The drummer is actually Matt the bass singer in Pentatonix.

Kevin is a musical alien. He is a master cellist (started playing at age 8), a master saxophonist (started playing at the age of 10) and has played both of these instruments at Carnegie Hall when he was just a teenager. He also plays keyboards, drums and who knows what else. He speaks multiple languages fluently and used his fluency in Mandarin when he worked at the Chinese American Embassy as a young man. He has a pitch perfect beautiful tenor voice and is a brilliant song writer, arranger and producer. Then, per this video, he was a Yale pre med graduate on his way to med scool to become a cardiologist when he agreed to join PTX for the tv competition they won. He was courted by every major ivy league school. His father is Nigerian and I think his mother is from the Caribbean and they both put an immense importance on education. That conversation he had with his parents (with a father who was a cardiologist) must have been something else. His parents are so supportive of him.! Love your reactions! Please check out Kevin's cover of Down and his other music on his you tube channel. It is all so mind melting!

😂🤣I loved watching your reaction to Kevin's 5th 🤣😂. True Pentaholics know the amazing talent that Kevin has and appreciate every ounce it. Pentatonix hit the jackpot when they recruited Kevin.

Meet the electric cello! It was plugged in all the time, he just turned on the cello's distortion. Just like a guitarist would do. I got to hear him perform his live in Chicago as part of this tour. It was f*cking amazing! This kind of thing, the reimagining of classical pieces in a new way, is one of mu absolute favorite types of music. And Kewin a master. I was on my feet, clapping, screaming... It wasn't just a performance. it was an EXPERIENCE.

I think it was good you watched the whole performance - it gave you perspective and back-story on Kevin. Glad you enjoyed it. And the drummer is their bass singer Matt.

Yours is without a doubt my favorite reaction to this performance!!! I love seeing someone who truly appreciates all the details to this masterpiece he created!

In the part where Kevin is "grinding" on the cello is just what Tia Guo does in her concerts when she performs the Wonder Woman theme. If you want to see more of Kevin performing, his one-man cover of "Down" on KZfaq is pretty awesome.

I saw this live. I thought my heart would burst from my chest!

Check out Kevin's upgrade of "Down" The guy is just a flat out sweet genius. ❤ BTW, is nickname is a play on his initials KO. You've already heard his knock-outs so I'm pretty sure you why. You've already been Mitch slapped and KO'd. Lol. You definitely need to watch The Recording of Evergreen. It's about them in the studio and how they interact. The are like pieces of the same body and you can not only see how well the perform together but also how there's zero selfishness and how much you can tell how they sincerely about each other as friends.

I'm glad you watched the whole video and not just Kevin's Fifth because you went on his musical journey, from the viral cello/beat boxing video, to his later arrangements as he learned more of his craft, to the insanity at the end. I think you might enjoy K.O. in his arrangement of the song Down here: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/f62ampRqmM6Yf58.html I enjoyed your reaction. Got a kick out of you discovering K.O. Pentatonix' Christmas tours are pretty spectacular and they draw huge crowds. The 2022 tour was their finest yet.

I started following PTX when we all had to be careful because of the pandemic, and I appreciated the people who reacted with insights based on their own areas of expertise. Most were vocal coaches, some were music producers, one was explaining the camera work, but I think you are the first I have found who explains the beatboxing. My gratitude to all of you for widening my horizons.

I saw this live in Australia in march it was so good kevin was absolutely outstanding and matt from pentatonix on drums was amazing ❤❤

Hi. Lovely reaction. Scott is a talker. But there is no leader. They work together. They are family. Kevin’s talents are insane Born With perfect pitch, classically trained in cello, spent year in China speaks fluent mandarin , Degree from Yale And he’s nicest guy ever. PTX is full of such talent that it’s amazing

I was lucky enough to see Pentatonix in March in Singapore. Kevin and Matt did this interlude during the show and it brought the house down. Pentatonix--all of the members--is the personification of talent.

What a show! What a trill! I’ve watched this a number of times but watching it with your knowledgeable commentary took it to another level. I was enthralled for all the 28 minutes or took. I really appreciate what you did. Kevin is truly amazing. I’m not sure if you are aware but he also played the saxophone at Carnegie Hall aged 17. I admire and envy his talent in equal measure. Thanks again for posting your reaction and I think your English is just perfect.

