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Riff Raff (rapper)

January 01, 1970

Horst Christian Simco[3] (born January 29, 1982), better known by his stage name Riff Raff (often stylized as RiFF RAFF),[4] is an American rapper from Katy, Texas.[5] He was originally managed by Swishahouse co-founder OG Ron C in 2011.[6] After initially signing with rapper Soulja Boy's record label Stacks on Deck Entertainment, Simco signed with producer Diplo's record label Mad Decent to release his debut studio album, Neon Icon (2014).[7] Despite lukewarm critical and commercial response, it mildly entered the Billboard 200 along with his second album Peach Panther (2016), which was released by Warner Records. Prior to its release, Simco entered a US$4 million joint partnership with Stampede Management and BMG for his Neon Nation label and production company.[8] The joint deal fell apart in the wake of legal disputes with the publication of the 2012 film Spring Breakers.

Riff Raff
Riff Raff performing in 2011
Background information
Birth nameHorst Christian Simco
Also known as
  • Jody Highroller
  • MTV Riff Raff
  • Dale Dan Tony
  • Brendan Hallihan
Born (1982-01-29) January 29, 1982 (age 42)
Houston, Texas, U.S.
Genres
Occupation(s)Rapper
Years active2005–present
Labels
Formerly of

Simco was formerly a member of the hip hop group Three Loco, along with Andy Milonakis and Dirt Nasty, who reunited on his Balloween 2016 Halloween mixtape performing "Bitches in my Driveway". The trio premiered a Christmas parody song, "Ho-Ho-Loco", in the TBS Surprise! Instant Xmas Carol special.[9] In February 2018, Riff Raff signed with singer Blackbear's Beartrap Sound for a reported US$500,000.[10]

Early life edit

Simco was born on January 29, 1982, in Houston, Texas, to Anita Isaacs, a maid, and Ronald Simco, a Vietnam War veteran with severe post-traumatic stress disorder, who worked various jobs, including as a police officer and Walmart manager.[11][12][13] His mother grew up in Shaker Heights, Ohio, descending from a family of German Jews and Lithuanian Jews that included several survivors and victims of the Holocaust.[14] Riff Raff was the second of four siblings. He and his family lived in Copperfield, a suburb 25 miles northwest of Houston. Growing up he was obsessed with basketball, playing frequently with other children in his neighborhood. The Simcos had moved to nearby Stone Creek. He attended Langham Creek High School, where he was shooting guard on his school's basketball team, before dropping out in his senior year.[11] Shortly thereafter he obtained his GED.[14]

After his parents divorced, his father was diagnosed with tonsil cancer and the family moved to Duluth, Minnesota, to get his father out of the heat into a cooler environment. For a time, Riff Raff and his siblings were shuttled back and forth between Duluth and Houston, where their mother remained. In 2001, he enrolled at Hibbing Community College in Hibbing, Minnesota, where he played on the basketball team for a month and majored in liberal arts.[11][14] Feeling out of place, he dropped out in 2003 and moved back to Houston, where he painted cars in the in-vogue "candy-colored" style and gradually built his new identity.[11] He eventually relocated to Los Angeles and began to take his rapping career seriously.[3]

Musical career edit

2008–2009: Beginnings edit

Riff Raff started rapping in 2005, making homemade CDs of his rapping over other artists' beats, and passing them out at various malls in the Greater Houston Area including Katy Mills Mall. He credited his early influences being Texas veteran rappers Devin the Dude and Paul Wall.[14] Riff Raff took advantage of social media on Myspace, YouTube and WorldStarHipHop in late 2008, releasing songs, freestyle-videos, and sketch clips, which showcased his talent as slapstick and performance art. He did this with the help of his first talent manager, DB da Boss, whose studio provided recording and video services. DB spoke with LA Weekly about the rapper, saying "He was very driven, very ambitious. You couldn't deny his work ethic", going on to say, "Underneath that shell is a very intelligent man."[15] He looked up to Northside Houston rappers from label Swishahouse, who were blowing up around that time, including Paul Wall, Chamillionaire and Slim Thug. He began doing his hair up in braids popular among "Northsiders" like Slim Thug and shopping for bling at TV Jewelry, a store co-owned by Paul Wall and charismatic Vietnamese immigrant "TV" Johnny Dang, from whom Riff Raff also purchased gold grills. Like many other artists from Houston, Riff Raff also spent much of his time selling CDs at colleges and malls, occasionally alongside other local talent such at Fat Tony and Freestyle Bully.[11]

In an effort to get on television he went on many auditions, including for a part in a peanut butter commercial intended for a teenager. He and his friend also tried out for P. Diddy's Making the Band, to no avail. He was so determined to become famous that he flew to Atlanta to try out for MTV's reality show From G's to Gents. When he learned that he had made the cast for the program's second season, before taping had even begun, he immediately got a giant MTV logo tattooed on his neck and adjusted his stage name to "MTV Riff Raff". Though he was eliminated from the series on the second episode, he left an impression on viewers through his extravagant way of dressing and funny ad-libs.[11][16][17] Upon the season's debut in early 2009, appearance on the show would garner an immediate reaction to him, which catapulted his career.[11]

The same year actor, comedian and rapper Simon Rex noticed Riff Raff after being shown to him by notable producer The Alchemist. Rex contacted Riff Raff after watching one of his freestyle videos in which he revealed his phone number, and soon enough the two became friends and began recording as Riff Raff and Dirt Nasty.[11] The pair later formed a rap group Three Loco along with comedian Andy Milonakis, increasing Riff Raff's popularity by tapping into the two celebrities' fan bases.[11][17]

2010–2012: SODMG, Mad Decent, various mixtapes edit

Beginning in 2011, Riff Raff began to be managed by OG Ron C (of Swishahouse fame) and moved to Los Angeles.[11] Riff Raff then started releasing more music videos that furthered the artist's internet fame. Those include songs such as "Jose Canseco",[18] and "Marc Jacobs".[19] Then in mid-2011, Riff Raff signed to Soulja Boy's label S.O.D. Money Gang Inc.[20] Riff Raff joined Soulja Boy's SODMG label before they met in person; no paperwork was ever signed. However, Riff Raff still wore the imprint's chain, got its logo tattooed, and again adjusted his stage name, this time to Riff Raff SODMG.[11] They would remain affiliated for around a year, but the label did not push or pay Riff Raff, which would result in him leaving the label. Soulja Boy publicly called Riff Raff a "cokehead" following their split.[11][21]

