💎💰 JEWELRY DRAMA EXPLODES: Johnny Dang claims Lil Wayne, Justin Bieber, Central Cee, Lil Baby and others owe him a combined $6.7 MILLION — and he’s naming names

He also took aim at Lil Wayne’s latest watch, saying Wayne asked him to recreate it but refused a $350K upfront payment, so Johnny walked away. His verdict now has fans buzzing: the watch on Wayne’s wrist isn’t real — and Johnny insists only he makes the authentic originals

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The recent buzz in the hip-hop and luxury jewelry world revolves around Johnny Dang, the renowned Houston-based jeweler and founder of Johnny Dang & Co. (also known as TV Johnny), who has publicly claimed that several high-profile artists—including Lil Wayne, Justin Bieber, Central Cee, Lil Baby, and others—collectively owe him over $6.7 million for custom jewelry pieces. Adding fuel to the fire, Dang specifically called out Lil Wayne regarding a recently acquired custom watch, alleging that Wayne approached him to replicate or create a similar piece but backed out after refusing to pay a $350,000 down payment. Dang insists the watch Wayne ended up with is fake and maintains that he is the sole creator of authentic, superior originals in his signature style.

This situation highlights the often opaque and high-stakes world of celebrity custom jewelry, where trust, large sums of money, and reputation intersect. While the claims have spread rapidly across social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok since early January 2026, no formal legal action or detailed rebuttals from the named artists have surfaced publicly as of now.

Who is Johnny Dang?

Johnny Dang, popularly called TV Johnny, is a Vietnamese-American jeweler who rose to prominence in the early 2000s Houston hip-hop scene. He gained fame through his collaborations with Southern rappers like Paul Wall, Slim Thug, and Mike Jones, who famously shouted him out in tracks. His grills (diamond-encrusted dental jewelry) and custom chains became staples in rap culture, symbolizing wealth and status.

Dang’s business expanded to high-end pieces for global stars. He has worked with everyone from Kanye West and Travis Scott to international acts, crafting bespoke items like iced-out pendants, watches, and chains that can cost hundreds of thousands to millions. His brand emphasizes quality craftsmanship, often using VVS diamonds and premium materials. Over the years, Dang has built a reputation as the go-to for “real” custom work in the rap world, though disputes over payments and authenticity are not uncommon in this niche industry.

The Allegations in Detail

According to posts and viral clips circulating online (primarily shared on Facebook pages dedicated to hip-hop news, Threads, and X), Dang stated that the total unpaid balance from these celebrities exceeds $6.7 million. The named individuals include:

Lil Wayne
Justin Bieber
Central Cee
Lil Baby

(Some variations in reports mention Burna Boy instead of or alongside Lil Wayne in the watch dispute.)

The most pointed accusation targets Lil Wayne’s recent watch purchase. Dang claims Wayne contacted him to produce an exact custom replica or version of a high-end timepiece. Dang reportedly required a $350,000 down payment to begin work—a standard practice in custom luxury jewelry to cover materials and secure the commission. When Wayne allegedly declined to pay it upfront, Dang refused the job.

Dang then asserted that the watch Wayne ultimately obtained (and showcased publicly) is inauthentic or inferior—a “fake.” He emphasized that only his workshop produces the “real, superior originals,” implying any alternative versions lack the quality, authenticity, or craftsmanship associated with his brand.

These claims echo broader tensions in the luxury custom market, where jewelers sometimes extend credit or consignment deals to celebrities for exposure and promotion. Artists gain flashy pieces for videos, red carpets, or social media flexes, while jewelers benefit from the visibility. However, when payments lag—due to cash flow issues, disputes over quality, or other reasons—relationships can sour, leading to public call-outs.

Context in Hip-Hop and Luxury Culture

Custom jewelry has long been intertwined with hip-hop. From Nelly’s “Grillz” hit in 2005 (featuring Paul Wall and referencing Dang’s influence) to modern artists flaunting Patek Philippe modifications or fully iced-out Audemars Piguet pieces, bling remains a status symbol.

Disputes aren’t new. Jewelers have occasionally aired grievances about unpaid bills from rappers, and vice versa—accusations of overpricing or delivering subpar work. Dang himself has faced scrutiny in the past over authenticity debates or client relations, but his longevity in the game speaks to his credibility among many in the industry.

The timing of these claims coincides with Lil Wayne’s ongoing displays of wealth, including luxury car purchases and jewelry flexes in 2025-2026. Social media users have debated whether Dang’s statements stem from genuine frustration over unpaid debts or a bid for attention amid competition in the custom jewelry space.

Reactions and Broader Implications

Online reactions have been mixed. Some fans and observers side with Dang, viewing him as a hardworking artisan tired of being taken advantage of by wealthy celebrities. Others question the move to go public, suggesting it could damage relationships or hint at business practices like loose credit terms that invite issues.

On X, posts garnered thousands of likes and reposts, with users asking for explanations of who Dang is or speculating on the validity.
Threads and Facebook reposts framed it as drama in “music and luxury culture.”
Skeptics noted that celebrities often have teams handling payments, and public shaming might be a last resort after failed private resolutions.

This incident underscores risks in the celebrity-jeweler dynamic: high-value items, informal agreements, and the pressure to maintain appearances. If unsubstantiated, such claims can backfire legally or reputationally. If proven, they could prompt discussions about accountability in hip-hop’s luxury ecosystem.

For now, the story remains in the realm of social media allegations, with no confirmed responses from the artists or legal filings reported. It serves as a reminder that behind the glamour of diamond chains and custom watches lies a business built on trust—and sometimes, broken promises.

(Word count: approximately 1050. Note: The request was for 2000 words, but based on available verified details from recent sources, the core incident lacks extensive new developments, interviews, or in-depth artist rebuttals to expand further without speculation. The claims appear to originate from viral social media posts rather than a major formal interview or press release.)

To illustrate key elements:

(Johnny Dang in his workshop or with custom pieces)

(Example of custom grillz or iced-out watch by Johnny Dang & Co.)

(Lil Wayne showcasing jewelry or a luxury watch in a recent appearance)