My man, I gotta tell you…I’ve watched Hi Ren at least 100 times in the past week, and I’ve also watched at least 100 reaction videos to it. Out of all of them, even ones broken down by psychologists and music teachers, yours was the one to hit the nail on the head from the very beginning. Every part, especially towards the end when you said “this is a third person” The real Ren. I got chills all over again. I honestly believe this piece of art is the greatest bit of music since the turn of the millennium. Ren is highly in tune with himself and a pretty evolved human in that manner. I also believe you are as well. Great breakdown. Keep up the good work.

"He's rapping.. with his FACE". This comment killed me 🤣

This man is trying to save my life and he doesn’t even know it. I’ve never heard someone describe life and the human condition the way he did. I spend far too much time worrying about shit I can’t control or worrying about shit that hasn’t even happened yet but I need to lean to relax and to soften if I plan to stand on my feet. And damn that “Loosen the noose on the rope” line fucking choked me up. I have to believe that as long as I keep fighting, I will be ok

Ren: "The tale of Jenny and Screech" and then "Violets Tale" in that order. be prepared to be blown away.

Some people bury their demons. Ren taught his to play guitar, and did a duet with him.

“I wanna punch 2 dolphins and a squirrels in the nuts! This is fire!” Has to be the best reaction comment I’ve heard 😂😂😂

I just wanna say I LOVED your reaction. There's this idea that every reaction to Hi Ren had to be quiet and sullen and full of tears...and like me, you proved you can be hyped AF about this performance and still understand how serious and weighty it is. You're the best!

When I first saw this video I watched it for 3 hours straight. The next day and every day after I've watched every reaction video I could because I want to see people's reaction on hearing this for the first time. Your reaction is my favorite! Ren made something that contains genius and truth which makes art so powerful it is magic. Thank you!

You're the first reactor I've seen that has noticed there's 3 characters in there, huge props for this reaction. My view is that the first two characters are the shoulder demon and the actual Ren having a battle of wills. The third character that comes in after the "News Flash" is the eternal Hope but is channeled through Ren. I've never before heard a song as powerful and deep as this. It gives me goosebumps every time.

What you said about the battle between good and evil, is actually exactly what Ren wrote in a poem and performed in a live gig somewhere in Brighton... You can find it on KZfaq too.... Here's a transcription of that poem. There's this lie that we have either Yin or Yang. We are neither, and we are both. We are Apollo, and we are Dionysus. We are Jesus, and we are Judas. We are the healing hands of Mother Theresa, and we are the poisonous tongue of Adolf Hitler. We do not solely walk a path of good, nor do we walk tread a path of evil. We simply walk. And if we choose to rain down judgement based on some self-inflated moral code, We forget that we are but a few decisions or a few mistakes away from becoming demons, Or we're a few good deeds away from becoming angels. Our actions cannot be placed into black and white boxes, For there is beauty within destruction, And there is ugliness within perfection. -Ren- Great reaction by the way!!! I subscribed

I cried.. I cried like a baby. The depression and anxiety I feel on a daily basis was gripping my stomach all the way through this song. The emotions this song pulls from u is absolutely incredible it was haunting beautiful scary just such a ride of emotions just amazing

Another vote here for the tale of Jenny and Screech (full). Ren is so important to humanity, the world needs to not just hear him, but to LISTEN, just like you did.

I consider myself to be truly blessed to have been listening to Ren for several years! He is the modern-day Minstrel poet bard!🌿💔

"I wanna punch 2 dolphins and a squirrel in the nuts this is 🔥" 🤣🤣🤣 You cracked me up with this bro hahaha I love it.. And yes Ren is try artist as lots already mentioned I highly recommend to do The tales of Jenny and Screech (full) defo looking forward seeing your reaction to it.

You are the first American I have seen who actually got it instantly......finally, thank goodness.

READ THIS: I've watched 50+ reactions to this song and YOUR'S is one one of my FAVORITES. I watched it twice. You're awesome.

