Johnny Dang

Johnny Dang is a Vietnamese jeweler based in Houston, Texas who is known for his custom grills and involvement in the American hip-hop scene. He is a founder of Johnny Dang and Co.[2]

Johnny Dang
Dang in 2019
Born
Thanh Dang

Đắk Lắk, Vietnam
NationalityVietnamese
Other namesTV Johnny
OccupationJeweler
Spouse(s)Jennifer Dang[1]
Websiteshopjohnnydang.com

Biography

Dang was born in the Đắk Lắk Province of Vietnam near the end of the Vietnam War.[3] His given name is Thanh.[4] Dang's grandfather and father both worked in the jewelry trade.[5] In 1987, Dang's father left Vietnam and emigrated to the United States. In 1996, Dang and his family followed his father to Houston, and Dang began working in jewelry repair.[3]

Dang was working at a local flea-market when he met rapper Paul Wall. Wall was impressed by Dang's technique of making grills, and the two went into business together in 2002.[6]

Dang has been referenced in musical recordings by Migos, Gucci Mane, Lil Pump, DaBaby, YNW Melly, Keith Ape, Chief Keef, among others.[2] He has appeared in music videos including "Grillz" by Nelly,[2] "Wild Boy" by Machine Gun Kelly,[7] "No Angel" by Beyoncé,[8] "We Takin' Over" by DJ Khaled,[6] “And I Still” by Rod Wave,[9] "Ice Tray" by Quavo and Lil Yachty.[10], and “Ice Cream Paint Job” by Dorrough.[11] Dang himself has provided vocals for songs, such as on "Stay Iced Up" off Paul Wall's album Heart of a Champion.[12]

References
  1. Smith, Cecilia. "TV Johnny & Paul Wall Open The Largest Johnny Dang & Co. Store In Houston". Houston Style Magazine. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
  2. Morgan, Heather R. "How Vietnamese Immigrant Johnny Dang Became Rap's Favorite Jeweler". Forbes. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
  3. Terry, Josh (25 February 2020). "Watch Post Malone Get New Grills on VICE's New Series 'House of Dang'". VICE. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
  4. "From Poverty to King of Bling". House of Dang. Season 1. February 23, 2020. Event occurs at 4:33. VICE. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
  5. "Johnny Dang is the King of Bling". On the Rocks. May 30, 2019. Event occurs at 0:15. GQ. Retrieved April 18, 2020.
  6. Ip, Chris. "Hip-hop took these jewelers from flea market stalls to flagship stores". NBC News. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
  7. Currinn, Jonathan. "Machine Gun Kelly Featuring Waka Flocka Flame - Wild Boy". Critic Jonni. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
  8. Guerra, Joey (16 December 2013). "Beyonce's homage to Houston". San Antonio Express-News.
  9. Zidel, Alex. "Rod Wave Relies On His Old Habits In "And I Still"". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 22 June 2020.
  10. Mench, Chris. "Quavo & Lil Yachty Parody 'Everyday Struggle' In Their New Video For "Ice Tray"". Genius. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
  11. Serrano, Shea (27 November 2009). "Five Spot: Where's Johnny? For That Matter, Who's Johnny?". Houston Press. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
  12. Ryon, Sean (21 July 2010). "Paul Wall - Heart Of A Champion". HipHopDX. Archived from the original on July 25, 2010. Retrieved 18 April 2020.

Further reading
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