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. XXL
    Jun 25, 2014
    60
    It pans out as--at the very least--a unique and varied production that asks to be received seriously, even if Riff Raff’s choppy, uneasy flow and absurdist imagery runs counter to that.
  2. 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.
  3. 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. Pretty Much Amazing
    Jun 27, 2014
    58
    This album gets a C+ because I really enjoyed the time I spent hating it.
  6. Consequence
    Jun 26, 2014
    58
    While Neon Icon likely won’t be the push that RiFF needs into the public consciousness, it certainly won’t hurt his reputation.
  7. Pitchfork
    Jun 27, 2014
    54
    The bulk of Neon Icon resists coherence or purpose.

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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