Johnny Dang
Johnny Dang | |
|---|---|
| File:Johny-dang-throne.jpg Dang in 2019 | |
| Born | Thanh Dang |
| Nationality | Vietnamese |
| Other names | TV Johnny |
| Occupation | Jeweler |
| Spouse | Jennifer Dang[1] |
| Website | shopjohnnydang |
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]
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]
In popular culture
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
- ^ Smith, Cecilia. "TV Johnny & Paul Wall Open The Largest Johnny Dang & Co. Store In Houston". Houston Style Magazine. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
- ^ a b c Morgan, Heather R. "How Vietnamese Immigrant Johnny Dang Became Rap's Favorite Jeweler". Forbes. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
- ^ a b Terry, Josh (25 February 2020). "Watch Post Malone Get New Grills on VICE's New Series 'House of Dang'". VICE. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
- ^ "From Poverty to King of Bling". House of Dang. Season 1. February 23, 2020. Event occurs at 4:33. VICE. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
- ^ "Johnny Dang is the King of Bling". On the Rocks. May 30, 2019. Event occurs at 0:15. GQ. Retrieved April 18, 2020.
- ^ a b Ip, Chris. "Hip-hop took these jewelers from flea market stalls to flagship stores". NBC News. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
- ^ Currinn, Jonathan. "Machine Gun Kelly Featuring Waka Flocka Flame - Wild Boy". Critic Jonni. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
- ^ Guerra, Joey (16 December 2013). "Beyonce's homage to Houston". San Antonio Express-News.
- ^ Zidel, Alex. "Rod Wave Relies On His Old Habits In "And I Still"". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 22 June 2020.
- ^ Mench, Chris. "Quavo & Lil Yachty Parody 'Everyday Struggle' In Their New Video For "Ice Tray"". Genius. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
- ^ Serrano, Shea (27 November 2009). "Five Spot: Where's Johnny? For That Matter, Who's Johnny?". Houston Press. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
- ^ 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
- Chen, Wei-Huan (14 November 2018). "This is what it's like waiting to meet Johnny Dang, Houston's King of Bling". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
- Schwartzberg, Lauren (15 December 2014). "The Ancient History of Grills". VICE. Retrieved 18 April 2020.