he is 33 now. And yeah, "interesting" is a good word to describe our Ren - he is actually breathtaking at how well he does just about everything he does - and he does a lot
If you want to get a feel for Ren's character and wisdom (beyond his years), have a quick look at the video he posted for his 1 million subscribers milestone - he's truly a special kind of human.
Welcome to the Ren rabbit hole!😂 He took all of us by surprise! He's an amazing artist, I HIGHLY recommend checking out The Tale Of Jenny and Screech (FULL VERSION, it's also live like in this video)! Another videos that you should really check out are Money Game (part 1 & 2), Su*cide (bring tissues) and Animal Flow (a lot of references to the book Animal Farm by George Orwell in the video)! Enjoy, can't wait to see more!! :D
He is 33 now, but I believe he recorded this last year when he would have been 32. Welcome to the Ren Rabbit Hole. Watch the RENegades stream in to see this ... this is the most dedicated, obsessed fan base ever. LOL. But to be fair ... he is a unicorn.
The most truly amazing artist of our time. He is fully independent - everything he does is just him and his friends - on a shoe string budget. You can see the same locations turn up throughout many of his videos, as well as those of his friends. His whole story and persona is inspiring.
Josh, I've followed you since your early Jinjer days. Ren is a phenomenon and deserves a dive into his catalogue. He defies genres and may be one of thr biggest talent around today but remains steadfastly independent. Some of his best (imo) are his llive performances and one take videos (both of which are shown in Hi Ren) and my personal favourite The tale of Jenny and Screech, 13 minutes of modern Shakespearepien tragedy, 3 live, shot, performances. You won't be disappointed.
Oh boy, you’re in for a treat! His catalogue is like a box of chocolates with no labelling, you never know which flavour come next! 🙌🏼 And the Renegades are here to go through it with you 😊
Really enjoyed your reaction! I see someone's already recommended The Tale of Jenny and Screech (comprised of 3 live one takes - Ren is the GOAT of live one takes). If and when you choose to react to it, which I HIGHLY recommend, make sure you do the version labelled "(FULL)". It's 13 minutes and MUST BE DONE IN ORDER to get the full, devastating effect. But there's a ton a Ren music to react to, so enjoy the ride!
i ALMOST enjoy reaction videos to Hi ren, more than the the original videos for one reason... watching the wave of realization of what has just happened to them, wash over them, is so thrilling. its like watching someones life shift in real time. i know it changed me when i first saw it, ive probably watched it 100 rimes with all the reactions ive seen, and i still cry every.single.time.
I realkly don't want to write tbe whole backstory, but Ren HAS been theough hell and back . He speaks for the chronically ill and those with mental illness. He lost most of his early 20s, bedridden with crippling pain and fatigue. Finally diagnosed with Lyme disease too late to repair the damage to his brain, body and immune system. Music was always his therapy when he had a window of energy. Much of the fan obsession has to do with his empathy and determination to find a way through. Such a good human. Welcome aboard. I also think his million sub thank you video should be seen ,even if you don't react to it .
I think a good place to go next is "Sick Boi", for two reasons. 1) it gives you more of his back story 2) it is so utterly unlike this, it'll spin your head around. His music is so diverse, he defies categorizations.
It's so true to the music because it's technically a one take. He did four one takes and chose the one he liked the best to be made into the official video. Edit: just saw your closing words ;-)
As fast as Ren blew up with this song, its amazing to me that 9 months after this dropped there are STILL RUclipsrs who haven't heard this.... But then, that could be said of a lot of earlier entries in Ren's catalog as well. My dude, Ren has been releasing new stuff for months now that will be on his soon-to-be-released Sick Boi album. But he has a wild catalog even before Hi Ren.... As for people still new to Hi Ren.... i guess it shouldnt be surprising when people STILL havent actually listened to the best tracks of multi-platinum artists from the 90s and early 2000s.
Welcome, you are now a "Renegade " One of us❤ He is a musical genius, a a superb storyteller! Go down the rabbit hole of Ren. You will not be disappointed 👏👏👏🥰
It was released as 3 separate songs/videos, but Ren also re-released it as 1 video compilation as "Tale of Jenny and Screech (Live)" Seeing these all in a row really ups the impact. These are also live takes.
It doesn't stop there. His talents are truly amazing and he does so many different genres. The Tales trilogy should really be your next one. You won't regret it.
I haven't watched your reaction yet -- I'm about to. But I have to say your comment "someone was obsessed with it" cracked me up. So, so, so, so many of us are obsessed with this song and with Ren. The whole world is about to be obsessed with Ren. OK, now to watch your reaction, after which I'm sure you will also be obsessed with that one guy and a guitar (and a piano, and several other instruments, and tons of super-creative friends).
