Blessed with mic skills and business knowledge, LA rapper Vinny West has dreams that extend beyond making records. • West was raised by a single mother in low-income housing in Los Angeles, Compton, Bellflower, and Cerritos. • He started recording music during the “jerkin’” era of the late 2000s and early 2010s. But he never wore colored skinny jeans, one of the movement’s signature looks. • The industrious rapper studied business at Cerritos College (where he played football) and later Western New Mexico University. He plans to one day manage and write for other artists. • During his time at Cerritos, his song “My B***h” blew up, convincing him that his career had legs. • His other popular singles include 2017’s “Too Player” and 2018’s “No Face No Case.”