Loads of unqualified, talentless people, watching people with talent and believing what they have to say about the work is relevent,, I guess just hitching their wagons to somone elses rising stars We used to say those who can do, those who cant teach,, Now its those who can do, those who cant sit and watch and play critic to

"This better be fire!" Ren fans "Buckle up, Buttercup!"

He made this whole video, live, with one of his friends, for a total budget of 1,000 pounds, self funded. He isn't signed with a label. Just amazing what talent can do.

I not only can’t stop listening to this song, but I can’t stop watching reaction videos too! It’s not something I’ve ever been inclined to do before, but I LOVE watching others going through a similar range of emotions upon this beautiful discovery that is Ren ❤ To me, the song resonates as my personal battle with the whole “impostor syndrome” thing very much, as well as a plethora of other ways … the part where he actually stands up, combined with the lyrics at that point, it just kills me!! In the best way 🔥❤️‍🩹

Can yall believe that REN played the guitar and sang this live all in one take for this video? NOTHING recorded all in one take......its absolutely insane

this is art. this is philosophy this is a universal truth this is a therapy session this is healing I hope as many people see this as possible. If you have a friend you think might need to see this , then by all means send it to them. It could help them. thanks Ren.

Can you do the reaction for Hi Ren?

"so cower at the man I've become.." That got me, that hit real hard...

I have literally watched this 50+ more times, over and over. Tears streaming down my face. I too suffer from autoimmune issues. But also have worked at a psychiatric/ substance abuse hospital for over 20 years and see this self sabotage talk from the patients every single day. And all I wish for is every patient comes out standing. This song is SOUL TOUCHING.

I genuinely believe we've seen one of the most powerful pieces of multidimensional art and maybe one of the most culturally significant creations of the 21st century. This was special. This is important!

I have to say, my favorite part of his speech at the end is when he says that "There are no winners, and no losers, in psychological warfare. But there are victims, and there are students." Such a simple line, but so very complex. There are people who will remain enslaved to their psychosis, and there are those who will learn how to live with it. Victims and Students. Beautiful imagery.

The bad voice is not evil, it's fear.

Important to know that Ren is still a VERY sick man whose treatment alone is more than most of us could handle. The more you learn about his medical struggles and how professionals kept missing the underlying causes and how his untreated medical issues ultimately resulted in profound mental illness. He's brilliant!

I'm still a bit stunned , but I do believe we have just witnessed TRUE creative musical genius here.Methinks while so many on social media are struggling to desperately become the next overnight sensation. Ren is showing us how to become the next legend.Mark my words, this guy is going to move a lot of people.

I really believe the concept of self-roasting is taken from 8 Mile: he removes your ability to criticize him by giving you every argument you could make.

"y'all better watch the whole thing" TRY AND STOP ME 🤣

You are THE ONLY person I've seen connect the dots with "Sea Shells". ❤

"This BETTER be fire!" you gonna learn today 😂

Finally someone who recognises the "she sells sea shells on the sea shore" line!!! A lot of people, having reacted to this song before anything else by him, tend to twist it, but it's actually a reference! Thank you for noticing, much love man, love your reactions.

That was bardcore,a new genre a young genius

"This had better be fire" .... head gets engulfed the the flames of genius

I think the perfect word to describe the style when he has stood up is "defiant". He is standing up to the "evil" side, but not in an angry way. Rather, in a defiant, and not passive way.

Now try his masterpiece triology Jennys tale Screeches tale and Violets tale. If you do no other please do this.

The rush of emotions when he starts to sing at the end is just incredible..