I'm not a fan of people who pause this often, or give speeches between pauses bit you have such a energetic approach and you express yourself well. Maybe that is why I can say your reaction to Ren is one of the best reactions thus far. 😎

"What in the blue alien from fifth element is going on here?" That made me burst out laughing. Fabulous contrast with the way you were staring intently at the screen by the end as he delivered his monologue. One of your best reactions I've seen, to a song/rap/guitar masterclass/performance/story, (what do we even call it?), that captured me the moment I saw it. Great job.

Best reaction I’ve seen on Hi Ren by far. You got it immediately. Really enjoyed your breakdown.

I subscribed because of this video. I’m also a sufferer. Thanks for being open about it. It helps the community to speak about it. Especially amongst us men. We bottle this sh*t too much and the voice starts to win. I realize we don’t know each other, but I’ll tell you as I would anyone else who suffers from depression, I’m here if you need to talk. Much love and thanks for being you.

"What in the 'Blue Alien from 5th Element' is going on here!??"... Ren just got to Canada for treatment's a couple times a week & could be there for up to 6mo's... but he brilliantly pre-recorded song's/vid's & will be releasing them in due time. Thanks for reacting to this. Stay "fYEaaaH", man. Also... he literally visualized his lyrics. Tiny light in the back casting a darker shadow in front of the brightest light showing lightest shadow. Him being sickly/stiff, then loosening up. Standing (growing) & fluidly moving about in full expression while his feet stay planted. ((iMo))

I ran out of fresh reactions, so I'm double dipping my faves! 😀

I also love that you commented on the "the voice that you hear when you loosen the noose on the rope,"; very powerful lyrics that leads into the previous phrase about Hope. I love watching who reacts to those lyrics and who doesn't. I found a friend that hanged himself 7 years ago, so those lyrics paint a picture for me in my mind, a reminder, and a flood of emotions. again, great reaction :)

When considering suicide and attempt it but something stops you … HOPE, it’s still within you and that’s why you don’t go through with it. This is a powerful song and so beautifully and accurately describes the inner demons we all possess to one degree or another. Great reaction! Wow!!

I’m so excited you’re reacting to this artist!!! I just found him today and he’s a real genius!! I’m so impressed!!✌️😊🧿

Ive been caught in a very enjoyable rabbit hole of first reactions to hi ren and no matter how many times i listen it grabs me every me. I truely think this will go down in history as one of the true standouts of all time. Ive been a huge fan of ren for a few years now and he has too many brilliant songs to pick out a few he is a musical genius and I'm thrilled he's finally getting the attention he deserves

You get it, you can see Rens message. I love that your reaction is heartfelt. Respect for your honesty in your reactions

Amazing. This is my favorite reaction to this song. I hope Ren sees it.

"What in the blue alien from 5th element is going on?" I just woke up the house busting up laughing, you're hilarious Ray. I actually had a dream about you watching this and it's 5am here I just got up and here it is. Thank you for making me smile I needed it today ❤️ to you and the family ❤️

My brother, told you he would blow your mind! Awesome reaction, Ray. 🔥🔥🔥

great reaction man !! He's like modern day punk , he has blown all the stale music away and makes you rethink what music can be and just how powerful it can be

You are the first reactor who has referenced the fifth element, that was my same first reaction 😄

I see the progress of the story as Ren talking with the darkness inside him, and then there's that rough peice where the darkness shows that he's not just inside Ren he's been in everyone from the dawn of time. And then you get the counter argument from Hope. Absolute art!

"How to be Me" and "chalk outlines" Ren X Chinchilla (live) are hauntingly beautiful.

I've watched almost all of the reaction vids to Hi Ren, and this is the best. You called it right from the start. Your breakdown as the song progressed was perfection. Thanks. I only discovered Ren a couple of nights ago and I've listened to this song about fifty times already...and every time I tear up before the end. He's the best thing to come along in a looooong time.

