Johnny Dang

Last updated
Johnny Dang
Born
Đặng Anh Tuấn

1972 (age 5152)
NationalityVietnamese, American
Other namesTV Johnny
OccupationJeweler
SpouseJennifer Dang [1]
Website johnnydangandco.com

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]

Contents

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  [ vi ] after the price of their mutually held cryptocurrency dropped. [11] [12]

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]

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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. 1 2 3 Tawatari, Zach (22 May 2023). "'A dream come true': How Houston's jeweler Johnny Dang became the 'King of Bling'". khou.com. Retrieved 25 June 2023.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Morgan, Heather R. "How Vietnamese Immigrant Johnny Dang Became Rap's Favorite Jeweler". Forbes. 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. 1 2 3 Terry, Josh (25 February 2020). "Watch artist Post Malone Get New Grills on VICE's New Series 'House of Dang'". VICE. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
  6. "Johnny Dang is the King of Bling". On the Rocks. May 30, 2019. Event occurs at 0:15. GQ. Retrieved April 18, 2020.
  7. 1 2 Ip, Chris. "Hip-hop took these jewelers from flea market stalls to flagship stores". NBC News. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
  8. Avila, Arielle (20 November 2019). "Smile on the Rocks". Texas Monthly. Retrieved 25 June 2023.
  9. Luna, Marcy de (20 March 2019). "When celebs want bling, they go to this Houston jeweler". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
  10. Caldwell, Brandon (24 October 2016). "Johnny Dang & Paul Wall Launch Largest Jewelry Shop Yet". Houston Press.
  11. Sang, Xuân; Khang, An (3 December 2021). "Johnny Dang phản bác Khoa Pug". ZingNews.vn (in Vietnamese). Retrieved 23 March 2022.
  12. Thịnh, Phúc (1 December 2021). "Ồn ào giữa Johnny Dang và Khoa Pug". ZingNews.vn (in Vietnamese). Retrieved 23 March 2022.
  13. Currinn, Jonathan. "Machine Gun Kelly Featuring Waka Flocka Flame - Wild Boy". Critic Jonni. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
  14. Guerra, Joey (16 December 2013). "Beyonce's homage to Houston". San Antonio Express-News.
  15. Zidel, Alex. "Rod Wave Relies on His Old Habits in 'And I Still'". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 22 June 2020.
  16. Mench, Chris. "Quavo & Lil Yachty Parody 'Everyday Struggle' in Their New Video for 'Ice Tray'". Genius. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
  17. Serrano, Shea (27 November 2009). "Five Spot: Where's Johnny? For That Matter, Who's Johnny?". Houston Press. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
  18. That Mexican OT - Johnny Dang (feat. Paul Wall & Drodi) (Official Music Video) , retrieved 2024-03-24
  19. 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