Johnny Dang (born 1972 or 1973[2]) 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.[3]
Johnny Dang | |
|---|---|
| Born | Đặng Anh Tuấn 1972 (age 51–52) |
| Nationality | Vietnamese, American |
| Other names | TV Johnny |
| Occupation | Jeweler |
| Spouse | Jennifer Dang[1] |
| Website | johnnydangandco |
Biography
Dang was born Đặng Anh Tuấn[4] in the Đắk Lắk Province of Vietnam near the end of the Vietnam War.[5] Dang's grandfather and father both worked in the jewelry trade.[6] In 1987, Dang's father left Vietnam and emigrated to the United States.[5] In 1996, Dang and his family followed his father to Houston. He was 23 years old.[2] He began working in jewelry repair with his brother at a Houston flea market.[5][2]
Dang opened his first store, TV Jewelry, in the Sharpstown Mall in 1998.[7] He found a niche in making jeweled grills for clients. After making a grill for rapper Paul Wall, the two went into business together in 2002.[8] In 2016, Dang moved his business from the Sharpstown Mall to a stand-alone location.[9][10]
In 2021, Dang broke off his business relationship with Vietnamese YouTuber Khoa Pug after the price of their mutually held cryptocurrency dropped.[11][12]
In popular culture
Dang has been referenced in musical recordings by Migos, Gucci Mane, Lil Pump, Keith Ape, and Chief Keef, among others.[3]
He has appeared in music videos including "Gucci Bandanna" by Soulja Boy, Gucci Mane, and Shawty Lo,[3] "Grillz" by Nelly,[3] "Wild Boy" by Machine Gun Kelly,[13] "No Angel" by Beyoncé,[14] "We Takin' Over" by DJ Khaled,[7] "And I Still" by Rod Wave,[15] "Ice Tray" by Quavo and Lil Yachty,[16] and "Ice Cream Paint Job" by Dorrough,[17] and "Johnny Dang" by That Mexican OT and Paul Wall.[18]
Dang himself has provided vocals for songs, such as on "Stay Iced Up" off Paul Wall's 2010 album Heart of a Champion.[19]
References
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.