I had never heard of dude before this. I am speechless. Flabbergasted !! My man is talented! Thank you for the reaction and the introduction Ray!!!!!! FIREEEEEEEEEEEEE 💥💥

I've watched many reactions cause this song is very interesting to the least, and you had some very strong points that I have not thought of or heard from others. interesting how you dissected what you saw and heard. ..Bravo... on your thoughts...

Just found Ren about a week ago and I’ve probably seen every reaction to this song there is. Something about seeing how different people connect with it. I am going through depression right now and feel very connected to this song. He has given me hope that I can come out on top. I hope I’m as strong as Ren. Looking forward to more reactions of him, also his new song drops TODAY! Probably going to be straight fire so hope to see a reaction on that! Great reaction, been watching you since close to the beginning of your channel! Much love

Your reaction was on point with mine. I've watched about 10 reactions of this, and everyone loved it. But no one saw the beauty I saw in it, but you. This kid is a genius. Some of the best songs. Come from the best stories we live through ourselves. He just tells his story so sublimely. He needs a record deal, without being tainted by the underbelly of Hollywood.

That was unbelievable! first time like a decade I heard something that mind blowing original. Also great reaction man, Just found your channel and the passion & enthusiasm for the music is contagious! Not sure how I ended up here but glad i did.

Listen to his triligy. Jennie, Scretch and Violets tale in that order. It will fuck your mind

Seeing how #HiREN is getting the much needed and deserved attention, makes me happy. Ren settled himself under my skin and no matter how many times I hear or see his music, it get‘s to me on such a deep level, no other Artist is capable of in that magnitude. Liked your reaction, subbed as a consequence. Check out the ‚Tales Trilogy (Jenny, Screech, Violet)‘ and also Money Game, his work with Sam Tompkins and the Band the Big Push. Am sure that a Man of taste such as yourself will appreciate the work REN has been putting out for years. The man is in another Level entirely. Much Love.

All of his music is amazing, I love his songs w Chinchilla as well.

If I could like this more than once I would. You absolutely got this. Your love for this is amazing.

My favorite Hi Ren reaction ever

Bro since I found this song I have done nothing but watch Ren videos. It drives my family crazy 🤣. Fiya 🔥

Ren has a new song that is dropping tomorrow. I'm excited to hear it.

Yooo I was driving to work this morning thinking how you would love this... Thank you for the awesome reaction. He has a new one dropping today at 2pm est called "Sick Boi" thanks for your reactions my man Ray 💪🙏✌️

"Hunger" is Stupid Crazy Bars!!! This Cat can Rap his Ass Off!!!!!!

I don't comment much. And this comment isn't relevant to this video. But you're an awesome person. Wanted to say that 30 vids ago 👍

Holy shit dude your reaction is so on point it feels like you’ve seen this before, and if you have you’re a hell of an actor. Either way this review is on fire and you said he’s AMAZING and a GENIUS right out the gate, and that’s actually even an understatement! There’s nobody like him and I don’t think there’s ever been anyone like him, or there will ever be another one like him. He is a one of one and they threw out the mold after he was born. Last thing, when you said I don’t know what I did to deserve this but “Thank You”. Bro that is one of the most AMAZING BEAUTIFUL things someone could ever say about someone or their art. I hope he comes across your reaction one day because he does watch a lot of them and comment on them. He’s very reachable. Said beautifully bro. I feel the same way.

THANK YOU SIR! 🙋‍♀️❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥🎶🎶🎶🎶 TRILOGY next plz!🙏 It will BLOW YOUR MIND! 😱🤯🤣The Hunger is ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥TOO!🤷‍♀️ I think he's dropping a new one tomorrow? 🤔 He is a BRILLIANT ARTIST! 👏

I genuinely appreciate that you bring emotion and empathy to this reaction as you watch.

Of all the reaction videos I've watched in the past three days since I first saw Hi Ren the first time myself( and I have watched *many*) I absolutely love the ones where they, like you, know what's going on right away. While Ren's story is his own I think there are so many of us who struggle with the darkness and our own inner monologue telling us we are worthless, or when ever we show a stint of light and hope tell us we're getting too full of ourselves. Great reaction, man. Great insight and great emotional awareness.