Some time before the official split Riff Raff affiliated with producers such as Diplo and Harry Fraud, as well as with Queens rapper Action Bronson. The music video he released for his collaboration with Fraud and Bronson, "Bird on a Wire", hit the one million plays-mark in roughly two months.[22] "Bird on a Wire" was listed as the 27th best song of 2012 by Complex Music.[23]

In early 2012 he would release music videos for the songs, "Larry Bird",[4] "Time"[24] and the Chief Keef collaboration "Cuz My Gear", among others.[25] In April 2012, Riff Raff also announced a collaborative album with Diplo tentatively titled Jody Highroller with guests Skrillex, Usher, Soulja Boy, Gucci Mane, Mystikal and Rusko.[26] In June 2012, Riff Raff released the .Summer of Surf mixtape.[27] He signed with Diplo's label Mad Decent in June 2012.[28] The same year he released the album, The Golden Alien, independently in July [citation needed] which feature tracks produced by MikeChekMusic, "Freeze Dried", "Obtuse Angle". It was followed by the release of the mixtape, Birth of an Icon, in August, which was listed by Stereogum as their "Mixtape of the Week".[29][30]

2013–2014: Neon Icon edit

Main article: Neon Icon

Following the release of his mixtape Hologram Panda with producer Dame Grease, Riff Raff told MTV that his upcoming Mad Decent second studio album would be titled Riff Raff, The Neon Icon, later shortened to Neon Icon.[31] In February 2013 he told Complex that his second studio album is due out some time during the third quarter of 2013.[32]

On June 25, 2013, he released a single titled "Dolce & Gabbana", produced by DJ Carnage as the first single from Neon Icon, however two days later he announced that the song wouldn't be included on the album.[33][34][35] He was also featured on Far East Movement's single "The Illest" around the same time. Then on July 12, 2013, he released another non album single titled "Mr. Popular", and four days later released the music video for the song.[36][37] In August 2013, Riff Raff announced that he would be releasing a collaboration album with Action Bronson titled Galaxy Gladiators in 2014.[38][39]

On November 26, 2013, he released the first official single for Neon Icon titled "How To Be the Man" and produced by DJ Mustard.[40] That same month, Riff Raff told Rolling Stone in an interview that leading up to the album's release he would release various "left-over" tracks from the album's recording sessions[41] These notably included the Boi-1da produced "Real Boyz", featuring rappers OJ da Juiceman and Cap 1, as well as "Suckas Askin' Questions" with Lil Debbie and "Shoulda Won a Grammy" with Action Bronson.[42] In March 2014, prior to the album's release, Rolling Stone included the album on their list of "27 Must-Hear Albums of 2014".[43] On May 20, 2014, Riff Raff announced through his Twitter that after much delay, Neon Icon was scheduled for a June 24, 2014, release date.[44] The same day the official track listing for the album was revealed, which included previously announced collaborations Mac Miller, Childish Gambino, Paul Wall, Mike Posner and Amber Coffman of Dirty Projectors as well as Slim Thug.[45]

On the 2015 Vans Warped Tour, Riff Raff hired We Came As Romans' bassist Andy Glass to play bass for him on the tour.

2015–2017: Peach Panther and Aquaberry Aquarius edit

Riff Raff announced his intention to release his second studio album Peach Panther on June 1, 2015. The first single, "Spazz Out" featuring production from Travis Barker was released around this time, however the album itself would end up being delayed until 2016. He then released an EP entitled Trench Coat Towers in early November 2015. He extended the release date for Peach Panther several times, with early 2016 being cited on his Instagram as the current date. He was also featured on several singles during 2015, including "Doctor Pepper" with Diplo, CL, and OG Maco, and Flux Pavilion's single "Who Wants to Rock". In early 2016 he released the first single from Peach Panther, "Carlos Slim". The album was eventually released on June 24, 2016.

In April 2016, Riff Raff announced a partnership with Stampede Management and BMG, raising US$4 million for his Neon Nation Corporation to invest in music as well as in "movies and talent across the globe to build an entertainment empire."[46] Since his second studio album Peach Panther he has released 3 projects with DJ Afterthought starting out with 2016 Halloween mixtape, "BALLOWEEN" featuring Quavo, Skepta, Trae tha Truth, Travis Barker and many more. Most of the songs off "BALLOWEEN" have been stashed away for month's and were finally released. Next, January 30, 2017 Aquaberry Aquarius dropped having super stars Wiz Khalifa and Lisa Cimorelli from the 6 sister group Cimorelli, also having underground famous rap stars Bones, Fat Nick and Germ. "The White West", referring himself as "the white Kanye West" dropped August 4, 2017, having upcoming artists like Dice SoHo and Jimmy Wopo on the project.

2018–present: Cool Blue Jewels and Pink Python edit

On February 9, 2018, Riff Raff and DJ Afterthought released the album Cool Blue Jewels with features from Wiz Khalifa, Chevy Woods, Jimmy Wopo, Young Buck and Project Pat, among others. On November 9, 2018, Riff Raff released a mixtape titled Tangerine Tiger with guest appearances from Z-Ro, Lil Tracy, Ricki Rich among others. On April 12, 2019, Riff Raff released his third studio album titled Pink Python with guest appearances from Chief Keef, J-Dawg, and Killah Priest. Riff Raff premiered his single "Jazzmine" with Houston Chronicle, a remake of "A Whole New World" from Aladdin featuring Iliana Eve, Jonathan Hay, Aneesa Badshaw, Ranna Royce and others.[47] [48] On October 25, Riff Raff released his fourth studio album titled Cranberry Vampire, with appearances from Simon Rex, Andy Milonakis, Chief Keef, and others.

Other ventures edit

On "Double Cup", an episode of FXX's Major Lazer, he made a guest appearance as Double Cup, The Codeine Scientist.