Its nice to hear commentary from a beatboxer. When I saw them at Christmas, Kevin happened to be sick, so he had to distance from the others. The show went on with him performing live, but offstage, projected on the screens. When he performed Kevin's Fifth, he got two roaring standing ovations without even being physically present on stage. Matt went out and danced with the dancers and kept everybody revved up with his usual drumming part. Kevin was on the screens at either side of the stage, but the center screen showed a montage of him playing the recorded parts. When they performed this live at the Hollywood Bowl, they actually had a cello ensemble play with him live, (they also played during the band's "Prayers for this World" performance). The dancers you saw in this video were the fantastic viral TikTok dancers/choreographers Cost and Mayor, but at the Hollywood Bowl, the dancer was Lil Buck, who is just mind-blowing. He started out conducting the cellists, then turned around and ate the damn stage, lol.

I appreciate a reactor ..that actually reacts!☺️

Nice to have a reactor who not only understands what Kevin is doing but gets inspired by it. I'm subscribing for more Pentatonix and the members' solo projects. Kevin has his own KZfaq channel (KO -- Kevin Olusola) with a variety of videos going back to his college days before Pentatonix. There is not a huge number of videos but a lot of variety; he's not trying to go viral, he's just exploring the possibilities of his instruments and the available technology. He plays cello, cello-boxes, sings and does looping, solo and with other musicians and even a dancer. There is also a series of videos where he talks about his personal history. One of my favorite videos is his cello-boxing / looping KOver of Sam Smith's "Stay With Me" -- kzfaq.info/get/bejne/pN-JepphxrOddqs.html

And he spent 18 months as an exchange student in China, and speaks fluent Mandarin. It's nice to have someone who knows about beatboxing to explain/demonstrate some of the techniques that Kevin uses, because I have no freaking idea how he does any of that stuff!

Part of the reason for the good sound is that this was professionally recorded for a pay-per-view stream. But Pentatonix has had to learn about sound systems over the years because many venues do not have the equipment to capture their dynamic range. Their bass singer, amplified, used to sometimes blow speakers. I believe Pentatonix now routinely travels with their own sound equipment.

I love your reaction to this!!!! I was lucky enough to get to see this in person. Kevin is always great but this was unbelievable!

I got to see them during this tour last year in North Carolina. Such an awesome show.

Jealousy is what the haters feel. Those who can do, those who can't try to tear them down. PTX is all about inclusion and positivity and would be disappointed in some of their "fans" opinions. I admire the reactors who put themselves out there knowing they r going to have to read things that r hurtful just for being themselves. Keep doing you.

Kevin’s Fifth is a reference to Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. He is a concert cellist

I was at this show. Kevin blew the roof off Rupp Arena! It was unreal! Just so you’ll know…the video as a whole is considered Kevin’s Fifth…so you’re all good! I enjoy seeing you explain the beatboxing techniques. Don’t worry about the haters.

Love your reactions from a beatboxer's prospective. I learn so much! Kevin is so talented...and that performance of Kevin's 5th was spectacular. Thanks for your great and knowledgeable reactions! No leader....Scott usually does Introductions as he is very outgoing and comfortable with it. Subscribed 😊

Great pick Anthony .. 🎼🎼🎼🔥👑🔥🎼🎼🎼 .. fire !! Total fire !! Keep up the good work. I like your style.

Saw Kevin perform this at the Hollywood Bowl (Los Angeles) in 2023 - it’s out of this world! The drummer is Pentatonix base, Matt Sallee - all the members are multi-talented. Put them together and you have the best of the best 🥰

THIS is art and music. It's what happens when you stop being defined by boxes and how it should be done and what should not mingle with what. And you happen to have a genius brain and out of this world work ethic.

It’s Kevin’s electric cello, he can make it sound like either a regular cello or electric.

Kevin might be an advanced human from the future sent back to show us our potential. Or Kevin could be the DaVinci of our time. Kevin is such a true genius and a musical genius. He has so many talents in him I can't believe he hasn't self-combusted. Can play multiple instruments, sing, beatbox, write, compose, speaks multiple languages, perfect pitch, as if that wasn't enough, he was pre-med at Yale. He is also a humble and wonderful human. Maybe when he is done making music, he can become of Nobel Laureate after curing cancer and brokering world peace.

This was part of their most recent Christmas show and it was amazing live.🔥

Awesome! Loved this reaction...he is amazing!

You reacted to the right thing. People refer to the entire section as Kevin's fifth.