For more Ren, do The Tales of Jenny, Screech and Violet In that order as 1 video (the songs are a 3 part interconnected series)

There are a bunch of great songs from Ren and friends but I'd suggest the trilogy for another AMAZING story. The Tale of Jenny and Screech (full) is what it's called. It's actually three songs but in one 13 minute video in order. You'll love him more. I would say, make the popcorn before that video since for a 13 minute video it tells the story that feels like three seasons of your favorite (dark) Netflix show. PS I so hope Ren sees this. I believe he will love your reaction and he checks out (it seems) 90% of the reactions. He does have a new video coming out tomorrow (1CST and has said he will be in the comments starting around 12:30 CST). However, you still should check out the trilogy .

Ren is lit af. Love it

After watching dozens of Ren reactions by you, I wanted to come back and rewatch this video. Love how you went from not knowing who Ren was to being a big fan of his, just like I have. And your reactions are always hilarious and entertaining

i was very lucky dropped on ren last year out the blue ,he can rap sing play instruments writes his own stuff and fully indiependent no label, has a fair few tracks out on youtube done a honor to the beastie boys style track called what you own ,its very good and a track called power, and what went wrong allso what is it man ,all his stuff is damn good ballads as well,like the tale of jenny and screech and the violets tale to name a few good luck reacting to them bro

Your reaction was epic! I’ve been watching reactions to Ren for almost a year now, I love seeing people watching his videos. Since I can’t experience it for the first time ever again-I’m sorta hooked on watching other people see Ren for the first time! Wonderful, intelligent reaction from you. Thank you! Laura from Baltimore Maryland USA

Beautiful observation man he is now integrated his shadow with his ego which is a much healthier place to be

I first watched Hi 5 days ago and felt so many different levels of blown away that I’ve watched about 20 reaction videos since then to see if I was just crazy in feeling so much. Lots of then mentioned Ren’s talent and vulnerability and creativity are tops, and a few stated thank you to Ren because they knew his video was helping people, but you are the first reactor to fully understand what Ren was saying and to have such a powerful I love you Ren reaction. That is exactly how I felt. So much truth and honestly and pain, still makes me cry when I see it and I’m so happy that it’s blowing up so hard. Peace and thank you

I have watched more reactions to Ren & this song than I can count. You, are the first one to nail it on the name & by his words. So many think he has split personality, or it's demons, or other things. You got it. Thank you. I'm living with, successfully, I hope, severe depression & have dealt with the evil shit side of my broken brain for 52 years. "Hi Ren" shows this struggle better than anything I've ever seen. Again, thank you.

Lyrical genius, incredibly talented! Ren is beyond inspirational, thank you!

Your reaction and analysis was most uplifting to me. Your remarks at the end about the restricted roles of angels and demons vs unique creations we humans are in purpose and free will! New subscriber learning to understand your fascinating mindset!

Great breakdown and immensely close to the original message. You're almost as fun to watch as Ren himself. You're scratching the surface, as am I, but there's still the future and, there's the past for you to see. Enjoy the journey and be happy to find a new artist that does his own thing. Ren isn't just a voice for the voiceless. I feel he's a voice for a generation. Haven't seen this dedication to artistry since the 90s. No pressure Ren. At this point, you could fart into a mic and I'd be, somewhat, by your side. Despite the talent there's a lot to say about the belief and passion behind it.

The absolute best reaction I've seen to this song!!!

I had seen this popping up on my feed but never watched it until now. This is pretty deep. Gonna go listen to it again. Good job. HOG!

You said he's amazing, way before the masterpiece really got started

lol, "What in the Blue Alien from 5th element is going on here?!" haha. Awesome reaction video! subbed! genius song. I 2nd the other comments that recommend his Trilogy video (Jenny and Screech + Violet) to watch next!

I have watched probably 100 reactions to this song. This is the best one I’ve ever seen. Great job!