Riff Raff competed on a special for the MTV reality series The Challenge, premiering November 21, 2017, and titled Champs vs. Stars.[49]

In 2017, Riff Raff partnered with Reef Dispensaries to develop and endorse two new strains of marijuana.[50] Riff Raff has also collaborated with the cannabis subscription box company Daily High Club to create a Riff Raff smoking supply box containing smoking products and accessories inspired by his stage persona.[51]

Spring Breakers controversy edit

On February 15, 2012, film director Harmony Korine contacted Riff Raff about appearing in an upcoming movie of his, which would turn out to be Spring Breakers.[52] Once the details of the movie came out, there was speculation that the main character Alien was based on Riff Raff.[53] However, according to James Franco, his character was based on the underground rap artist Dangeruss. He said "Of course Harmony and I looked at some of Riff Raff's videos as inspiration, but he was one of a number of people we looked at. I would say the biggest influence on the role was this local Florida rapper named Dangeruss. He's fairly unknown, but he was down there in the place, living the life, and he became the biggest model for me, and he's in the movie."[54]

There was much back and forth between both camps about the issue, including Riff Raff appearing in a cameo for One Life to Live playing a character called "Jamie Franko".[55] In July 2013, Riff Raff announced he was suing the creators of Spring Breakers for $10 million for using his image without permission.[56] However, a search for court documents by LA Weekly in September 2013 resulted in no findings.[11]

Personal life edit

Riff Raff has a large number of tattoos, including the logos for WorldStarHipHop, NBA, and MTV, which he had acquired during auditions for the 2009 reality TV show From G's to Gents. Previously, he had a BET tattoo on the front of his right shoulder, which was later covered up with a tattoo of his dog, "Jody Husky".[14] He is a fan of The Simpsons, with a tattoo of Bart holding test tubes that reads "The Freestyle Scientist" on his chest.[11] He also has a large gothic cross below his left shoulder, framed by a prayer that reads, "Dear Jesus, Please Let Me In. Your Child, Horst Simco."[14]

Legal issues edit

On August 11, 2013, Riff Raff was arrested in Greensboro, North Carolina after police found an open container of alcohol, marijuana, another unspecified illegal substance and drug paraphernalia in his vehicle. Riff Raff was booked into jail along with the two passengers in his vehicle, and was released without bail later that night.[57][58]

Sexual assault allegations edit

On May 31, 2018, Riff Raff was accused of drugging and raping a woman after a 2013 show in Melbourne. All venues on his Australian and New Zealand tour subsequently canceled his scheduled concerts.[59] Afterward, a second woman, aged 17 at the time, alleged that in Milwaukee, Riff Raff invited her on his tour bus; according to the accuser, he proceeded to touch her repeatedly while making suggestive comments.[60]

On January 22, 2020, Riff Raff settled a lawsuit related to a sexual assault claim made against him, from a 2014 incident at a Nevada brothel.[61]

Discography edit

Main article: Riff Raff discography
  • Rap Game Bon Jovi (2012)
  • The Golden Alien (2012)
  • Hologram Panda (2013)
  • Neon Icon (2014)
  • Peach Panther (2016)
  • Pink Python (2019)[62]
  • Cranberry Vampire (2019)
  • Vanilla Gorilla (2020)

Filmography edit

Television
Year TV show Role
2009 From G's to Gents Himself
2013 One Life to Live Jamie Franko
Ridiculousness

Betas

Himself
2014 Wild 'n Out
2015 Major Lazer Double Cup (voice)
2017 Peach Panther Himself
The Challenge: Champs vs. Stars
2020 Sonic the Hedgehog Himself; scenes deleted