Kevin's father is a doctor, and both his parents are immigrants. Kevin's dad is from Nigeria and his mother is from Grenada. But they recognized Kevin's musical talent at an early age and got him lessons on piano, cello, and saxophone. When he was a teenager he performed at Carnegie Hall twice, once on saxophone and once on cello. Therefore I think his parents were very much aware that he had choices when it came to a career, and while they may have been surprised at this decision I doubt that it dismayed them. Also, Kevin was 22 when he decided to join Pentatonix and try out for _The Sing-Off._ He didn't need their permission, though I suspect he asked for it anyway.

Sooo happy you reacted to the whole thing ❤

Enlightening reaction, Anthony, a new sub here. And great beatboxing too thus there is appreciation of its technicalities. Check out his solo career, he's amazing

This just looks like the music version of patting your head and rubbing your tummy at the same time…. On steroids Still blows my mind how talented Kevin is - pre-med at Yale, fluent Mandarin speaker, epic cello player and THIS artistic talent. And he seems lovely too. ❤

Kevin's Fifth, is what the whole video clip is called. Odds are they were wanting you to do the whole thing. Whoever donated for this request. THANK YOU. This was one of THE best reactions to this. Do you remember at the beginning when Scott had said that Kevin's parents were there? Flash forward to the end where the WHOLE crowd was chanting. KEVIN KEVIN KEVIN. His parents probably FLOATED out of there. Oh and the little part if the story rhat they left out. Kevin couldn't afford to come out for the audition. Scott's mom paid for half of his plane ticket. I was actually quite surprised, hearing about negative comments. Pentaholics are passionately protective. But, very rarely negative. I suppose there will be those who ever and how ever you do things. I personally like you and your style A LOT. You helped me understand a bit HOW the things he does are EVEN possible. I've been a HUGE ptx fan for many years. Not knowing anything about beatboxing. Except that it's incredible how much fuller music sounds WITH it. Thank you

Scott Hoying (the tall blond guy who introduced Kevin) is an extreme extrovert and a workaholic. Pentatonix was his idea in the first place, and yes, he has tended to take the lead ever since. BUT (and it's a big "but" - no pun intended) Pentatonix is a true ensemble band. They choose their lead singer based on who has the best voice for a particular song. Where appropriate, they give everyone a verse to solo on, and that includes Kevin, though most of the time they can't do without his percussion. When Scott wrote a lullabye for his nephew ("Light in the Hallway" - gorgeous song) he asked Avi to sing it in the official release, even though it was well within Scott's range to sing it himself, because he thought Avi's voice was warmer.

That was a great and educational reaction, thank you. I should have known that beatboxers also employ the certain breathing technique singers and players of wind instruments use to continuously sing/play. Circular breathing is what it's called. It's not used often in singing because modern lyrics account for breathing breaks, but a few songs do require it. PTX's Carol Of The Bells uses it. Mitch Grassi ( the countertenor) uses it in portions of the song. He seems to sing for a really long time before pausing for a breath.

I think you are the first good beatboxer that can analyze and demonstrate what Kevin does. I am sure that many Pentaholics appreciate it. It would be cool if you two could trade licks in an interview or something.

Dude, This is your channel. You do you.

That's Matt Sallee (Pentatonix's bass) on the drums. Beyond that, remember when Kevin said he'd "produced" this? He's playing the cello more than once at the same time, with some of it prerecorded - you can see it on the screen behind him. And yes, he does have a way to make his electric cello sound like an electric bass guitar. The other dancers are a pair of professional dancers who were traveling with Pentatonix during their 2022 Christmas tour, with the stage names of Cost and Mayor. They also appeared as the dancing video techs in the official video of "Kid on Christmas," one of the songs on _Holidays Around The World,_ Pentatonix's 2022 Christmas album. Kevin is an incredible person, a true polymath. Now that you have a proper taste for what he can do, you may want to check out some of his other work. Try his KOver of Marian Hill's "Down": kzfaq.info/get/bejne/f62ampRqmM6Yf58.html , and while you're there, subscribe. That's on Kevin's personal KZfaq channel, so that's where you'll find his solo stuff and new releases.

Came across your video and the pure and utter respect you show for another artist is amazing. Much love to all you do

Like people are saying- his cover of “Down” is incredible and I absolutely LOVE is original “Renegade”- a masterpiece!

The electric/electronic cello, like an electric guitar, can do all sorts of things the acoustic can’t. And KO is a master of electronic cello.

Your reactions to pentatonics is why I subscribed to your channel. I have never been a rap fan unless you go back to, old, old school rap so I know very little about the art. You are very easy to understand when you discuss the techniques of beatboxing. Thank you very much I truly enjoy you channel ❤️.

