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Neon Icon
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Neon Icon Image
Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
6.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 37 Ratings

  • Summary: The second full-length release for the Texas rapper with guest appearances from Childish Gambino, Amber Coffman, Mac Miller, Mike Posner, Slim Thug, and Paul Wall as well as production from Diplo.
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Top Track

Tip Toe Wing In My Jawwdinz
Tip-toeing in my Jordans I done came down Tip-toeing in my Jordans Just copped a Porsche Tip-toeing in my foreign You motherfuckers borin' You... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 14
  3. Negative: 2 out of 14
  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.
  4. NOW Magazine
    Jun 23, 2014
    60
    Searching for depth in an emcee so obviously beholden to gimmicks is a fool’s errand, and if you give that up, you’re rewarded with low-stakes perfectly inoffensive jams.
  5. CMJ
    Jun 24, 2014
    60
    Neon Icon is the weight the internet has left us with. It’s a much-delayed product of Tumblr art, Big Brother reality TV, corporate worship and urban fetishism. Or, maybe it’s pushing against these things. I dunno, whatever, at least it’s pretty fun.
  6. Pretty Much Amazing
    Jun 27, 2014
    58
    This album gets a C+ because I really enjoyed the time I spent hating it.
  7. HipHopDX
    Jun 23, 2014
    20
    Neon Icon seems aimless and not very well thought out.

See all 14 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 10
  3. Negative: 1 out of 10
  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.… Expand
  2. JDayErrday
    Aug 26, 2014
    10
    Riff Raff is so versatile and his new age, almost futuristic sound is hypnotic. I bought this album the morning it dropped and it has yet toRiff Raff is so versatile and his new age, almost futuristic sound is hypnotic. I bought this album the morning it dropped and it has yet to become old to me.… Expand
  4. nathansorkin
    Jun 24, 2014
    10
    This album showcases Riff Raff's various talents in a playful manner that can be enjoyed by rap fans and non rap fans alike. The introductionThis album showcases Riff Raff's various talents in a playful manner that can be enjoyed by rap fans and non rap fans alike. The introduction perfectly captures his randomness and carefree attitude as he raps over the entire track, while other tracks have more radio friendly hooks accompanied by memorable verses from Riff as well as his rapping cohorts (Gambino, Mac Miller, Slim Thug, Paul Wall).… Expand
  5. 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.… Expand
  6. Swanger92
    Sep 18, 2014
    9
    I really liked this album. Riff Raff isn't trying to be serious and that needs to be taken into consideratiom when giving this a listen. ItI really liked this album. Riff Raff isn't trying to be serious and that needs to be taken into consideratiom when giving this a listen. It has some really catchy songs and overall is a very good album. If you have a decent system in your vehicle you can really jam out. It is cheap and worth your time!… Expand
  7. Spangle
    Aug 20, 2014
    8
    As a whole, this one is very impressive to me. I always wrote off Riff Raff as being terrible, but I was very wrong. While this album is notAs a whole, this one is very impressive to me. I always wrote off Riff Raff as being terrible, but I was very wrong. While this album is not amazing, it certainly has some very high highs to go with its few low lows. Tracks like "Tip Toe Wing in My Jawwdinz", "Aquaberry Dolphin", and "Versace Python", are some major standout tracks that showcase everything that make him so likable; enjoyable verses, great flow, great delivery, and great beats. "How to Be the Man" is another example of that and I am usually not a fan of including remixes on the standard edition, but the inclusion here is a solid one as the remix is different enough to make it feel like a new track. However, there are some lows here, such as "Time" and "VIP Pass to My Heart". They are not completely horrible, but they are far and away the worst tracks on this album that is otherwise very solid. While Neon Icon is certainly not an example of music as an art, it is a great example of music as entertainment and how far flow, delivery, and beats, can go for you.… Expand
  8. 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".… Collapse

See all 10 User Reviews

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