References edit

  1. ^ "Exclusive: Riff Raff Wants to Be EDM Justin Bieber". Billboard. Retrieved November 8, 2015.
  2. ^ Platon, Adelle (April 5, 2016). ""Riff Raff Teams with Stampede Management To Launch Neon Nation Corporation Label, Debuts 'Carlos Slim' Single: Exclusive"". Billboard. Retrieved April 5, 2016.
  3. ^ a b Weiss, Jeff (May 24, 2012). . LA Weekly. Archived from the original on June 19, 2012.
  4. ^ a b "The Break Presents: RiFF RaFF". XXL Magazine. January 6, 2012.
  5. ^ Winslow, Mike (June 19, 2012). "Houston Rapper Riff Raff Signs With Diplo's Label". All Hip Hop.
  6. ^ Martinez-Belkin, Neil (August 9, 2012). "Riff Raff, "Bringing the Rice Out" (XXL Exclusive Online Feature)". XXL.
  7. ^ Maness, Carter (May 10, 2012). "Riff Raff Signs To Diplo's Mad Decent Label". MTV.
  8. ^ Fleischer, Adam (May 20, 2014). "Riff Raff's Album Has An Official Release Date…And A Baby On The Cover". MTV News. Viacom. Retrieved May 24, 2014.
  9. ^ Goble, Corban (August 14, 2012). "Three Loco – "We Are Farmers" (Feat. Diplo) Video". Stereogum.
  10. ^ A, Aron (February 5, 2018). "RiFF RAFF Signs $500K Deal With Blackbear's "Beartrap Sound"". hotnewhiphop.com. Retrieved February 5, 2018.
  11. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Westhoof, Ben (September 10, 2013). "Becoming Riff Raff: How a White Suburban Kid Morphed Into Today's Most Enigmatic Rapper". LA Weekly. Archived from the original on January 29, 2014.
  12. ^ "Watch Part Two Of A$AP Rocky & Riff Raff's Hilarious Interview - XXL". Xxlmag.com. September 19, 2013. Retrieved September 23, 2013.
  13. ^ "Personal Details for Horst Christian Simco". FamilySearch. December 5, 2014.
  14. ^ a b c d e f "Inside Riff Raff's Weird World | Music News". Rolling Stone. Retrieved April 27, 2014.
  15. ^ Westhoff, Ben (September 10, 2013). "Becoming Riff Raff: How a White Suburban Kid Morphed Into Today's Most Enigmatic Rapper". L.A. Weekly. Retrieved June 28, 2018.
  16. ^ "Seven Embarrassing Incidents Rappers Had Before They Were Famous - Page 7 of 8 - XXL". Xxlmag.com. August 8, 2013. Retrieved August 25, 2013.
  17. ^ a b Artist Biography by David Jeffries. "MTV Riff Raff | Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved September 23, 2013.
  18. ^ Cooper, Duncan (June 28, 2011). "Video: Riff Raff SODMG, "Jose Canseco"". The Fader.
  19. ^ "Riff Raff – "Marc Jacobs" (Music Video)". VLAD TV. September 3, 2012.
  20. ^ Starbury, Allen (June 6, 2011). "Soulja Boy Signs Former MTV Reality Star Riff Raff To SODMG Imprint". Baller Status.
  21. ^ "Riff Raff Talks Beef With Soulja Boy - XXL". Xxlmag.com. June 19, 2012. Retrieved September 23, 2013.
  22. ^ "Action Bronson & Riff Raff – "Bird On A Wire" Video". Stereogum. February 10, 2012. Retrieved September 23, 2013.
  23. ^ "The 50 Best Songs of 2012". Complex Music. Retrieved December 18, 2012.
  24. ^ Cooper, Duncan (April 13, 2012). "Video: Riff Raff, "Time"". The Fader.
  25. ^ Goble, Corban (April 30, 2012). "Chief Keef & Riff Raff – "Cuz My Gear" Video". Stereogum.
  26. ^ "Riff Raff: "Skrillex, Usher, Soulja Boy On My Diplo-Produced LP" - Music News - Fuse". Fuse.tv. April 2, 2012. Retrieved September 23, 2013.
  27. ^ Cooper, Duncan (July 1, 2012). "Download Riff Raff's Summer of Surf Mixtape". The Fader.
  28. ^ . Mad Decent. Archived from the original on September 21, 2013. Retrieved September 23, 2013.
  29. ^ Battan, Carrie (August 2, 2012). "Update: RiFF RAFF". Pitchfork Media.
  30. ^ Breihan, Tom (August 15, 2012). "Mixtape Of The Week: Riff Raff Birth Of An Icon". Stereogum.
  31. ^ Phillip Mlynar. "Riff Raff Suggests Listening to 'Hologram Panda' With "Ass Cheeks in Hand"". MTV Hive. Retrieved May 20, 2014.
  32. ^ Partying with RiFF RAFF and Talking Style Icons, James Franco, and His New Clothing Line. Complex (February 27, 2013). Retrieved on March 15, 2013.
  33. ^ "iTunes - Music - Dolce & Gabbana - Single by Riff Raff". itunes.apple.com. June 25, 2013. Retrieved August 25, 2013.
  34. ^ "ScHoolboy Q "The Process" with Peter Rosenberg". Complex. September 17, 2013. Retrieved January 27, 2014.
  35. ^ Hunte, Justin (September 19, 2013). "RiFF RaFF Says "Dolce & Gabbana" Isn't Good Enough For "NEON iCON" | Get The Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales". HipHop DX. Retrieved May 13, 2014.
  36. ^ "RiFF RaFF Lives Hoop Dreams, Bakes Potatoes in 'Mr. Popular' Video | SPIN | SPIN Mix | Videos". SPIN. July 16, 2013. Retrieved August 25, 2013.
  37. ^ "Twitter / JODYHiGHROLLER: RiFF RAFF & @ActionBronson". Twitter.com. Retrieved August 25, 2013.
  38. ^ Diep, Eric (October 8, 2013). "Riff Raff And Action Bronson Are Making A Joint Album - XXL". Xxlmag.com. Retrieved April 27, 2014.
  39. ^ Diep, Eric (May 19, 2013). "Riff Raff "How To Be The Man" (Produced by DJ Mustard) - XXL". Xxlmag.com. Retrieved April 27, 2014.
  40. ^ Phillip Mlynar (November 15, 2013). "Riff Raff Has 10 New Songs Coming Before 'Neon Icon' | Music News". Rolling Stone. Retrieved January 27, 2014.
  41. ^ "Listen: RiFF RAFF and Action Bronson: "I Shoulda Won a Grammy" | News". Pitchfork. February 1, 2014. Retrieved June 25, 2014.
  42. ^ "Spring Music Preview 2014: 27 Must-Hear Albums: Riff Raff, 'Neon Icon' April 29th". Rolling Stone. Retrieved June 25, 2014.
  43. ^ "Twitter / JODYHiGHROLLER: NEON iCON ALBUM DROPS 6/24". Twitter.com. Retrieved May 20, 2014.
  44. ^ "RiFF RAFF Reveals "NEON iCON" Tracklist". Hotnewhiphop.com. May 20, 2014. Retrieved May 20, 2014.
  45. ^ "Riff RAFF Inks $4 Million Deal for his Neon Nation Corp". BallerStatus.com. April 7, 2016.
  46. ^ "Premiere: Listen to Houston rapper Riff Raff on a remake of Aladdin tune 'A Whole New World'". HoustonChronicle.com. January 24, 2018.
  47. ^ "Jazzmine featuring Riff Raff, Jenvoix and Iliana Eve – " A Whole New World Remix " [ New Song ] | WhatTheHYPE". whatthehype.ca. January 25, 2018.
  48. ^ Russian, Ale (October 11, 2017). "Cast Revealed! Josh Murray, Shawn Johnson and More Stars to Compete in MTV's The Challenge: Champs vs. Stars". People. Retrieved October 11, 2017.
  49. ^ Parfitt, Sarah (May 4, 2017). "Dispensary and Rapper RiFF RAFF Develop New Marijuana Strains". Arizona Marijuana News.
  50. ^ Bures, Brendan (May 8, 2018). "How Daily High Club Built The Premiere Marijuana Subscription Box". The Fresh Toast.
  51. ^ "RiFF RaFF Speaks On 'Spring Breakers' Lawsuit, What He'd Do With $10 Million - XXL". Xxlmag.com. July 19, 2013. Retrieved August 25, 2013.
  52. ^ Long, Stephanie (March 28, 2012). "James Franco to Play Riff Raff in Upcoming Harmony Korine Film". Vibe.
  53. ^ "Last Night...Talking Cornrows with James Franco". GQ.
  54. ^ 5/07/13 1:22pm 5/07/13 1:22pm (May 7, 2013). "Here's Riff Raff Impersonating James Franco on One Life to Live". Gawker.com. Retrieved August 25, 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  55. ^ "Riff Raff Is Suing 'Spring Breakers' Creators For $10 Million - XXL". Xxlmag.com. July 16, 2013. Retrieved August 25, 2013.
  56. ^ "RiFF RAFF Arrested North Carolina, Jail Vine". Complex. August 12, 2013. Retrieved August 25, 2013.
  57. ^ Jonah Weiner (October 8, 2013). "Inside Riff Raff's Weird World | Music News". Rolling Stone. Retrieved April 27, 2014.
  58. ^ "Riff Raff Australian Tour Cancelled Following Rape Allegation - Music Feeds". Music Feeds. June 1, 2018. Retrieved June 1, 2018.
  59. ^ Orosz, Nora-Grayce. "Second Woman Accuses Riff Raff of Sexual Misconduct From 2015 Incident". Complex Networks. Complex.com. June 5, 2018. Retrieved on June 13, 2018.
  60. ^ "RiFF RAFF Sexual Assault Lawsuit Settled". Pitchfork.com. January 22, 2020. Retrieved July 21, 2021.
  61. ^ "Pink Python by Riff Raff". Apple Music. Retrieved March 29, 2019.