Great reaction. “Hi Ren" is the song that put Ren on everyone's radar since December; it went viral and has garnered more than 5 million views since its debut, but he has been creating great music for more than ten years. Ren’s music videos are generally recorded live, often in a single take, although not necessarily the first take, and from various camera angles. His release, "Sick Boi," is almost another chapter to "Hi Ren." Many of his songs resonate with people because he addresses struggles that many others face every day. Ren plays multiple instruments (acoustic, electric, and bass guitar, piano, drums), has impressive vocals, is an excellent storyteller, and is quite the philosopher and poet. He is considered by many a modern bard. His trilogy "The Tale of Jenny/Screech/Violet" is haunting and has an unforeseen conclusion. It needs to be watched in the order given, as this is the flow of the storyline. It is another example of Ren’s genius and a master’s class in storytelling. It has been likened to a Shakespearean tragedy. Ren’s collaborations with Chinchilla (“Chalk Outlines,” “How to Be Me”) are beautiful and showcase his singing voice while addressing mental health. His live music videos are especially impressive. Ren's personal reflections are threaded through many of his songs; "Insomnia," "Depression," “Diazepam," “Penitence,” “Dear God,” “Heretic,” “Dominos,” his "Freckled Angels" album, just to name a few, all deserve a listen. His song "Money Game" (Part I & II) is another recommendation, although it is less of a personal song than it is an indictment of greed and the resulting injustices in this world. Ren’s Hip Hop/Rap style songs are all worth checking out if you enjoy this genre; they are pretty amazing. Check out “The Hunger,” “Genesis,” “What You Want,” “Losing it (FISHER rap retake),” “Right here, right now (Fatboy Slim one shot retake),” "Life is Funny," “Love Music (Parts 1, 2, and 3),” “Crucify Your Culture,” “Power,” and his latest release, “Bittersweet symphony (The Verve retake).” As I recently discovered, Ren also recorded a cover of “Can't Help Falling In Love (Elvis Cover),” that is simply beautiful. Then there are his performances with Sam Tompkins (“Blind Eyed,” “Earned it /Mans World / Falling,” “Walking on the moon/No Diggity”), Eden Nash (“Humble,” “Ocean”), Bibi (“Crutch,” “Ahiahiaoha”), Molly McKinna (“Penitence”), his former bandmate, Romain Axisa (“French Song”), which are all great. Ren's performances as a member of the band "The Big Push" (which unfortunately broke up), their busking (street performances), concerts, and their live recordings, are awesome and well worth checking out. Ren's covers of "I Shot the Sheriff," "Wade in the Water," "An Englishman in New York," “War Pigs,” the songs "Oh My Woman," “Swan Song,” “Sweet Little Lady," "It's Alright," "Watch Out," “Dignity,” and so many others are equally impressive. Ren recently released his single, “Sick Boi.” In anticipation of his stay in Canada for more treatments, Ren prepared some music ahead of time to be released over the next six months that he expects to be gone. As mentioned above, his latest release, “Bittersweet Symphony (The Verve retake),” is another masterful work.

The Hunger by Ren really shows his rapping ability as does Genesis. The tale of Jenny and screech (full) will leave you absolutely speechless!

I love this song. A lot of people's favourite line is "some people know me as the voice that you hear when you loosen the noose on the rope." I absolutely love the line right after that and think its the entire inspiration for the song "and you know how I know that ill prosper, because I stand here beside you today." He made it past his darkest days and is sharing his story for the people who don't know if there is light at the other end of the tunnel.

New sub! I just found Ren as well and I just feel understood. Mentally, and I suffer from an auto immune disease. Brilliant man

I really like how, at the end, after the "hope" persona has said his piece, the lights start flickering again. It suggests that the darkness is still there, but he's just dancing with it rather than trying to lock it inside him, like he did earlier in the song.

Look into his story he was misdiagnosed for years he has Lymes disease and PTSD he is in Canada at the moment after surgery only meant to be a couple of months but it is going to be more like 6 months +. Such a talented artist knew you would like his writing.

Young man, when I saw that you are a poet, I KNEW this would hit you. Your obvious appreciation for the poetry and the message is refreshing and inspiring. Thank you for that!!

This is musical artistic Genius. He's up for an award from Sundance or Cannes music. And that's Awesome but it deserves a Grammy Nomination.

That build up to him starting to sing gives me chills every time. Incredible at rapping but his singing voice is also so beautiful

Time for the trilogy next (The tale of Jenny and Screech Full). Super awesome poetry - even more story telling.

Hey Youngblood. Watched a ton of Hi Ren reactions and yours is easily right up there with the most watchable. Great analysis and insightful commentary. Subscribed.

This is more than music. This is art, performed perfectly.

this whole song is based on his actual life hes been through 7 to 10 years of being misdiagnosed he finaly got light of his problem autoimunity disease lyme disease that caused allot of braindamage psychosis depression you name it he getting treatment now in canada to help him become more functioning he truly is amazing

The message is so beautifully done. "Doubt" Ren is poised as an antagonist through most of the performance, but it's really important to understand that that there was no "good Ren" or "bad Ren" there was just Ren. That doubtful voice is a part of you, nothing you do will ever silence it, and you will only find peace when you learn to accept every part of yourself.

He is also playing in minor key for the evil side and switches to a major Key for the light side. He also is using modulation for the battle between the two sides.

