You must have noticed many of today’s hottest rappers rockin’ serious bling in their mouths. We’re talking diamond and gold grillz, my friend. For many hip hop stars, this shiny mouthpiece has become a standout. From music icons like Snoop and Flava Flav to today’s chart-toppers like Cardi B and Post Malone all love to rock Grillz. Some even spend five or six figures to have the best jewelers work their wonders. Grillz may have begun as a representation of success in the rap industry, but they are now ingrained in the zeitgeist. This piece will analyze who rappers are slaying the sickest grillz and the history of the movement. You’ll be dazzled by the golds and diamonds in rappers’ grills.

Grillz 101: What Are Grillz and Why Do Rappers Wear Them?

Bling for Your Teeth

Grillz is a covering, usually made of precious metals such as gold, silver and platinum that snaps over your teeth. Rappers have been sporting these flashy cover cards for decades to showcase their success and flaunt their wealth.

A Hip Hop Fashion Icon

In the mid-1980s, grillz became popular in hip-hop and rap cultures in New York and Houston. They were viewed as symbols of excessive status and materialism. Over time, grillz spread into mainstream pop culture and were worn by mega stars like Nelly, Paul Wall, and Kanye West.

Why So Popular?

• There are a few reasons grillz took off in hip hop:
• They’re expensive. Real gold grillz encrusted with diamonds are a major flex.
• They’re bold and flashy. The shinier and more attention-grabbing, the better.
• They represent hip hop opulence and extravagance.
• They’re a fashion statement. Grillz help establish a rapper’s style and brand.
• They’re a sign of success. If you can afford to wear precious metals on your teeth, you must be doing something right!

Biggest Bling: Top Rappers Known for Their Iconic Grillz

Nothing says hip hop like a face full of diamonds. Some of the biggest names in rap have made grillz an integral part of their style and identity. Here are the top rappers known for their weird and stylish grillz:

Travis Scott

As one of the most influential figures in contemporary hip-hop, Travis Scott has put his own spin on the grillz genre. Known for his experimental style and boundary-pushing fashion choices, Scott often rocks grillz that are as bold and unconventional as his music.

Lil Wayne 

No rapper is as closely associated with grillz as Lil Wayne. His diamond encrusted smile has become his trademark and a symbol of his eccentric style. He even has his own grillz line called “Ice Box.”

Akon 

This Senegalese-American singer and rapper has been making popular music for over a decade. And for the most part, he’s rocking a sparkly grillz, reflecting his charming and charismatic personality.

A$AP Rocky

With his eclectic mix of high fashion and streetwear, A$AP Rocky has become a style icon in his own right. And no A$AP Rocky look would be complete without a set of gleaming grillz to match.

Flava Flav 

As Public Enemy’s hype man, Flava Flav helped bring Grillz into the mainstream. His signature necklace and gold teeth made him an unforgettable part of hip hop history.

Paul Wall 

The Houston rapper helped make Grillz famous in the South. Her diamond-encrusted “Ice Grillz” gave her own Grillz jewelry line and a temporary reality show.

Nelly 

The Nelly grillage is as much a part of the look as the bandaid. The rapper was always flashing his diamond encrusted smile, helping to spread the trend outside of the South.

Lil Jon 

The king of crunk was also the king of bling. Lil Jon’s ornate diamond grilles were hard to miss and helped cement his status as an icon of hip-hop excesses in the 2000s.

Kanye West

As an influence in both music and fashion, Kanye West is known for his bold, avant-garde fashion choices. While he doesn’t wear as much grillage as some other rappers, Kanye has been spotted rocking them on occasion, often opting for sleek and minimalist accessories to complement his high-end aesthetic

Whether you think they’re ridiculous or runway-ready, grillz have become an indelible part of hip hop culture and pop culture. They might not be for everyone, but for a select group of rappers, grillz are the ultimate symbol of prestige and prosperity. Many jewelry stores in Houston specialize in creating custom Grillz. Go get your bling on today!