External links edit

January 01, 1970
riff, raff, rapper, some, this, article, listed, sources, reliable, please, help, improve, this, article, looking, better, more, reliable, sources, unreliable, citations, challenged, removed, july, 2017, learn, when, remove, this, message, horst, christian, si. Some of this article s listed sources may not be reliable Please help improve this article by looking for better more reliable sources Unreliable citations may be challenged and removed July 2017 Learn how and when to remove this message Horst Christian Simco 3 born January 29 1982 better known by his stage name Riff Raff often stylized as RiFF RAFF 4 is an American rapper from Katy Texas 5 He was originally managed by Swishahouse co founder OG Ron C in 2011 6 After initially signing with rapper Soulja Boy s record label Stacks on Deck Entertainment Simco signed with producer Diplo s record label Mad Decent to release his debut studio album Neon Icon 2014 7 Despite lukewarm critical and commercial response it mildly entered the Billboard 200 along with his second album Peach Panther 2016 which was released by Warner Records Prior to its release Simco entered a US 4 million joint partnership with Stampede Management and BMG for his Neon Nation label and production company 8 The joint deal fell apart in the wake of legal disputes with the publication of the 2012 film Spring Breakers Riff RaffRiff Raff performing in 2011Background informationBirth nameHorst Christian SimcoAlso known asJody HighrollerMTV Riff RaffDale Dan TonyBrendan HallihanBorn 1982 01 29 January 29 1982 age 42 Houston Texas U S GenresHip hop EDM 1 trapOccupation s RapperYears active2005 presentLabelsBeartrap Sound Empire Universal Neon Nation Corporation 2 Mad Decent Stacks on DeckFormerly ofThree Loco Simco was formerly a member of the hip hop group Three Loco along with Andy Milonakis and Dirt Nasty who reunited on his Balloween 2016 Halloween mixtape performing Bitches in my Driveway The trio premiered a Christmas parody song Ho Ho Loco in the TBS Surprise Instant Xmas Carol special 9 In February 2018 Riff Raff signed with singer Blackbear s Beartrap Sound for a reported US 500 000 10 Contents 1 Early life 2 Musical career 2 1 2008 2009 Beginnings 2 2 2010 2012 SODMG Mad Decent various mixtapes 2 3 2013 2014 Neon Icon 2 4 2015 2017 Peach Panther and Aquaberry Aquarius 2 5 2018 present Cool Blue Jewels and Pink Python 3 Other ventures 4 Spring Breakers controversy 5 Personal life 5 1 Legal issues 5 2 Sexual assault allegations 6 Discography 7 Filmography 8 References 9 External linksEarly life editSimco was born on January 29 1982 in Houston Texas to Anita Isaacs a maid and Ronald Simco a Vietnam War veteran with severe post traumatic stress disorder who worked various jobs including as a police officer and Walmart manager 11 12 13 His mother grew up in Shaker Heights Ohio descending from a family of German Jews and Lithuanian Jews that included several survivors and victims of the Holocaust 14 Riff Raff was the second of four siblings He and his family lived in Copperfield a suburb 25 miles northwest of Houston Growing up he was obsessed with basketball playing frequently with other children in his neighborhood The Simcos had moved to nearby Stone Creek He attended Langham Creek High School where he was shooting guard on his school s basketball team before dropping out in his senior year 11 Shortly thereafter he obtained his GED 14 After his parents divorced his father was diagnosed with tonsil cancer and the family moved to Duluth Minnesota to get his father out of the heat into a cooler environment For a time Riff Raff and his siblings were shuttled back and forth between Duluth and Houston where their mother remained In 2001 he enrolled at Hibbing Community College in Hibbing Minnesota where he played on the basketball team for a month and majored in liberal arts 11 14 Feeling out of place he dropped out in 2003 and moved back to Houston where he painted cars in the in vogue candy colored style and gradually built his new identity 11 He eventually relocated to Los Angeles and began to take his rapping career seriously 3 Musical career edit2008 2009 Beginnings edit Riff Raff started rapping in 2005 making homemade CDs of his rapping over other artists beats and passing them out at various malls in the Greater Houston Area including Katy Mills Mall He credited his early influences being Texas veteran rappers Devin the Dude and Paul Wall 14 Riff Raff took advantage of social media on Myspace YouTube and WorldStarHipHop in late 2008 releasing songs freestyle videos and sketch clips which showcased his talent as slapstick and performance art He did this with the help of his first talent manager DB da Boss whose studio provided recording and video services DB spoke with LA Weekly about the rapper saying He was very driven very ambitious You couldn t deny his work ethic going on to say Underneath that shell is a very intelligent man 15 He looked up to Northside Houston rappers from label Swishahouse who were blowing up around that time including Paul Wall Chamillionaire and Slim Thug He began doing his hair up in braids popular among Northsiders like Slim Thug and shopping for bling at TV Jewelry a store co owned by Paul Wall and charismatic Vietnamese immigrant TV Johnny Dang from whom Riff Raff also purchased gold grills Like many other artists from Houston Riff Raff also spent much of his time selling CDs at colleges and malls occasionally alongside other local talent such at Fat Tony and Freestyle Bully 11 In an effort to get on television he went on many auditions including for a part in a peanut butter commercial intended for a teenager He and his friend also tried out for P Diddy s Making the Band to no avail He was so determined to become famous that he flew to Atlanta to try out for MTV s reality show From G s to Gents When he learned that he had made the cast for the program s second season before taping had even begun he immediately got a giant MTV logo tattooed on his