Ren has a whole bunch of poetic songs. However, if you want to experience his grasp on storytelling and ability to create mood, character and also act, watch the Tale Of Jenny and Screech (Full). It's a trilogy which includes Violet's Tale. REACT TO THIS TRILOGY!!!

I'm sure you'd enjoy and get something out of just about anything of his, but I'm going to push for two in particular. The Tale of Jenny and Screech (and Violet), the complete version in order. A great piece of storytelling. And if you'd be interested in seeing him rapping for real, I'd suggest The Hunger. Thanks.

Great reaction. As others have said, The Tale of Jenny and Screech (full version) will really blow you away; it’s his masterpiece.

This performance is amazing and so powerful! One thematic element I've not really seen commented on is when he brings back the refrain "I've been taking time to be distant....", there is a subtle but very important shift in stance from passive "my therapist told me I'm ill", to ownership "I've spent half my life ill" that leads to the defiant messages of hope and understanding in the final verses.

This modern masterpiece needs to be part of every high school curriculum.

For me, this is a timeline. It starts with conversations between the two sides but it escalates until the moment that evil takes over and it gets very dark. When he comes back in after that it feels, to me, like that is a return after a breakdown and the guitar feel you you mention simplifies all the way down to just very simple root notes of the chords and signifies complete calm, nothing complex at all. It then builds from there to the 'hope' and triumph that comes from standing up against this voice. Triumph is the word. It gives me such a feeling of overcoming adversity. A positivity coming from such darkness. What a story.💪

Ren is the kind of person that can do anything. I'm sure he could act or dance. We already know he can sing, play guitar, rap, produce, direct, write and most importantly take care of himself. He is a prodigy. Period. An exploding quasar! I'm he for it.

I love how he’s up and he’s strong and almost dancing at the end of the video, but the lights are still going berserk behind him to show that dark Ren is still there, but he’s learning how to cope with that

I have yet to see a reaction where there aren’t tears in people’s eyes when the “hope” part plays.

Great reaction. Welcome to the Ren rabbit hole. I think he's speaking in 6 distinct voices in the song. First aria, yodeling, whatever. Really well put together piece picked on the guitar with great vocals. 2 voices then start talking. Then Lucifer vs. Hope. Finally the artist who learned to dance with the demons. I could argue the 7th voice with the spoken word, but I was just talking about the song. I also like how Lucifer had to rattle off several names, but Hope only needed one. Jenny & Screech, full version. I subbed so I can see this later, even though I've seen several of those already.

Another Name I associate with HOPE now, is REN and the looks and reaction on ALL THE FACES that are Blessed to have found this thing we are ALL CRAVING and NEEDING right NOW.. he’s a GodSend.. that’s what I know 🔥❤️🇺🇸🙏

I don't think I'm being over the top when I say this might be one of the most important pieces of art in the last few years. I enjoyed your reaction. Thank you, Ren.

Exactly. Even a person who doesn't play guitar recognizes the greatness of that into. This is special. Beginning to end. True art

Ren is a solo artist and has a band called The Big Push. The lad is extremely talented and is out of this world. This song is a hard listen when you know what he has been through and i appreciate him doing this, he isnt the first to shine light on mental health but it is hard for ones to talk about it. I have seen comments over comments of people saying because of this song it has helped people to seek help. That is a win.

Youngblood: This better be fire! Ren: I got you, bro.

I have been fighting with my inner voice ever since I can remember, almost 50 years now, are you telling me that not everyone has that ongoing internal war? I have often told people that I argue with myself the whole time, and I have always assumed everyone had that, but actually no one ever seemed to understand, until I heard this song. Great reaction👍

The hope playing style, as you call it? To me? Its when the two sides cone together? When he is able to get them to dance as he puts it. The faster more dissonant tone and the very soft melodic tone when together become their own style. And thats when the voices stop and he just sings the sounds.

Not only am I hooked on this track but I’m also hooked on the reactions to this track and I’m 58 years old! 😂 Ren is unbelievably talented! The whole production team have done an amazing job on this video! 👌👌👌

100% the best ending of a reaction to this video I've seen and I've seen probably 100 reactions so far.

So glad I wasn’t the only one who made the comparison between Hi Ren and Intro III

It's a flamenco guitar, technically he isn't doing anything crazy in this, but I've seen him play in other songs and he's definitely solid. He's far better than me on guitar, but I understand what's going on theoretically. The hardest song I've tried to learn would be Elliot Smith - Angeles.... that'll knock your socks off.

