He is pure genius. He perfectly portrays the internal demon that causes self-doubt. Everyone has it. In some, it's nothing. Others, it's a monster that devours everything. He puts it out and disects it for all to see. And shows that you have the ability to defeat it. The last part is the profound truth of life and the search for the strength to find your place in it. He's amazing.

Who's here in 2024?...you were spot on with your first reaction to Ren 💙

Great reaction. "Hi Ren" is the song that put Ren on everyone's radar since December; it went viral and has garnered more than 4.1 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 in a single take (although not necessarily the first take). His latest release, "Sick Boi," is almost another chapter to "Hi Ren." I am 57 y/o, and I only recently learned about Ren and have gone down this rabbit hole ever since. Many of his songs resonate with me because he addresses struggles that I myself face every day. He plays multiple instruments, has impressive vocals, is an excellent storyteller, and is quite the philosopher and poet. Check out the trilogy "The Tale of Jenny/Screech/Violet." It is haunting and has an unforeseen conclusion; WATCH THEM IN THE STATED ORDER, as this is the flow of the storyline, or just watch “The Tale of Jenny & Screech (Full),” which includes “Violet’s Tale at the end. 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. I would watch the official live music videos. "Chalk Outlines" is one of my favorite songs right now. 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. His performances with Sam Tompkins (“Blind Eyed,” “Earned it /Mans World / Falling,” “Walking on the Moon), Eden Nash (“Humble,” “Ocean”), Bibi (“Crutch,” “Ahiahiaoha”), Molly McKinna (“Penitence”), his former bandmate, Romain Axisa (“French Song”) are all great. His performances with Sam Tompkins (“Blind Eyed,” “Earned it /Mans World / Falling,” “Walking on the Moon), Eden Nash (“Humble,” “Ocean”), Bibi (“Crutch,” “Ahiahiaoha”), Molly McKinna (“Penitence”), his former bandmate, Romain Axisa (“French Song”) 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," the songs "Oh My Woman," “Swan Song,” and so many others are equally impressive and really give you a sample of his vocal ability. Ren just released his latest 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. "Sick Boi" is almost another chapter to "Hi Ren."

"Is it a good singer? Does he or she rap? Is there an instrument they play?" -Yes

You walk into this song blind and you walk out with 20\20 vision.

He is currently in Canada for 6+ months for medical treatment. There is a go fund page to help with medical costs.

You're right, Ren has cited John Lydon as an influence.

Glad you saw "the punk" bit....he mentions Sid and Nancy in a tune called "power". But yeah,genius levels

Welcome to Ren!! Great reaction

Great reaction! Yes it is true. Check his back story to understand the rough times he has had and is still living through.

This song can address mental illness, chronic illness, artistic struggles… it’s pure magic -

He does most of his music live in 1 take which makes it all that much more impressive. He uses the rooms acoustic qualities

"An Anthem",absolutely correct my friend!!

Hi Ren is an experience for sure. Awesome reaction!

Yes I is true and genuine he was bitten by a tick at seventeen and got lymes disease. He was mid diagnosed and mistreated for almost 8 years suffering to the point of being bedridden 23 hours a day at times and the meds they gave him messed him up mentally. Finally a Belgian doctor diagnosed lymes and he recieved stem cell treatment which helped but the years of misdiagnosis left permanent damage he is currently in Canada for treatment to hopefully fix the damage done.❤

it is not often we are graced with the artisrty that Ren brings.

Welcome to the Ren rabbit hole! So many great pieces in his catalogue. Looking forward to more Ren reactions!

RENaissance

While it's true that there's nothing really new under the sun some people have the rare ability to look at the same world we see and experience but from a different perspective. To interpret it in a way that makes it feel fresh. Ren seems to be one of those people and I think people are getting fascinated not just by the message but by the way he seems to sit outside the norm in his approach. There's definitely a bit of punk attitude mixed in there too.

My favorite line 8n this and probably all of his songs is "i stood in the flames that cremated my brains and i didnt once flinch or shake" it resonates with me because 8 have a mental health d8sorder where my mind hides things from myself for safety (Disassociative Identity Disorder. Aka multiple personality disorder) it feels like my brain is being cremated by the flames of the disorder and all of the other disorders that are very common with it and although it is scary, lonely, and difficult i keep fighting. Rens music especially his mental health related songs are very much an anthem for those who survive the war that your body hits you with.

It's always interesting to watch someone's face as their natural adult cynicism battles the purity of this song and cynicism loses.

🔥..Great reaction

Welcome to the Ren rabbit hole. Buckle up buddy. It's a wild ride!!

🤘 Subbed for Ren.

Great reaction. Ren's music needs to be carried throughout the world and reach the people who need it. It's healing, brave and intelligent .

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥💕

Love your reaction ❤

Wanna hear this kid rap? Watch The Hunger 🙏

👏👏👏 loved your reaction my friend. Sending peace and respect from Manchester England ☮️☮️☮️

Ren is one of the most relatable and talented artist to come along in forever.

"Is there anymore of that?" 😊 Nice!!

I’m late to your playlist but welcome to the Renaissance! You’ve gained a new sub with the amount of Ren et al you have reacted to so I’m gonna go through your playlists now 🖤

There are a lot of little callbacks to previous songs in his work, overarching imagery, lyrics and props that come up again. So things that might not make perfect sense on their own (like the pig head) will make more sense if you happen to go back and check out some previous videos.

Can’t believe I’ve only just seen this reaction. From the word go you picked up on a load of things. (I’m 6mine into your video). The fact you’ve already said about the punk vibe is quite mind blowing. Not seen anyone get that so quickly. Some of his biggest influences are from that era, including the clash etc.

Here for you and #ren always ❤️

👍🤟🔥

Would love to see you react to the Tale of Jenny and Screech (Full). It's a three part trilogy so make sure you watch them in the right order, or watch the full version that combines all three

Haha the intro "I don't know is he a really good singer does he rap is there an instrument?" yes... But wait there's more!

Good move with the captions, they are a joke when it comes to this artist. they aren't even approximate. just a distraction. ren has Lyme's disease, but for several years he was misdiagnosed as having a mental illness and they burned out his brain and body trying treatments for stuff he didn't have while the thing he did have was complicating things further. ren is one of the most interesting artists I've had the pleasure of experiencing for a very long while. He calls this stuff 'Bardcore' it is an apt description.

That was so cool to watch that curveball hit you right between your eyes!

So glad you listened to Ren. I love his work. I'm glad you took an out at the end so you could process/reflect as this piece is so different it takes a bit of time to give it justice. He just doesn't fit in a neat lane & challenges expectations. Very cool.

I think even in the opening the discordant notes represent the dark side or the lack of acceptance and integration.

Welcome to Ren-World. Check out Chalk Outlines (live) to hear his amazing singing voice.

Ren writes about his story on his YT Community page if you want to know his back story. He is a modern day bard. You will see this in Jenny, Screech, and Violet's Tales in that order. They are amazing story telling.

Skinny Batista 🙌🏻

Evil Ren has the light behind him, so his face is in the dark, the lights flicker when he speaks and he strums his guitar more aggressively. Ren himself has the light in front of him brightening him, lights don't flicker, and guitar strumming is smooth and low.

Yes, it's true. He was misdiagnosed and treated for many years and was finally diagnosed with Lyme disease but the damage had already set in.

Grear react. 1 down 149 to go! Best, Pippa ❤

Nobody uses the Closed Captions cause they can't keep up and get the lyrics wrong 🙏

Metaphorically not literally

Wonderful reaction but too many ahs . It reminds me of likes. Petty on my part.

Didn’t finish video,way to much pausing.