Meet Miss Karissa B. Baby WestCoast” | Dancer/Actor/Rapper/Entertainer”

We had the good fortune of connecting with Miss Karissa B. “Baby WestCoast” and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Miss Karissa B., we’d love to start by asking you about lessons learned. Is there a lesson you can share with us?
I would say the most important lesson my career has taught me is not to take rejection personally and to create your own opportunities. Being in the entertainment industry as a young artist, actor, and entertainer has taught me that nothing is ever guaranteed. When you audition for roles, it’s a gamble. The acting business is not as easy as people think. From learning scripts and auditioning in front of directors and producers, it can be intimidating but it can also be rewarding if you are the right fit for the job. I have auditioned for some roles that I was close to booking until the director and producers had changed the age and look of the role and that happens a lot. But I always thought if you put yourself out there and network on social media platforms such as instagram, facebook, tiktok, etc, to show others what you are capable of as an artist, actor or anything else then opportunities can come your way when wanting to be casted for new projects. I would post on social media reels of myself acting or music videos I have had the chance to be in. Even dance videos of me dancing, performing for concerts and even hosting interviews for celebrities. I think social media opened the doors for me and I am glad I had put my work out there. I am extremely blessed and thankful for everyone who has given me the opportunity to work with them. Getting rejected from the things you’re not meant for only leads to bigger things you are meant for. If you get rejected for a job you really wanted, remember that life goes on and you move forward. If you really want something, it will come to you eventually. Maybe just not in the way you expect. But with hard work and dedication, you can do anything you put your mind to.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When I was 3 years old I was inspired by watching Michael Jackson & Jennifer Lopez music videos on youtube. I would try to copy the choreography in their videos. My mom saw that I loved dancing, so she had me join a local dance studio at 4 years old. After a few months, I was offered to try out for dance competitions where I then did hip-hop solos and hip-hop group competitive dancing.

I always wear a glove in my right hand to represent for Michael Jackson during all my performances and a bandana at times to represent my swaggy style.

At the age of 5, I was offered to join a hip-hop dance crew of ages 8 and under in Los Angeles. I enjoyed traveling and performing for about a year but then favoritism and bullying came to light after I was receiving recognition from the crowds at events. For my end of year performance I was told by my dance teacher that I was not good enough to continue to stay with the team and that I needed to work on some things. Again I was only 5 years old. I did not understand why she kept me for so long but then told me she didn’t want me. I was hurt and sad because I didn’t get to see my dance friends anymore. My mom told me it was okay and encouraged me to keep dancing. I then decided I wanted to become a freestyle dancer where I could express myself and my own moves in my own way through music.

I started to attend dance events and would dance in front of large crowds. I would dance in cyphers and do dance battles with the adults just for fun. I started my social media page at 5 years old so I would post videos of me dancing. I use to always tell people ” I just like to make people smile when I dance”. I enjoyed the compliments and motivation that the dancers would give me. I was then noticed on my instagram profile and got offered to be in a music video for Hip Hop Artist Tyga ft. International Artist Leck from France. After being on set for more than 10 hours and not once was I tired, I knew I had a passion to dance and entertain for the cameras.

At the age of 6, I started networking at events with many dancers, choreographers, film directors, and producers in the entertainment industry. I trained and attended several master classes with various dance instructors where I got to learn different styles of hip-hop. I got an opportunity to do some training from my big dance brothers Season 1 winners of America’s Best Dance Crew “Jabbawockeez” where I spent 8 hours for 3 days of intense dance training and then later got to perform at the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. I remember sitting in a circle with them and they told us that even if someone is dancing bad, don’t hate, just appreciate it and it’s okay to join them and dance even when it’s silly. It’s all about positive energy and just be yourself and have fun. I also got the opportunity to learn and train with Season 2 winners of America’s Best Dance Crew “SuperCrew”. It was an amazing experience and I will never forget sharing the stage with them!.

At the age of 7, I was then noticed by Michael Chambers a.k.a “Boogalo Shrimp” from the 1980’s movie “Breakin” who wanted to train me in some dance styles. Popping, Locking, Breaking, & Freestyle. He then referred me to freestyle artist Nocera where she booked me to perform on stage for the Freestyle Festival at the Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA with over 15,000 people in attendance. Shortly after, I had the opportunity to dance with Atlanta, GA Artists Arrested Development on stage as well.

My journey continued after that concert, I started to get noticed even more and had the chance to perform for many old-school, freestyle, & hip-hop legendary music artists. I had the opportunity to also dance in some of their music videos. I was always known as Miss Karissa B. until West Coast royalty UNC Snoop Dogg actually named me “Baby WestCoast” not knowing that I would take what he called me when he met me at 6 years old in his dressing room having a dance battle after we just got done from performing on stage for the Kings of the West concert. Ever since then, the hip hop artists and their management that were there started calling me that and it kind of just stuck with me. Thank you UNC Snoop for always supporting the youth and always having time to conversate and dance with me when we see each other. I love you!

