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Sailorr and Molly Santana’s black grills fuse hip-hop swagger with homage to the ancient Japanese and Vietnamese tradition of teeth blackening. This is how the past is, in fact, a living blueprint for self-expression in the present.
When we talk about grills, we can’t ignore their presence in hip-hop culture. But let’s rewind a bit to grasp their cultural significance. Since the ’80s, grills have been more than just flashy accessories; they have been seen as tangible symbols of success, achievement and wealth. American rappers of the time, such as Flavor Flav and Big Daddy Kane, transformed these dental adornments into cultural statements, giving birth to a new visual language in hip-hop.
Fast forward to the early 2000s, and grills were officially elevated to stardom. Artists like Paul Wall, Nelly (remember the song Grillz, anyone?) and many others made them an inseparable part of hip-hop’s aesthetic.
In Black culture, grills are much more than jewellery; they’re a form of artistic expression and a celebration of identity. Whether in Atlanta or Houston, communities put their own unique spin on the trend, turning grills into geographic and cultural emblems. As music is intrinsically related to fashion, this dental decoration has left its mark on global pop culture, blending tradition with modernity in ways that feel fresh and authentic.
Fast forward to today and new wave artists of Asian descent, like Vietnamese-American Kayla Le (stage name Sailorr) and Japanese-American Molly Santana, are adding their own chapter to this legacy. With their black grills, they’re blending the swagger of contemporary grill culture with the ancient Asian tradition of using adornments to signify status and self-expression—a fusion that shows just how universal the art of making a statement really is.
The Original Black Teeth Era
Long before diamonds were iced out on grills, jet-black teeth were the ultimate status symbol. In Japan, they called it ohaguro, and in Vietnam răng đen. It was a power move, a flex and a cultural statement all rolled into one.
In Japan’s imperial courts, blackened teeth were once a symbol of status, sported by high-ranking samurais and nobility. During the Heian period (794–1185 CE), if you spotted someone with darkened teeth, you knew they were someone of significance. The trend didn’t fade — it continued to reign through the Edo period (1603–1867 CE), embraced by married women, aristocrats and warriors alike.
In Vietnamese culture, răng đen—literally “black teeth”—was once the epitome of beauty, elegance and unwavering devotion. Women lacquered their teeth with natural dyes to achieve the glossy black sheen, both as a style statement and as an ode to their deep-seated wisdom and grace.
The same goes for Thailand’s past, much like its many Southeast Asian neighbours. Once a revered tradition, the art of teeth blackening was a striking symbol of beauty, maturity and social status, as well as being believed to ward off bad luck.
More Than Just a Look
The black teeth look wasn’t just about aesthetics. The dye used was thought to be a genius concoction of iron filings, vinegar and natural ingredients that actually protected the teeth covering. The stronger the enamel, the more cavity prevention—similar to today’s fluoride toothpaste claims.
In Vietnam, black teeth were the height of sophistication. If you weren’t part of the movement, were you even civilised? For many women, it was a rite of passage—especially in marriage, where it symbolised maturity, tradition and having one’s life together.
Cultural Clout
This beauty ritual has layers of meaning that go beyond the surface. First up, it’s all about beauty standards: blackened teeth were basically the OG “That Girl” vibe in today’s lingo. Then it served as a status symbol—showing the world you were grown, refined and part of the elite. And finally, there’s the spiritual side: it was believed to protect against bad energy, adding a bit of luck, almost like the face’s feng shui of modern times.
Sailorr and Molly Santana’s Black Grills: A Modern Resurgence
Moving on to 2025 and the spotlight is shining on emerging Asian American artists like Sailorr, who proudly represents her Vietnamese heritage, and Molly Santana, who embraces her Japanese roots. Both have taken to the stage wearing black grills, a bow and a humble nod to an ancient practice that has become their signature look. These rarely seen grills are stylish and iconic, as well as being a statement of individuality and Asian cultural pride.
These grills are a fusion of heritage and modern street style, bringing centuries-old Asian traditions into the present. It’s a move that is unapologetically fresh, yet deeply rooted in who they are. This fusion of past and present Asian cultures, embodied by Sailorr and Molly Santana with their bold black grills, is sparking a cultural moment that allows Asian youth to see their heritage honoured in today’s pop culture. It’s a unique twist—something ancient, yet ahead of its time.
Why This Matters
Sailorr and Molly Santana are showing how we can honour cultural traditions while evolving them to fit our present-day identities. It’s not about copying the past—it’s about understanding it, respecting it and making it relevant for today. There’s something truly powerful about looking to history to shape the future. They’re showing us that ancient traditions aren’t just relics of the past—they’re living, breathing blueprints for self-expression in the now.