This is the concert I took my 14 year old son to see. It was amazing!!

Avi was PTX's original bass, and he was the bass in "Daft Punk." (After Avi left Pentatonix in 2017 for personal reasons, Matt was hired as his replacement.) What you were hearing in "Daft Punk" that you thought was layered was Avi doing overtone singing. Avi frequently gave demonstrations of overtone singing; this is one of them: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ac2ehreBuZOWd4U.html Here's Avi explaining how to do it: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/nKt1dMl_ztDDeok.html and this is an interview where the trio and Kevin demonstrate that they also know how to do it: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/fLGdaN1_qJPRkXk.html (the question about overtone singing begins at 17:11, but the whole interview is worth watching). And since Avi's explanation wasn't quite enough for me to understand how to do it, here's a tutorial I found: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/rZpid7Sgv5Pej5c.html

Love your reaction. Sorry to hear that some Pentaholics gave you a hard time. Normally we are a friendly bunch. Going through your list of Pentatonix reactions. Tx for this. Kevin is so loved by us. Great reaction. Greetings from South Africa. Will not miss out again.

Love love loved your reaction!! And I actually really enjoy your beatbox break downs of what Kevin is doing! It’s so alien to me what he does so I love your input. I’d be interested in what you think of his beatboxing in their original Coffee in Bed. I try to figure out what he’s doing but it’s crazy to me… please react!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

Thanks for showcasing this marvelous video. It was incredible. I love your reactions.

His arrangement of Beethoven's 5th reminds me a lot of Walter Murphy's "A 5th of Beethoven". That one was done in the 70s so has a disco vibe. Kevin is just an amazing musician. It's so much fun to watch you react to him and demonstrate how he's making all the sounds. I know absolutely nothing about beat boxing except that I've heard some that definitely wasn't as good as Kevin. It's mind blowing to me. Thank you! Edit: I'm pretty sure when he was shredding on his cello he had it through a distortion pedal.

I love how you break the videos down and explain what impresses you and what is "common" in a way I can understand, danke.

I'm so glad you've found PTX, its a great rabbit hole because you also get their Solo Stuff which is amazing and Superfruit which is amazing. Really enjoying your reactions, your a lot of fun to watch. Kevin will blow your mind with his talent...dude literally had the term "Celloboxing" named for him. And the thing Scott didn't mention is he also speaks fluent Japanese...he's just an Alien Genius! lol Keep 'em coming, its fun to watch you work!!! 😊❤ Also PTX doesn't really have a lead..Scott is just a natural hype man and very hyper and comfortable on stage...so he tends to do a lot of the talking, joking, silly stuff. He's a lot of fun.

It's mindboggling how talented Kevin is.

Also (not that you need me to tell you) you are the first reactor that not only gets how hard what he is doing but YOU are crazy talented yourself!!!! Gonna go check out your work, cause you are mad talented

Awesome reaction and enjoyed your breakdown of how Kevin makes all those wonderful sounds!! Love PTX❤❤

I really enjoyed your reaction to this Kevin Show/Kevin Fifth's video. Thank you. Happy that you liked it. He is incredibly talented. Kevin has a segment to perform at every Pentatonix concert. The drummer was Matt, Pentatonix bass. Kevin has a KZfaq channel. Everything on it is amazing. I hope that you will check it out. If so, start with his Performance KOver of "Down". Your English is great.

Thanks for your reaction! I appreciate yiur humor. I love that you get how crazy talented he is doing beat boxing and playing cello at the same time. AND yes, his face tells it all he is in pure joy making music. I know I'm not a patron (single mom trying to survive) if possible I suggest checking out Kevin O's channel. He does a cover of Down that is INSANE. ❤

Outstanding breakdown, Keep up the great work!

Check out the sept 2022 concert at the Hollywood bowl when he does this with a different dancer that is crazy good. There are also a few kids with cellos and the leader of the kids group turned out to be this famous dancer that interacts with Kevin. Fantastic I was there center up front. Best concert ever

Thank you for the explanation! I LOVE it! Having someone show you how it’s done is so interesting.

Scott isn't technically "THE lead," since different members of Pentatonix take the lead in different songs. However, Pentatonix began as a way for the trio (Scott, Mitch, and Kirstie) to appear on _The Sing-Off,_ and _The Sing-Off_ was Scott's idea. So Scott is frequently the one who speaks for the entire band. Also, when they were on _The Sing-Off_ Scott was required by the producers to be Pentatonix's lead singer in all performances, and old habits die hard.