He has so many great performances, if you want to hear a more hip hop side of him, check out Genesis and Blindsided, but he has so many more. If you want to hear the power of his singing voice, check out his street performance, with Sam. He sings a mans world with so much power. Sam, his partner is also an absolutely amazing singer.

Ren is a Genius. Love his Runs and Story. 58 yrs old & ❤ REN

Mad respect to you Ray for recognizing the depths this guy went to. Loved it. I'm here for all your Ren reactions. My suggestions: 1. The Tale of Jenny and Screech: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ir9xodSCkpOviGQ.html 2. Money Game part 2: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/j9WehpyQtrDGoGw.html 3. The Hunger: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/Z7qPma-q2aiqfWg.html

My new favorite artist and he absolutely is a artist! He is a prodigy. This was a masterpiece

I absolutely LOVE your reactions! This is how I felt....this is how I feel every time I hear this song. I'm now addicted to see others reactions. I've never been so moved by a song like this before....this is TOP NOTCH! He has raised the bar!!!

Thing about this and the reactions to it: they join us all together because we are moved by it. It’s powerful enough to extend across the human race. This needs to be translated to different languages. The brilliance and hope in it are unmatched.

Ren is brilliant. ALL of his music is this fantastic. He has instrumentals that are THIS fantastic. He’s a fking gift.

You are (out of at least 100) the first reactor to get it. I loved the combo of the two sides into the one in control. ❤️🌻

I love watching these reaction videos as Ren takes you on his journey! The very low and very high emotions he brings up that no one can be prepared for. Buckle up & get out the tissues!

I sat down with my son and had him watch and listen to this song, he was blown away I must say!!! He was right on track with exactly what was going on, he understood immediately and related to it all... Thank you Ray for reacting to this!!!!

Great reaction. I really enjoyed your interpretation of and perspective on the song. You are the only I have watched who pointed out the change in facial expressions; very perceptive. I only recently learned about Ren and have gone down this rabbit hole ever since. I can personally relate to many of the experiences and emotions expressed in his songs, and they deeply touch me. A little background on Ren that I gathered from the internet. Ren pursued a career in music from an early age. In 2009, while studying music performance at Bath Spa University, he began to experience health issues and was struggling to attend his lectures. In 2010, he was signed by Sony Records and was working on an album when his health deteriorated to the point where he was unable to continue. His illness often kept him in bed for up to 23 hours a day. Ren was initially diagnosed with depression, bipolar disorder, and chronic fatigue syndrome. It would take seven years before he was finally diagnosed correctly with autoimmunity, Lyme disease, and brain damage. Ren eventually underwent stem cell therapy in the United States, which improved his health, but it has not been a cure. He is currently in Canada for more treatments. Ren is an incredible and unique artist; he plays multiple instruments, has great vocal ability, is an excellent storyteller, and is quite the philosopher and poet. From what I read, his videos are shot live, all in one take by his friend. I recommend you check out some of his other work. The trilogy "The Tale of Jenny/Screech/Violet" is haunting and has an unexpected ending; WATCH THEM IN THE STATED ORDER, as this is the flow of the storyline. It is another example of Ren’s genius. His song "Money Game" (Part I & II) is another recommendation. If you like his personal reflections, they 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. As a solo act, Ren performs a range of genres, much of it hip-hop/rap influenced, as well as guitar-based ballads. His collaborations with Sam Tompkins (“Blind Eyed,” “Earned it /Mans World / Falling”), with Chinchilla (“How to Be Me,” “Chalk Outlines”), with Eden Nash (“Humble,” “Ocean”), with Bibi (“Crutch,” “Ahiahiaoha”), and his performances as a member of the band "The Big Push" (which unfortunately broke up) are awesome and well worth checking out, both the busking (street performances) and their live recordings. Ren has impressive vocal and instrumental skills. He is one-of-a-kind and appears mature beyond his years. Ren released his latest single, “Sick Boi,” today. In anticipation of his stay in Canada for more treatments, Ren prepared some music ahead of time to be released over the next 3-6 months that he expects to be gone.