My father doesn't believe he gave me anything. But he did. He taught me about goosebumps. Those songs that reach inside your soul and walk on your skin. This song is one of those songs. Your sending me into the direction of NF's HOPE was also a gift. Powerful. Refined grit. Like drinking 300-year-old scotch out of a tin can. Thank you for the gift.

Saw someone comment once on this video that Ren ends the song on an ‘unresolved chord’ which they suggested indicated that the fight isnt over, which to me was a great way to look at it

I've watched dozens of reaction videos to this this song and you are the only one who got the "she sells sea shells" reference.

No words that I could speak right now could possibly do justice to the brilliance of Ren and his music❤️

I’ve seen 40 of these reactions to the art of REN…..you did a great job one of the best and I love you energy….new sub here thanks….

Since I discover Ren , I need to listen to his incredible poetry-music everyday. Some of his songs in a row, like 'Dear God', 'Do you believe ', 'i don't know how to be me' with Chinchilla. I can relate to him, being myself fighting against a chronic illness and pain (Ehlhers-Danlos syndrom), and chronic depression and anxiety. I needed to hear that I'm not alone, physical and mental illness are not something to hide . Thank you Ren for your music, it's helping people to hold on. From Belgium.

Nomatter how many times I see hi Ren the tears leak. A more human work of Art I have yet to witness. Art as adaptogen.

Thank you for joining us in our appreciation of an artist and genius. Ren's message is not just for musicians, it is for all of us.

He never disappoints, enjoy the journey ❤

Hey Young Blood I'm 64 now and music has been so important to me ever since my early teens. I have no hesitation in saying that for me Ren's 'Hi Ren' video is the most influential (although it be for different reasons) since I watched Bohemian Rhapsody back in the 70's. One of the most refreshing, unique and diverse artists I've seen for some time. He's going to be up there with the great lyricists and it's incredible how emotionally he puts those words across. Your review and break down was bob on man, because you didn't stop it too many times. I watched Justin Hawkins review of it and how he got anything out of it emotionally I'll never know because he was pausing it every 20 seconds.

Poetic masterpiece. Raw emotion expressed in every struggle he has endured.

Love that you went back to add additional analysis, that's awesome and honestly what i like to watch these type of videos for. Ren is a massive, massive talent

Please do "Tale of Jenny & Screech (Full)" next... it is like a modern day Shakespearian tragedy, but told (& acted out) by one man & his guitar in the streets of London (all three segments were also done as one takes... just like this one!).

As a poet myself, i just gotta say ... i really appreciate the way your head bops in time to the actual syllables instead of the guitar a lot of the time lol. Poetically, the tale of jenny and screech is beautiful. As a music fan, sickboi is a fucking BOP.

Man, you really got this song. Chef's kiss back to you.

You're the voice I hear when I loosen the noose on the rope... wow. .just wow. And thanks.🙏🙏🙏💯💯👏👏👏👌👌👌❤❤

HE DESERVES A GRAMMY!

The unique sound you like so much is because he's got nylon strings on his guitar. He did that intentionally. Gives that "extra" sound he wanted.

It may interest you to know that Ren was actually signed by Sony many years ago, he became sick shortly after and that is when Sony dropped him. He is currently in Canada receiving treatment for misdiagnosed (for 8 years) lyme disease and all his success is purely based on his own writing/playing the music/recording/mixing and distribution all by himself. Truly an independent genius of our time, we are so lucky to have him, and I am glad Sony don't get to partake in his worldwide success and recognition after being so cruel to him. Great reaction... I highly recommend "The Tale of Jenny and Screech" next, exactly how Ren presents it in a trilogy. You will not be disappointed, it's an entire experience.

Jenny's tale (full, or at least in order Jenny, Screech, Violet), Sick Boi, Genesis, Hunger, Power, Chalk Outlines, The two part Money Game, especially part 2 and How to be me are all great and worth your time. His busking lives are great but are more a showcase of his performance ability than his own 'thing' - but still fire. + live > lyric, never miss a chance to see him do the live versions

I HATE.. like I LOATHE my internal “discussions”, ‘cause these days and the last 13-14 years I’ve had internal dialogues or more like fights, much like the second part of the video. And I find it SO endlessly hard to not engage and just calm down. And you are so right about it when it comes to phycological illnesses. These are the EXACT thoughts that go through.

Not only did I watch it all the way though, but I watched your video several times. I loved your reaction to this amazing performance.