neck and adjusted his stage name to MTV Riff Raff Though he was eliminated from the series on the second episode he left an impression on viewers through his extravagant way of dressing and funny ad libs 11 16 17 Upon the season s debut in early 2009 appearance on the show would garner an immediate reaction to him which catapulted his career 11 The same year actor comedian and rapper Simon Rex noticed Riff Raff after being shown to him by notable producer The Alchemist Rex contacted Riff Raff after watching one of his freestyle videos in which he revealed his phone number and soon enough the two became friends and began recording as Riff Raff and Dirt Nasty 11 The pair later formed a rap group Three Loco along with comedian Andy Milonakis increasing Riff Raff s popularity by tapping into the two celebrities fan bases 11 17 2010 2012 SODMG Mad Decent various mixtapes edit Beginning in 2011 Riff Raff began to be managed by OG Ron C of Swishahouse fame and moved to Los Angeles 11 Riff Raff then started releasing more music videos that furthered the artist s internet fame Those include songs such as Jose Canseco 18 and Marc Jacobs 19 Then in mid 2011 Riff Raff signed to Soulja Boy s label S O D Money Gang Inc 20 Riff Raff joined Soulja Boy s SODMG label before they met in person no paperwork was ever signed However Riff Raff still wore the imprint s chain got its logo tattooed and again adjusted his stage name this time to Riff Raff SODMG 11 They would remain affiliated for around a year but the label did not push or pay Riff Raff which would result in him leaving the label Soulja Boy publicly called Riff Raff a cokehead following their split 11 21 Some time before the official split Riff Raff affiliated with producers such as Diplo and Harry Fraud as well as with Queens rapper Action Bronson The music video he released for his collaboration with Fraud and Bronson Bird on a Wire hit the one million plays mark in roughly two months 22 Bird on a Wire was listed as the 27th best song of 2012 by Complex Music 23 In early 2012 he would release music videos for the songs Larry Bird 4 Time 24 and the Chief Keef collaboration Cuz My Gear among others 25 In April 2012 Riff Raff also announced a collaborative album with Diplo tentatively titled Jody Highroller with guests Skrillex Usher Soulja Boy Gucci Mane Mystikal and Rusko 26 In June 2012 Riff Raff released the Summer of Surf mixtape 27 He signed with Diplo s label Mad Decent in June 2012 28 The same year he released the album The Golden Alien independently in July citation needed which feature tracks produced by MikeChekMusic Freeze Dried Obtuse Angle It was followed by the release of the mixtape Birth of an Icon in August which was listed by Stereogum as their Mixtape of the Week 29 30 2013 2014 Neon Icon edit Main article Neon Icon Following the release of his mixtape Hologram Panda with producer Dame Grease Riff Raff told MTV that his upcoming Mad Decent second studio album would be titled Riff Raff The Neon Icon later shortened to Neon Icon 31 In February 2013 he told Complex that his second studio album is due out some time during the third quarter of 2013 32 On June 25 2013 he released a single titled Dolce amp Gabbana produced by DJ Carnage as the first single from Neon Icon however two days later he announced that the song wouldn t be included on the album 33 34 35 He was also featured on Far East Movement s single The Illest around the same time Then on July 12 2013 he released another non album single titled Mr Popular and four days later released the music video for the song 36 37 In August 2013 Riff Raff announced that he would be releasing a collaboration album with Action Bronson titled Galaxy Gladiators in 2014 38 39 On November 26 2013 he released the first official single for Neon Icon titled How To Be the Man and produced by DJ Mustard 40 That same month Riff Raff told Rolling Stone in an interview that leading up to the album s release he would release various left over tracks from the album s recording sessions 41 These notably included the Boi 1da produced Real Boyz featuring rappers OJ da Juiceman and Cap 1 as well as Suckas Askin Questions with Lil Debbie and Shoulda Won a Grammy with Action Bronson 42 In March 2014 prior to the album s release Rolling Stone included the album on their list of 27 Must Hear Albums of 2014 43 On May 20 2014 Riff Raff announced through his Twitter that after much delay Neon Icon was scheduled for a June 24 2014 release date 44 The same day the official track listing for the album was revealed which included previously announced collaborations Mac Miller Childish Gambino Paul Wall Mike Posner and Amber Coffman of Dirty Projectors as well as Slim Thug 45 On the 2015 Vans Warped Tour Riff Raff hired We Came As Romans bassist Andy Glass to play bass for him on the tour 2015 2017 Peach Panther and Aquaberry Aquarius edit Riff Raff announced his intention to release his second studio album Peach Panther on June 1 2015 The first single Spazz Out featuring production from Travis Barker was released around this time however the album itself would end up being delayed until 2016 He then released an EP entitled Trench Coat Towers in early November 2015 He extended the release date for Peach Panther several times with early 2016 being cited on his Instagram as the current date He was also featured on several singles during 2015 including Doctor Pepper with Diplo CL and OG Maco and Flux Pavilion s single Who Wants to Rock In early 2016 he released the first single from Peach Panther Carlos Slim The album was eventually released on June 24 2016 In April 2016 Riff Raff announced a partnership with Stampede Management and BMG raising US 4 million for his Neon Nation Corporation to invest in music as well as in movies and talent across the globe to build an entertainment empire 46 Since his second studio album Peach Panther he has released 3 projects with DJ Afterthought starting out with 2016 Halloween mixtape BALLOWEEN featuring Quavo Skepta Trae tha Truth