Ive watched nearly every reaction on youtube for this song and you are the first to reference the “Blue alien” for Fifth Element! I thought the exact same thing!! LOL

You my friend are an underappreciated reactor, you articulate your thoughts so well and make so many valid points. I'm a fan, and two videos in, I'm a subscriber.

Ren is what you get when you max your Bard’s CHR stat

Somebody get this man more subscribers... You are the ren of reactions

A new track from Ren drops today at 7.00 pm uk time. Or 2.00 pm ET. Great reaction.

I had the same ABSOLUTELY WOW reaction you did when I discovered him via Justin Hawkins Rides Again reaction channel a week ago, and two things: 1) Reading the comments on Ren's work and on reaction vids to it is SOUL-NOURISHING, HEART-LIFTING; 2) Ren's connecting people TO Reaction vids and causing us to find each other. That's important stuff. Anyway, brother, keep up the good work, I've subscribed---not only did you offer some wisdom, there were some great laughs and moments where I shared joy and awe with you.

You are the first reactor I have seen that mentions the loosens the noose on the rope. Love how you break things down when they hit you.

I've been watching every Ren reaction since I heard Ren for the first time on Stevie Knight's channel, and I am now hooked on Ren. He's just so different from other artists. It's refreshing.

This is by far the best and most in-depth reaction I've watched. Excellent job, sir ❤

"What in the blue alien from 5th Element is going on here?" has to be the best reaction I have heard to the intro of this song 😂

Also, "Punching Two Dolphins and a squirrel in the nuts" had me dying laughing for minutes! :) Dont stop man! Good to have people like you to watch

I’ve been waiting for you to react to ren. Excellent reaction and understanding of the lyrics and his style. This guy is so talented.

Super glad you came across this masterpiece of a performance! I found Ren the other day myself and did a deep dive on Spotify. Honestly Ray you can’t go wrong with anything Ren. A short list though would be: Tale of Jenny and Screech (full) The correct order is Jenny, Screech, then Violet. Money Game pt2 Chalk Outlines with Chinchilla Humble Genesis Ocean ft Eden Nash Dear God Looking forward to more Ren reactions!!

Yes. He is truly amazing! I've been listening to this song for a few weeks now and it's still blowing my mind. I'm so deep in the Ren Rabbit Hole that it's become a Rabbit Warren. He does a live version of 'How To Be Me' with Chinchilla. It's a very quiet and low key song yet you still see every emotion on his face. Writer, Musician, Rapper, Actor and even video editor at times. Ren is a modern day bard. I can't wait to hear the entire album together. 🔥❤‍🔥🔥

so apt that you are externalising your verbal reacrions..... you are in harmony .. :)))

I’ve watched about 30 reactions to REN’s song and this is by far the best! Love it 😂

That has got to be the best reaction to Ren ever - great reaction, loved to see your genuine reaction and will be following along, Liked, commented and subscribed.

I must be slippin', cause I have been following your Ren reactions for a few months now and somehow I missed this one. This was the first song I ever heard from Ren, and out of all the reactors I have watched do this song, you are the only one who I feel was hit the exact same way I was. You called everything before you heard it, you paused and spoke at every single part I wished others did. I love how you say that the people really going through mental issues will absolutely connect with this and understand. FACTS. I have been battling addiction for over 20 years and I'm only 35. This song helped me more than all of the therapy I've done. I did two group therapy sessions and one individual session every week for damn near two years straight. Don't get me wrong, it was amazing and I highly recommend it to everyone, but still it never hit my soul the way Ren has. Dude has helped me pull my head outta my ass and keep me focused. Every time I almost relapse I listen to this, every time it gives me the strength to stay ahead. I can't even begin to express how thankful I am. You have helped me as well! More than you know. Your wisdom, positivity , and willingness to share your personal life experiences with all of us is amazing. So from the bottom of my heart brother, THANK YOU. You have helped at least one person in this crazy world. I'm sure there are hundreds if not thousands of others. Thank you my brother. Thank you.