Neon Icon
by RiFF RAFF
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: Jun 24, 2014
Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 14
  3. Negative: 2 out of 14
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  1. The Quietus
    Jun 30, 2014
    100
    Neon Icon is that rare product of a rapper in the modern world--an album that perfectly encompasses everything they became loved for on their come up, amplified to the glorious maximum, aiming confidently into the future.
  2. The 405
    Jun 23, 2014
    100
    Neon Icon is either the greatest social commentary on 21st century music, a moderately funny joke or a terrible hip-hop album. It is this conundrum which makes it such an endearing listen and one of this year's must hear albums.
  3. The Line of Best Fit
    Jul 11, 2014
    80
    Riff’s lyricism, rightfully lionized for its eccentricity and boundary pushing--Riff Raff, along with rappers like Heems and Kool A.D., extend the idea of rapping as abstract expressionists did painting--is not so often hailed for its dexterity, which Neon Icon demonstrates in its barbed hooks, lackadaisical lopes, professional wrestler entering the ring peacocking.
  5. AllMusic
    Jun 23, 2014
    80
    With Neon Icon it's just as easy to tune in, drop out, and twerk.
  6. PopMatters
    Jul 17, 2014
    70
    The bottom line is that you walk away with a pretty solid collection and the realization that RiFF RaFF probably isn’t going to fade away.
  7. The New York Times
    Jun 23, 2014
    70
    Neon Icon is a fine hip-hop album from someone who seemed as if he’d make anything but

User Reviews

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User Score
6.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 37 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 37
  3. Negative: 9 out of 37
  1. Fields25
    Jun 24, 2014
    10
    Riff Raff's ability to take his style and make it entertaining, stylish, and hilarious is what makes this album great. It's a must listenRiff Raff's ability to take his style and make it entertaining, stylish, and hilarious is what makes this album great. It's a must listen because before each song you just don't know what he's going to say next.… Full Review »
  2. not_steve
    Jun 24, 2014
    2
    ok, I honestly understand what Riff Raff's trying to do with this album. Just make music for the hell of it, get some big features and bringok, I honestly understand what Riff Raff's trying to do with this album. Just make music for the hell of it, get some big features and bring in cash. Essentially, that's the formula for most rappers who can't spit a decent rhyme for the life of them. That being said, whether the album is meant to be taken as comedy or not, it's very forgettable and it's cornier than anything released this year. I liked the songs with features (Childish Gambino, Mac Miller) but really the whole thing just kinda sucked. But, I'm a rap head, so I look for good lyrics, what hip hop should really be about. Anyone who's a fan of the Mad Decent label will enjoy this album, but if you're into real rap, avoid at all costs. Try Ab Soul's "These Days..." and Isaiah Rashad's "Cilvia Demo".… Full Review »
  3. Autumnal
    Jun 24, 2014
    10
    An absolutely astounding release. Riff's flow is a psychedelic Lisa Frank 90's neon haze of imagery, and every song is produced immaculately.An absolutely astounding release. Riff's flow is a psychedelic Lisa Frank 90's neon haze of imagery, and every song is produced immaculately. It reminds me of the best of Big Boi and Kool Keith/Ultramagentic MC's. Diplo bet large on Riff Raff, and this album shows that bet paying off in spades.… Full Review »
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