At the age of 8, I decided to try and rap for fun. I was inspired by West Coast rapper Tupac Shakur. I loved that he was a poet and I decided to try and write some of my own songs. One of my favorite books from him is called “The Rose that grew from Concrete” I kind of drew my inspiration from real life events that happened to me. I like spreading positivity and inspire the youth through my music. The first time I went into a studio, I was excited because I got to actually see the whole process on how a song is made. From lyrics, to beats, to engineering, to mixing and mastering. I remember being in the studio for over 7 hours. But overall, I enjoyed it and felt accomplished when the song was finally done. You can check out my first song and music video at 8 years old on my youtube channel Miss Karissa B. It’s called “Picture Me Rollin”. My other song and music video that was filmed 1 month before the pandemic called “Fiesta” ft. Mike Dynasty and many other fun inspiring songs & performances on my channel such as “Rappers Enlight”, “I’m So Cool”, “Dale Duro” & more.

At 8 years old, I had the opportunity to tour and rap with latin hip hop group “A Lighter Shade of Brown” (Rest in Peace DTTX) for the Art Laboe concerts. Artist/Member ODM blessed me with giving me opportunities to show my passion for music and entertainment on the stage. It was an honor and I truly thank him for having me come and rock the stage with him and his team.

I also do acting and modeling and became a brand ambassador for many clothing and shoe brands. I did my first national commercial with “Target”. I am part of the Warner Bros. Family where I filmed for WB Kids on youtube. Check out my episodes “Looney Tunes Lunch Time Challenge” on the WB kids youtube channel. I have also became a host and interviewer for events, shows, and concerts. I have done short films, psa’s, and more. I have performed for more than 20,000 people on stage with many legendary hip hop and old school artists at their concerts. I have gotten to work with Wowee Products, Nike and WSS Shoe store for commercials and campaigns.

I am currently working on a chicano sitcom show called “The King of Downey” produced by Chicano Hollywood and directed by Moses Medina where we won best television series for a pilot pitch at the Mexican American Film Festival. Shout out to my Chicano Hollywood Fam!

I have 3 other projects I am working on but I can’t say at this time. But stay tuned.

Artists associated with and/or credited to name a few but not all are included are:
Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, Mac 10, E-40, Too Short, Suga Free, Bobby Brown, Chris Brown, Blueface, G-Eazy, YG, The Game, Bone Thugs n Harmony, Fetty Wap, Ginuwine, 112, Sugar Hill Gang, Tyga, AD , Ty Dolla Sign, Kurupt, Daz, The Doggpound, Ruthless Records, Deathrow Records, The Zapp Band, Warren G, Al B. Sure, Naughty by Nature, Rob Base, Chubb Rock, Nocera, Trinere, Ray J, Belly, Ceraadi, Nipsey Hussle, LMFAO, Chiquis Rivera, Baby Bash, Frankie J, Digital Undergound, Planet Patrol, Kurtis Blow, The Egyptian Lover, Shannon, Arrested Development, Dj Cli-n-Tel (World Class Wreckin Kru) Disney Meg Donelly, Trevor Flanagan, Shawn Wayans, George Lopez, Travis Barker, Coolio, Kylie Jenner, Paul Rodriguez, Danny Trejo, Cheech, Tommy Chong, Emilio Rivera, Cedrick the Entertainer, Lele Pons, Fat Joe, DMX and too many more to name.

I have put in a lot of work at a young age. I believe hard work pays off. I am so thankful for all the opportunities.
I tell people. Work hard, never give up, don’t let someone tell you that you can’t do it, and always be humble and kind.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would take my best friend to Santa Monica Beach Pier, Universal Studios Theme Park, and the 2 pac museum in Los Angeles. I would take her to go eat at some of my favorite historic food places which are In&Out, Pinks Hot Dogs, Andre’s Italian Restaurant, and Porto’s Bakery.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have worked with many legendary artists, celebrities, directors, and producers that have given me the opportunity to show my passion in what I love to do. Although I would like to address all of them individually, there is just too much to name. I just want to say thank you all for supporting me on my journey and allowing me to work with you all. It has been an honor and I am truly blessed and grateful for the opportunities you have given me. I would like to give a shout out to my mom. She has been there every step of the way since I was 3 years old when I started in this industry. She has took me to all my auditions, jobs, concerts, community events, and more. I am truly thankful for her and supporting me through my journey. I love you so much mom! I would also like to give a special shout out to my grandma Sonia rest in peace who I lost last year in March of 2022 due to pancreatic cancer and my grandpa Harry for being the best grandparents and supporting me on my journey as well. They always love to come and see me on set or perform on stage. They have not missed any of my events and have been the best cheerleaders anyone can ask for. I love you all so much.

Instagram: @karissanevaeh11

Twitter: https://twitter.com/karissanevaeh11

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karissanevaeh11/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/misskarissab

Image Credits
“King of Downey” by Chicano Hollywood Sonia Balcazar Jerry Garcia Chance Falcon Jeff Reyes (Echos World) Miss Karissa B. “Baby WestCoast” Javy Dade (Artist) ft. Miss Karissa B. “Baby WestCoast” Music Video “Westside Love” Photo taken by @timeframes_