a busy woman. After rising to reality television fame starring as Rob Dyrdek's "rapping receptionist" on Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory, the TV personality then followed her boss over to the comedy clip show, Ridiculousness. She co-hosted the MTV staple with Dyrdek for 12 years before her own short-lived reality series, "The West Coast Hustle."

In addition to being a regular face on the reality TV network, West Coast is also trying to make it as a rapper. Unfortunately for the "Ridiculousness" star, it hasn't been that easy. Her focus on television at the beginning of her career may have been detrimental to her rap career. "When I first started rapping, I was, like, 'I'm gonna be, like, the female Eminem,'" West Coast mused to LA Weekly. West Coast told the outlet that she felt particularly threatened by female rapper Iggy Azalea, saying it was hard to "see somebody blowing up in my position," adding, "Now it looks like I'm the second, but really I've been doing this since I was 14 years old." Nevertheless, the celeb hasn't quit and is still releasing music in hopes of it taking off.

But what about West Coast's upbringing? As we know, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree and the MTV star's family definitely influenced who she is today. Here's the truth about Chanel West Coast's parents.

Growing up, Chanel West Coast inherited her love of music from her dad, who was a DJ. According to the rapper's website, when she wasn't living with her mom in North Hollywood, California, West Coast was with her dad in New York. He would bring his then-eight-year-old daughter with him as he DJ'd local clubs. "I've always been around music," West Coast wrote. "I knew it's what I'd do for the rest of my life." Adorably enough, the celeb had one dream when she was a little girl: to make her father proud. "I remember just dreaming of one day, my dad pulling out my record to play," she gushed to The Trend. 

While some might think West Coast only wants to stick to hip-hop, she's actually always wanted to branch out musically. Speaking with The Trend about Gwen Stefani's crossover success from No Doubt to a solo artist, the star said she's interested in being a crossover artist, as well. "It's something I'd love to do. I love all types of music, I'd rather start with hip-hop and then maybe cross over into more pop-rock. I really aspire to be an artist like that, that can basically do anything." In fact, in 2025, she released her first country single called "Lil' Bit Country."

It certainly was fairly bold of Chanel West Coast's father to take her to clubs while she was still underage. That being said, her time living with her mom in the San Fernando Valley was just as unusual. In an LA Weekly interview, West Coast told the outlet that, at one point, her mother grew marijuana at home to help pay the bills. The rapper also revealed that she started "smoking weed at age 11."

While her mom may have had an unconventional profession, it seems that she inspired her daughter to do what she needed to do to achieve her goals."I was determined to perform in front of people and get my music out there," the rapper told Locale Magazine in 2015. "I had to hustle ... Rob [Dyrdek] hooked me up with some free clothing for me and my dancers, because I was flat broke, and couldn't afford anything!"

These days, West Coast is worth a pretty penny and can certainly afford her own clothing and dancers. However, even though she's got a few more dollars in the bank, she's still striving everyday to make her parents proud. "I make all of my music, because I want to be successful and make [my mom] proud," the Ridiculousness starlet explained to The Trend, adding, "She's proud that I'm able to help her out with the bills and stuff."

Chanel West Coast may have been primarily raised by her mom, but her bond with her stepmom, Linda, runs deep. She refers to her as a second mother, and though she doesn't shout it on the rooftops daily, West Coast made it crystal clear just how much Linda means to her in a heartfelt Instagram post back in 2020, saying how she couldn't be more grateful that she has become part of their family.

"I'm happy my dad found you Linda. You are an angel sent to him and I don't know what our lives would be without you," West Coast wrote in a tribute post celebrating her dad and stepmom's 16th wedding anniversary, noting that her words were mostly directed toward Linda since her father doesn't use Instagram. She went on to shower them both with love for their incredible milestone. "Even though we are going through hard times I know you both are keeping smiles on your faces and making each other laugh no matter what," she added. "You both bring so much love and light into this world and you deserve it all! Heres to many more years together! Love you!"

West Coast also occasionally gives Linda shoutouts on social media, showing just how strong their relationship is. If that wasn't enough proof of how solid they are, West Coast even credited Linda with opening her eyes to deeper issues. "my step mom is black, my aunt is black, & my cousin is mixed," she wrote on X. "Race issues have always been important to me."

One of the most tragic moments of Chanel West Coast's life happened in late 2024. In Novmeber of that year, she shared news that shocked many of her friends and fans: Her dad had been diagnosed with an inoperable tumor — so severe that chemo wasn't even an option. "Please everyone reading this if you believe in the power of GOD I ask with all my heart to say a prayer for my Dad. Pray he makes it through this somehow someway. Thank you for the support," she penned in an Instagram post, noting that she's holding on to hope that a miracle would happen somehow. 

Sadly, less than a month later, West Coast confirmed what many had feared — her dad had died. Though she didn't go into detail about the cause, it was assumed to be related to his diagnosis. In a lengthy tribute post, she honored him not just as a father, but as someone who inspired her to get where she is today. "RIP Dad. Professor, Daddy, DJ, Sign Man, as I would call you lol. A man of many talents and where I get my creativity from," she wrote. "I will cherish all of the amazing memories we had together so much ... You were a great Dad & taught me a lot."

Since then, West Coast kept his memory alive with occasional tributes that show just how deep her grief still runs. In a March 2025 post, she mused, "I can't believe you're gone and everyday it gets harder to face that reality," she wrote, adding that she still felt his presence and his influence in her life. "So many great things have been happening in my life since you left and I truly believe it's because you're my Angel now making it all happen for me."

If learning about her parents piqued your interest, you'll be fascinated by what West Coast was like before the fame.