Travis Barker and many more Most of the songs off BALLOWEEN have been stashed away for month s and were finally released Next January 30 2017 Aquaberry Aquarius dropped having super stars Wiz Khalifa and Lisa Cimorelli from the 6 sister group Cimorelli also having underground famous rap stars Bones Fat Nick and Germ The White West referring himself as the white Kanye West dropped August 4 2017 having upcoming artists like Dice SoHo and Jimmy Wopo on the project 2018 present Cool Blue Jewels and Pink Python edit On February 9 2018 Riff Raff and DJ Afterthought released the album Cool Blue Jewels with features from Wiz Khalifa Chevy Woods Jimmy Wopo Young Buck and Project Pat among others On November 9 2018 Riff Raff released a mixtape titled Tangerine Tiger with guest appearances from Z Ro Lil Tracy Ricki Rich among others On April 12 2019 Riff Raff released his third studio album titled Pink Python with guest appearances from Chief Keef J Dawg and Killah Priest Riff Raff premiered his single Jazzmine with Houston Chronicle a remake of A Whole New World from Aladdin featuring Iliana Eve Jonathan Hay Aneesa Badshaw Ranna Royce and others 47 48 On October 25 Riff Raff released his fourth studio album titled Cranberry Vampire with appearances from Simon Rex Andy Milonakis Chief Keef and others Other ventures editOn Double Cup an episode of FXX s Major Lazer he made a guest appearance as Double Cup The Codeine Scientist Riff Raff competed on a special for the MTV reality series The Challenge premiering November 21 2017 and titled Champs vs Stars 49 In 2017 Riff Raff partnered with Reef Dispensaries to develop and endorse two new strains of marijuana 50 Riff Raff has also collaborated with the cannabis subscription box company Daily High Club to create a Riff Raff smoking supply box containing smoking products and accessories inspired by his stage persona 51 Spring Breakers controversy editOn February 15 2012 film director Harmony Korine contacted Riff Raff about appearing in an upcoming movie of his which would turn out to be Spring Breakers 52 Once the details of the movie came out there was speculation that the main character Alien was based on Riff Raff 53 However according to James Franco his character was based on the underground rap artist Dangeruss He said Of course Harmony and I looked at some of Riff Raff s videos as inspiration but he was one of a number of people we looked at I would say the biggest influence on the role was this local Florida rapper named Dangeruss He s fairly unknown but he was down there in the place living the life and he became the biggest model for me and he s in the movie 54 There was much back and forth between both camps about the issue including Riff Raff appearing in a cameo for One Life to Live playing a character called Jamie Franko 55 In July 2013 Riff Raff announced he was suing the creators of Spring Breakers for 10 million for using his image without permission 56 However a search for court documents by LA Weekly in September 2013 resulted in no findings 11 Personal life editRiff Raff has a large number of tattoos including the logos for WorldStarHipHop NBA and MTV which he had acquired during auditions for the 2009 reality TV show From G s to Gents Previously he had a BET tattoo on the front of his right shoulder which was later covered up with a tattoo of his dog Jody Husky 14 He is a fan of The Simpsons with a tattoo of Bart holding test tubes that reads The Freestyle Scientist on his chest 11 He also has a large gothic cross below his left shoulder framed by a prayer that reads Dear Jesus Please Let Me In Your Child Horst Simco 14 Legal issues edit On August 11 2013 Riff Raff was arrested in Greensboro North Carolina after police found an open container of alcohol marijuana another unspecified illegal substance and drug paraphernalia in his vehicle Riff Raff was booked into jail along with the two passengers in his vehicle and was released without bail later that night 57 58 Sexual assault allegations edit On May 31 2018 Riff Raff was accused of drugging and raping a woman after a 2013 show in Melbourne All venues on his Australian and New Zealand tour subsequently canceled his scheduled concerts 59 Afterward a second woman aged 17 at the time alleged that in Milwaukee Riff Raff invited her on his tour bus according to the accuser he proceeded to touch her repeatedly while making suggestive comments 60 On January 22 2020 Riff Raff settled a lawsuit related to a sexual assault claim made against him from a 2014 incident at a Nevada brothel 61 Discography editMain article Riff Raff discography Rap Game Bon Jovi 2012 The Golden Alien 2012 Hologram Panda 2013 Neon Icon 2014 Peach Panther 2016 Pink Python 2019 62 Cranberry Vampire 2019 Vanilla Gorilla 2020 Filmography editTelevision Year TV show Role 2009 From G s to Gents Himself 2013 One Life to Live Jamie Franko Ridiculousness Betas Himself 2014 Wild n Out 2015 Major Lazer Double Cup voice 2017 Peach Panther Himself The Challenge Champs vs Stars 2020 Sonic the Hedgehog Himself scenes deletedReferences edit Exclusive Riff Raff Wants to Be EDM Justin Bieber Billboard Retrieved November 8 2015 Platon Adelle April 5 2016 Riff Raff Teams with Stampede Management To Launch Neon Nation Corporation Label Debuts Carlos Slim Single Exclusive Billboard Retrieved April 5 2016 a b Weiss Jeff May 24 2012 Is Riff Raff Serious LA Weekly Archived from the original on June 19 2012 a b The Break Presents RiFF RaFF XXL Magazine January 6 2012 Winslow Mike June 19 2012 Houston Rapper Riff Raff Signs With Diplo s Label All Hip Hop Martinez Belkin Neil August 9 2012 Riff Raff Bringing the Rice Out XXL Exclusive Online Feature XXL Maness Carter May 10 2012 Riff Raff Signs To Diplo s Mad Decent Label MTV Fleischer Adam May 20 2014 Riff Raff s Album Has An Official Release Date And A Baby On The Cover MTV News Viacom Retrieved May 24 2014 Goble Corban August 14 2012 Three Loco We Are Farmers Feat Diplo Video Stereogum A Aron February 5 2018 RiFF RAFF Signs 500K Deal With