Grill Cheese

I remember seeing that gold toothed grin when my grandaddy came into town from California bearing gifts for Christmas. A beautiful black man who left South Carolina for the Gold Coast but always made sure to touch base during the holidays. Becoming the foundation to my idea of a “Black Santa”.

The smooth, country talkin,’ grey haired southerner who hit you with a smile showing a gold tooth. That man is who introduced me to that especially luminous smile. That second glance that makes you ask “Wait, what was that?”

But the official moment that solidified my desire to be like my own personal black Santa was seeing Nelly on BET. (Lol I’ll explain) 

Like most teens, 9th grade me loved music videos and the video “Grillz” with the ice man Paul Wall is where I first remember seeing the next level of grills. That was the moment I knew. Ima’ need to get one of those.

Southern. Brownskin. Unassuming and demure. Showing up to the function with a bottom grill? IMA’ NEED TO GET ONE OF THOSE. That moment when you can see them double take from your peripheral after having walked past has to be one of my favorite feelings. As someone who doesn’t prefer too much attention, a grill makes me feel invincible. A grill reminds me of that southern style that can never be replicated anywhere else. And not just any grill, a gold bottom grill once guaranteed that the accent the followed that would have a beautiful down south twang. And it’s a conversation starter which is helpful for me because I’m awkward and struggle with starting those things lol

So what’s that one thing that you’ve always been drawn to? What makes you say cheeeese?