I've also spent half my life I'll, I have borderline personality disorder. And one other personality disorder which I don't know the English word for but its about being anxious over every situation basically. And you are so right that this applies to alot of mental disorders. I just love this song so much, this back and forth, this wanting so much to be well but also destroying everything good for myself. Ppl tell you to think positive but my thoughts are literally screaming at my all day. And this song just warms my heart , it's so realatble and I love the patience of rens good side , how he sings softly and just never give up

This young man is a legitimate artist. His struggles are very real. I have to say, "I cried ".

YEAH! A collaboration with NF and Ren would be super epic!!l And yes! You don't need to have any mental health issues to be able to relate when we all have self doubt now and again . Great and fun reaction!! Loved it

Funny now you mention it. I have seen the clip a million times (maybe I exaggerate, and seen it only 900.000 times), but I never noticed that during the 'evil' Rens parts the lights were flickering. It's such a brilliant song, I hope the Grammy's will see that too. It sure is the best song of 2023. It is the best song of the last 25 years, so I dare to make the assumption.

The special sound you’re hearing from his guitar is because some of the strings were replaced with plastic. We used to do the same as kids when the proper string snapped and we didn’t have money to buy a new one. The plastic wasn’t great but it did the job and it was cheap. I recognised the sound right away, it’s something I didn’t even know I remembered and it took me way back to my childhood.

That guy Ren could win an Oscar easily, if he either sang or played any instrument, he would be cheating, he wouldn't need those things, only a great actor can do poetry without acting!

I'm so glad you did this one! You are such an open book when you're reacting and I love it! He calls his genre "bardcore." Thought you might appreciate that.

The depth and sophistication to this song/art cannot be under estimated. It says more about psychological processes and spirituality in 9 minutes than anything I've ever seen. Absolute genius and masterpiece. This is not even adding the artistic craft in the delivery musically, poetically, and his voice!!!! He is Ren!

Thanks for this review. He deserves as much exposure as he can get. I subscribed to your channel. I agree, Ren is an amazing artist. You may want to check out his songs Heretic and Sick Boi.

I enjoyed your non verbal communication so much! All your moves and just your total vibe. Good stuff! ❤

This is art of transcendent beauty and an *important* song. Artists often struggle with imposter syndrome. There’s a movie starring Olivia Munn called “Violet” that rings of this and was a transformative experience for me… just as this song also resonates. As a person who’s never been able to escape negative self-talk, *realizing* that you can exert the strength that destructive voice questions-strength that you *know* you have-is sooo important. It takes time to push past the negativity-to make your own voice stronger, but if anyone out there is struggling with this, please please please *know* that you can do it. *Know* that I believe in you… but you don’t need me to-just like you don’t need the shroud of doubt that feels first of protection and then as a prison. You are *stronger* than that voice. You are stronger than you can *possibly* know… until you push back with softness or aggression-your choice.

REN is a plethora of different musicalities depending where he is at a particular time in his journeyed head - what comes out of his genius is his authenticity and every time I hear one of his songs it becomes a favourite so many good tunes to choose from HI REN is the gateway song to the rest of his catalogue - this was a good reaction - great dude - Here is todays REN to love lol :) kzfaq.info/get/bejne/rtWZatN6leCrgHU.html

11:41 when he looks into the camera for the very first time and this verse that comes with it.... just..... ❤ Goosebumps.....

Truly genius on so many levels. The creative vision that existed in his head before even a line or a note was realized into existence is genius, let alone the fully realized result. Master Class stuff.

I just found you and this has been my favorite reaction to Hi Ren. As someone who suffers from mental illness (although not nearly as bad as what Ren went through) I love that you immediately saw that this was his internal dialogue. I love that you picked up on the subtleties like the lights. I’ve watched so many reactions to this song and after watching interviews with Ren I can tell you that you were spot on. ❤

He does everything, rap, rock, reggae,ska, jazz, blues,ballads, a lot of storytelling with impact and truth about the human condition. He doesn’t fit in any specific box . Those of us who enjoy his amazing talent are surprised by each new song because we don’t know if it will just be a lighthearted jam, something retro, whether we will be left in tears, or our brain will just implode. It’s always amazing. We strap in and go.

I’m a simple man. I see a react video on Ren, I subscribe. Love your insights into this beautiful piece of art, can’t wait to explore your vids, bro!

Dude... I just stumbled on him because of this video recently also... and I have to say, his "Money Game", Part 1 & 2, are pure fire.