Trading Shaolin for Neon: A Step Up With a Few Bumps Along the Way

Released June 26, 2026

Last year’s WELCOME TO SHAOLiN was the first time I ever got into Riff Raff. Even though it was a mixed bag at times, there was enough dope stuff I kept coming back to that I switched from a skeptic to a fan. Recently, I saw NEON NiGHTHAWK had dropped and had to take the chance to see what Riff Raff was up to! It’s another mixed bag, but an upgraded pack at least.

Getting what I didn’t like out of the way, one big thing is I’m not really a country music fan, nor am I a fan of when Riff Raff is making country music. And 4 out of the last 5 songs are “NEED MORE HORSES” and remixes of the song. It’s a rough ending, but at least it was left for the end to skip past. Then there are the singing, neon tracks. Some I like more than others; “NEON NECTARiNE” and “TURBO THRU THE TURBULENCE” are both okay, but “BOYNTON BEACH BOYZ” wasn’t one I was into. All three weren’t really needed, but they can break things up and add uniqueness to what Riff Raff brings.

Just like on WELCOME TO SHAOLiN, there is some heat here. Mind you, that’s all relative to if you do, or can, like Riff Raff, and I understand it both ways. “MAD MAX AT SAX” is good, but the next song, “CODEiNE COBRA”, is a special standout. Coming with some dope New York shit and features from A$AP Twelvyy & Lord Sko, it’s not your typical Riff Raff sound but very dope. Last Halloween I heard the Balloween mixtape, and here we have the song “BALLOWEEN 2”, an absolute banger. “JOHNNY QUEST NECKLACES” with Robb Bank$ & B Jack$ was dope, and so was “TALKY TALKY” with DJ Paul—one of my favorite songs here. “TiP TOE iN MY FORCES” is fine, but I’m not really blown away by anything I’ve heard from BLP KOSHER; the remix with Trapland Pat was the better version between the two for sure.

This album is tricky, especially when I’m thinking of it next to Riff Raff’s last album, Welcome To Shaolin. I think this album has fewer moments I want to skip through, although the end with all the “NEED MORE HORSES” tracks was rough. But I also think the best moments here didn’t hit the heights of my favorite moments on WTS. If you’re into Riff Raff at all, this is worth a spin—maybe not his best album, but enjoyable enough.

Album Rating: 👑👑👑👑👑½ (5.5/10)

Standout Tracks: CODEiNE COBRA, BALLOWEEN 2, JOHNNY QUEST NECKLACES, TALKY TALKY