Happy Birthday, RiFF RAFF!

Today is RiFF RAFF’s 33^rd birthday. Known for his colorful wardrobe and larger-than-life personality to much, this eccentric rapper knows how to get the party started.

RiFF RAFF, also known as his other persona Jody Highroller, was born Horst Christian Simco in Houston, TX. Inspired by fellow Texas MC’s Paul Wall and Devin the Dude, RAFF started getting into rap in 2005. He used social media sites like MySpace and YouTube to gain a following and sold his CD’s around Texas. But it wasn’t until RAFF appeared on MTV’s 2008 reality show, From G’s to Gents, that his star power was realized.

From there, RAFF’s funny ad-libs, seven mixtapes and plethora of logo tattoos took him to L.A. where he linked up with Soulja Boy's label, S.O.D. Money Gang Inc. briefly. After a messy split from SODMG, RAFF signed with Diplo’s label, Mad Decent. He worked with Diplo, Harry Fraud and Action Bronson on the 2012 track “Bird on a Wire” which enjoyed Internet success in the form of over one million YouTube views.

On June 24, 2014, RAFF released his debut studio album, Neon Icon under Mad Decent where he enlisted the help of many different artists as collaborators. Everyone from Childish Gambino and Mac Miller to Mike Posner and DJ Mustard are featured on Neon Icon. The record birthed two singles, “Dolce and Gabbana” and “Tip Toe Wing in My Jawwdinz” which peaked at number 24 on the Billboard Bubbling Under 100 Hot Singles.

Along the way, RiFF has used his goofy, distinctive persona to his advantage. His likeness is rumored to be the inspiration behind James Franco’s drug dealer character, Alien, in the 2012 movie Spring Breakers.

RAFF is currently touring the U.S., hitting the gym harder in an effort to live a healthier life and working on a rock album in 2015.

Happy Birthday, RiFF RAFF!