Blackbear s Beartrap Sound hotnewhiphop com Retrieved February 5 2018 a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Westhoof Ben September 10 2013 Becoming Riff Raff How a White Suburban Kid Morphed Into Today s Most Enigmatic Rapper LA Weekly Archived from the original on January 29 2014 Watch Part Two Of A AP Rocky amp Riff Raff s Hilarious Interview XXL Xxlmag com September 19 2013 Retrieved September 23 2013 Personal Details for Horst Christian Simco FamilySearch December 5 2014 a b c d e f Inside Riff Raff s Weird World Music News Rolling Stone Retrieved April 27 2014 Westhoff Ben September 10 2013 Becoming Riff Raff How a White Suburban Kid Morphed Into Today s Most Enigmatic Rapper L A Weekly Retrieved June 28 2018 Seven Embarrassing Incidents Rappers Had Before They Were Famous Page 7 of 8 XXL Xxlmag com August 8 2013 Retrieved August 25 2013 a b Artist Biography by David Jeffries MTV Riff Raff Biography AllMusic Retrieved September 23 2013 Cooper Duncan June 28 2011 Video Riff Raff SODMG Jose Canseco The Fader Riff Raff Marc Jacobs Music Video VLAD TV September 3 2012 Starbury Allen June 6 2011 Soulja Boy Signs Former MTV Reality Star Riff Raff To SODMG Imprint Baller Status Riff Raff Talks Beef With Soulja Boy XXL Xxlmag com June 19 2012 Retrieved September 23 2013 Action Bronson amp Riff Raff Bird On A Wire Video Stereogum February 10 2012 Retrieved September 23 2013 The 50 Best Songs of 2012 Complex Music Retrieved December 18 2012 Cooper Duncan April 13 2012 Video Riff Raff Time The Fader Goble Corban April 30 2012 Chief Keef amp Riff Raff Cuz My Gear Video Stereogum Riff Raff Skrillex Usher Soulja Boy On My Diplo Produced LP Music News Fuse Fuse tv April 2 2012 Retrieved September 23 2013 Cooper Duncan July 1 2012 Download Riff Raff s Summer of Surf Mixtape The Fader Riff Raff Signs To Mad Decent Archived from the original on September 21 2013 Retrieved September 23 2013 Battan Carrie August 2 2012 Update RiFF RAFF Pitchfork Media Breihan Tom August 15 2012 Mixtape Of The Week Riff Raff Birth Of An Icon Stereogum Phillip Mlynar Riff Raff Suggests Listening to Hologram Panda With Ass Cheeks in Hand MTV Hive Retrieved May 20 2014 Partying with RiFF RAFF and Talking Style Icons James Franco and His New Clothing Line Complex February 27 2013 Retrieved on March 15 2013 iTunes Music Dolce amp Gabbana Single by Riff Raff itunes apple com June 25 2013 Retrieved August 25 2013 ScHoolboy Q The Process with Peter Rosenberg Complex September 17 2013 Retrieved January 27 2014 Hunte Justin September 19 2013 RiFF RaFF Says Dolce amp Gabbana Isn t Good Enough For NEON iCON Get The Hip Hop News Rap News amp Hip Hop Album Sales HipHop DX Retrieved May 13 2014 RiFF RaFF Lives Hoop Dreams Bakes Potatoes in Mr Popular Video SPIN SPIN Mix Videos SPIN July 16 2013 Retrieved August 25 2013 iTunes Music Mr Popular Single by Riff Raff itunes apple com July 12 2013 Retrieved August 25 2013 Twitter JODYHiGHROLLER RiFF RAFF amp ActionBronson Twitter com Retrieved August 25 2013 Diep Eric October 8 2013 Riff Raff And Action Bronson Are Making A Joint Album XXL Xxlmag com Retrieved April 27 2014 Diep Eric May 19 2013 Riff Raff How To Be The Man Produced by DJ Mustard XXL Xxlmag com Retrieved April 27 2014 Phillip Mlynar November 15 2013 Riff Raff Has 10 New Songs Coming Before Neon Icon Music News Rolling Stone Retrieved January 27 2014 Listen RiFF RAFF and Action Bronson I Shoulda Won a Grammy News Pitchfork February 1 2014 Retrieved June 25 2014 Spring Music Preview 2014 27 Must Hear Albums Riff Raff Neon Icon April 29th Rolling Stone Retrieved June 25 2014 Twitter JODYHiGHROLLER NEON iCON ALBUM DROPS 6 24 Twitter com Retrieved May 20 2014 RiFF RAFF Reveals NEON iCON Tracklist Hotnewhiphop com May 20 2014 Retrieved May 20 2014 Riff RAFF Inks 4 Million Deal for his Neon Nation Corp BallerStatus com April 7 2016 Premiere Listen to Houston rapper Riff Raff on a remake of Aladdin tune A Whole New World HoustonChronicle com January 24 2018 Jazzmine featuring Riff Raff Jenvoix and Iliana Eve A Whole New World Remix New Song WhatTheHYPE whatthehype ca January 25 2018 Russian Ale October 11 2017 Cast Revealed Josh Murray Shawn Johnson and More Stars to Compete in MTV s The Challenge Champs vs Stars People Retrieved October 11 2017 Parfitt Sarah May 4 2017 Dispensary and Rapper RiFF RAFF Develop New Marijuana Strains Arizona Marijuana News Bures Brendan May 8 2018 How Daily High Club Built The Premiere Marijuana Subscription Box The Fresh Toast RiFF RaFF Speaks On Spring Breakers Lawsuit What He d Do With 10 Million XXL Xxlmag com July 19 2013 Retrieved August 25 2013 Long Stephanie March 28 2012 James Franco to Play Riff Raff in Upcoming Harmony Korine Film Vibe Last Night Talking Cornrows with James Franco GQ 5 07 13 1 22pm 5 07 13 1 22pm May 7 2013 Here s Riff Raff Impersonating James Franco on One Life to Live Gawker com Retrieved August 25 2013 a href Template Cite web html title Template Cite web cite web a CS1 maint numeric names authors list link Riff Raff Is Suing Spring Breakers Creators For 10 Million XXL Xxlmag com July 16 2013 Retrieved August 25 2013 RiFF RAFF Arrested North Carolina Jail Vine Complex August 12 2013 Retrieved August 25 2013 Jonah Weiner October 8 2013 Inside Riff Raff s Weird World Music News Rolling Stone Retrieved April 27 2014 Riff Raff Australian Tour Cancelled Following Rape Allegation Music Feeds Music Feeds June 1 2018 Retrieved June 1 2018 Orosz Nora Grayce Second Woman Accuses Riff Raff of Sexual Misconduct From 2015 Incident Complex Networks Complex com June 5 2018 Retrieved on June 13 2018 RiFF RAFF Sexual Assault Lawsuit Settled Pitchfork com January 22 2020 Retrieved July 21 2021 Pink Python by Riff Raff Apple Music Retrieved March 29 2019 External links edit Pazz amp Jop Riff Raff Is Keeping It Surreal by The Village Voice Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Riff Raff rapper amp oldid 1223533500, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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