Career Timeline of Riff Raff (rapper): Major Achievements and Milestones
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.
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.
August 2013: Galaxy Gladiators Announcement
In August 2013, Riff Raff announced a collaboration album with Action Bronson titled Galaxy Gladiators, planned for release in 2014.
May 20, 2014: Neon Icon Release Date Announcement
On May 20, 2014, Riff Raff announced that Neon Icon was scheduled for a June 24, 2014, release date and revealed the track listing.
June 24, 2014: Neon Icon Release
On May 20, 2014, Riff Raff announced that Neon Icon was scheduled to be released on June 24, 2014.
2014: Release of Neon Icon
In 2014, Riff Raff released his debut studio album, Neon Icon, under Diplo's record label, Mad Decent.
2014: Galaxy Gladiators Planned Release
In August 2013, Riff Raff announced that his collaboration album Galaxy Gladiators, would be released sometime in 2014.
June 1, 2015: Peach Panther Announcement
On June 1, 2015, Riff Raff announced his intention to release his second studio album Peach Panther.
April 2016: Partnership with Stampede Management and BMG
In April 2016, Riff Raff announced a partnership with Stampede Management and BMG for his Neon Nation Corporation.
2016: Release of Peach Panther
In 2016, Riff Raff released his second album, Peach Panther, through Warner Records.
2016: Reunion with Three Loco
In 2016, Riff Raff reunited with the hip hop group Three Loco for his Balloween Halloween mixtape, performing "Bitches in my Driveway".
January 30, 2017: Aquaberry Aquarius Release
On January 30, 2017, Riff Raff released Aquaberry Aquarius with DJ Afterthought, featuring Wiz Khalifa and Lisa Cimorelli, among others.
2017: Partnership with Reef Dispensaries and Daily High Club
In 2017, Riff Raff partnered with Reef Dispensaries to develop marijuana strains and with Daily High Club for a smoking supply box.
February 2018: Signs with Beartrap Sound
In February 2018, Riff Raff signed with Blackbear's Beartrap Sound for a reported US$500,000.
