Career Timeline of Riff Raff (rapper): Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 7, 2025

How Riff Raff (rapper) built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Horst Christian Simco, better known as Riff Raff, is a rapper hailing from Katy, Texas. He gained initial management by OG Ron C of Swishahouse in 2011. After a brief period with Soulja Boy's label, he signed with Diplo's Mad Decent, releasing his debut album, Neon Icon, in 2014. While the album didn't achieve significant critical or commercial success, it charted on the Billboard 200, as did his subsequent album, Peach Panther (2016). Riff Raff also entered a substantial partnership with Stampede Management and BMG for his Neon Nation label, though this deal later dissolved due to legal issues related to the film Spring Breakers.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2005: Starts rapping

In 2005, Riff Raff started rapping and distributed homemade CDs at malls in the Greater Houston Area.

2008: Social Media Presence

In late 2008, Riff Raff used Myspace, YouTube, and WorldStarHipHop to release songs and videos, showcasing his talent.

2009: Auditioning for "From G's to Gents"

In 2009, Riff Raff acquired tattoos of the logos for WorldStarHipHop, NBA, and MTV during auditions for the reality TV show "From G's to Gents".

2009: Appearance on From G's to Gents

In early 2009, Riff Raff appeared on MTV's From G's to Gents, gaining recognition for his style and ad-libs, which boosted his career.

2011: Managed by OG Ron C and signs with S.O.D. Money Gang Inc.

In 2011, Riff Raff was managed by OG Ron C and later signed to Soulja Boy's label, S.O.D. Money Gang Inc.

2011: Managed by OG Ron C and signs with Soulja Boy's label

In 2011, Riff Raff was managed by OG Ron C and signed with Soulja Boy's record label, Stacks on Deck Entertainment.

April 2012: Collaboration Album Announcement

In April 2012, Riff Raff announced a collaborative album with Diplo, titled Jody Highroller, featuring various guest artists.

June 2012: Releases .Summer of Surf Mixtape and signs with Mad Decent

In June 2012, Riff Raff released the .Summer of Surf mixtape and signed with Diplo's label, Mad Decent.

2012: Joint Partnership and Legal Disputes

In 2012, Riff Raff entered a US$4 million joint partnership for his Neon Nation label, which later fell apart due to legal disputes with the film Spring Breakers.

2012: "Bird on a Wire" success

In 2012, Riff Raff's music video for "Bird on a Wire" with Harry Fraud and Action Bronson gained popularity, being listed as one of the best songs of the year by Complex Music.

February 2013: Neon Icon Album Update

In February 2013, Riff Raff shared that his upcoming Mad Decent album would be titled Riff Raff, The Neon Icon, and set for release in the third quarter of 2013.