PTXs team have had to get very good at tailoring the sound system set ups to PTX. Avi used to blow speakers with his low notes early on before they got a better sound team. Now their shows always sound amazing.

There is a video on KZfaq of 17 year-old Kevin performing on a show from Carnegie Hall that showcased young talent. But he played the saxophone and then beatboxed a bit of Beethoven's fifth as an encore.

New subscriber seeing this reaction! Fire! Appreciating my favorite acapella group of all time! So unique to have a reactor that is personally talented in the art of beat boxing & provide insight into the off the charts talent of Kevin! Thank you!!

Thanks for sharing! I've never seen this video myself, and it was amazing! Loved your reaction!

He plays the saxophone too 🤯

He layers multi tracks together on the videos. FUN to watch

Anthony- this was a great reaction. I’ve lived PTX , but your knowledge of the technical skills / talent gave me such a contextual deeper appreciation. ❤ Ps. Your English is great.

Their cover of Radioactive features violinist Lindsey Sterling - Kevin plays cello on this as well.

We wanted it all. Great job. Thank you!!!

*HOLY SHITBURGERS,* I've always wanted to hear a breakdown on how Kevin and other beatboxers do what they do. To watch you explain it and then _demonstrate_ it... oh HELL yeah! You just gave away the recipe for the secret sauce and I'm _totally_ satisfied right now.

I saw this concert in Florida. It was the best I'd ever been to. Have tickets for August and can't wait!! You should try and see a love show whenever possible. You might want to watch some of Kevin's videos.

Anthony, the fact that you have knowledge of and enjoy beatboxing just made this video more interesting and fun to watch. Some people just can't help but find negative things to say about every single thing and if they couldn't tell you were joking in that previous video (I watched it and it was very obvious), they shouldn't be on the internet.

You are so cool. This made my day so much brighter.

Avi was the bass for Daft Punk and what he brought to the group was his overtone abilities which is that unique buzzing sound you hear in their earlier sounds and some polyphonic tones. Hope that helps explain why you hear those unique drops Avi did for them. Matt is wonderful too but his is a warm tone bass

learned more about beat boxing in one video than I have learned in years (although I haven't really tried to actively learn but sort of always wondered how it works)

Great reaction and comments. Thank you. 🤗

Kevin needs a solo show in Vegas. Somebody give this man a residency!

Avi was bass and was awesome with Kevin. Avi was PTX bass. He left in 2017 due to family issues and Matt joined the group as the new bass.

Watch Kevin’s cover of “Down” . He gets unbelievable sounds out of that cello.

Just discovered you - love your Pentatonix reviews - that's all I watch. It doesn't look like you've done The Prayer or Amazing Grace! Please do them! Your reviews are COLD!!

Oh wow..... I learned soooo much about a musical ability I've always admired but didn't understand. This was a fantastic reaction /review!

WOW! The whole experience packed into a minute? I'm glad that there was a reaction from the start. I wouldn't of experienced what I just heard. WOW! Feedback is good for the soul...🤩👂👍☝️🎇🤓

This was the best reaction I’ve seen. Thanks man. ❤

Normally I detest modernizations of classical pieces, but I really enjoyed this. I also enjoyed your analysis of the beatboxing, it’s not something I know a lot about and I learned quite a bit. Thank you.

Pure Genius! I can't wait to see you react to KO's DOWN!

I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m going to watch Kevin’s version of Down RIGHT NOW! Peace …

I saw it live two days ago in London. Amazing!

Just think.....if for any reason the band, heaven forbid, changes direction or retires? He has his medical degree to fall back on! Not many artists can do that! Love how you just feel all of that performance! ❤

Great reaction and beatboxing too, Anthony!

Thank you for your help with this! I hear the music but can’t pick up on the sounds that you can! It brings out the music to me! Thanks again!

Scott is the one that got the group together and he is the most outgoing personality so yeah i guess he is the leader.

Love it when you beat box for us, and give us a technical lesson to boot!

Bro. Your beat boxing is pretty fxxking awesome.

I like that you know how the beat boxing is done and do the Demo! I know I am not the only one the wants to know HOW the HECK it is all done!

Besides getting his Pre Med degree at Yale. He is also a classically trained Cellist and has played with Yo Yo Ma. He also spent time schooling in China and he speaks fluent mandarin. Oh and yes he Beat boxes and sings.