New subscriber after this... that was a GREAT reaction, I'm so glad you went back to revisit. At the time that this song hit in December 2022, Ren had about 400,000 subscribers that he'd built up over a decade of being an independent artist. 'Hi Ren' hit RUclips like a shockwave, and everyone who'd seen it wanted to share it and talk about it with everyone they could. The 'Renegades' are an overall very positive and engaging group that really want to share this with their favorite reactors. Also: Ren is the king of one-take videos (note: not first take, just they'll shoot until they get the one-take LIVE performance to really draw the listener in. Hi Ren was on take 4). Oh, and he calls his style 'Bardcord" 😄 If I may make a couple of recommendations on some of his best works that have several versions out there: 1) "The Tale of Jenny and Screech" - This is a masterpiece. if you choose to react to it, it should be done in the FULL version, all in one video (Ren released a version with all 3 songs in it). There are legitimate reasons for this, you'll have to trust. Just go in cold and watch a true master bard at his craft. 2) "I Shot the Sherriff / Road to Zion / Hip Hop" - LOOK FOR THE VERSION WITH THE RED SUSPENDERS. This was done with his former band "The Big Push", and is from his busking days in Brighton. There are other versions, but the one with the red suspenders is HUGELY preferred. 3) "Chalk Outlines" - Look for the LIVE version (not the lyric version) with Chinchilla. He looks like he's deep in the basement of a building. 4) "Money Game Part 2 (Official LYRIC video)" : This is one of the few where the LYRIC video is preferred over the Official music video because Ren added some important verses on the LYRIC video not iin the official video. NOTE: Doesn't require Money Game Part 1, but I'd recommend doing both at some time b/c they're both so damned good.
Gotta remember his busking friends and The Big Push band , amazing how 4 guys meet on the streets of Brighton and are so talented every single 1 off them. Check them out. Plus you got Ren and Sam Tompkins. Sam has just started touring America and wouldn't be anywhere if it weren't for Ren finding him singing on a street corner. ✌🏻😎✌🏻
Welcome to the ren Rollercoaster! All his performances r theatrical. He's in his early thirties and he's been thru alot. He's not metal,but u should checkout more of his music.
Welcome to the Renaissance and thank you for the great and insightful Hi Ren reaction @Roguenjosh - I am looking forward to you doing more Ren content (hint). Ren is 33 but keeps fit and looks younger. He has an amazing back catalogue and was in two bands, The Big Push until recently, you do no wrong checking that one out, and Trick The Fox much earlier. There's much wow and awe and fun to be had with Ren.
Great reaction. I am always so jealous when I see somebody who has the pure joy of discovering Ren. I wish I could wipe my memory of everything Ren related and have the amazing journey of discovering him all over again.
I'm obsessed with this song, and with Ren. Haven't been to your channel before, so I'm not the one who spammed you months ago. So glad you decided to take a look at this. To answer your question (before I saw your final comment), this isn't lip synced, it's recorded live. He is that good. Ren's been through hell in his life, and has come through it as a shining beacon. Check him out, and prepare to have your mind blown, or at least expanded in the best possible way.
shining beacon is the perfect set of words. i swear his music was like a spotlight and brightened up all the dark places inside me... showed the shadows how to get out so to speak.
great reaction. A good follow up to this one is Sick Boi. A good place to start to get to know Ren tho, is Patience; which is posted by someone other than him, it's live and from a time when he was quite ill, still misdiagnosed as only having ME (he has Lyme's disease) and is from a documentary or docuseries.
Better late than never 😉 Isn't he great!?! Ren is 33. Time to dive into his back catalogue, you won't regret it. He is currently releasing songs from his upcoming Sick Boi album
Hi mate. Loved it. Liked but I'm subbed already... So I can't do it again. Glad you did this. It is quite a few of us obsesed with this lad. We call ourselves RENegades. This is a rabbit hole I strongly recommend; because you're gonna love him. You'll get loads of suggestions from a lot of people. They are all great... AND he has a pretty vast catalog. Enjoy. Big love from Valladolid (Spain). Can't wait for more.
Ren Rabbit Hole coming. I am so amped to see you follow this trail. This guy is amazing. Better late than never. Enjoy you have enough content to fill a few months worth of reviews. If you break it up a year of stuff to react to. So happy you finally found him.
You have stumbled onto a very unique artist. He's amazing as an artist and as a human being. The community of RENegades is too - positivity and uplifting everyone is the name of the game. Looking forward to a deeper dive (and it is VERY deep) down the Ren rabbit hole. He is the master of many things.
This was LIVE, one take. Three cameras.. thats how he did it so true. He’s a once in a generation musician. Buckle up, the rabbit hole is unbelievable.. and deep. He’s 33
He basically missed out on his 20s. He was sick and bed-ridden for years of his life. I think he seems young because of that. But, at the same time, those years gave him time to read, to understand, to think, to hone his skills. That's why he seems old. Welcome, finally, to the Ren Rabbit-Hole. It comes with the most compassionate, supportive fan community I've ever seen. He's created a counter-culture of people who believe in lifting each other up.. He's opened doors for the chronic illness community to come into the light, and speak openly of the shadows we deal with every day. It's kindof amazing. Great reaction. You're in for a ride.
We call him the RENassiance. Check out his street busking videos and his songs dedicated to his friend Joe (“suicide” & “How to be me” ; featuring Chinchilla). Ren misses his friend terribly but made a 21 thousand dollar donation to the search team that never recovered his body. You will find a common thread through most of his music; capitalism, suicide and his struggles and treatment for Lyme disease .
I have said this before, and you hit on it, this is a performative piece of art...you could literally see this as an installation at a gallery. Its the honesty of this performance that makes it unique...the subject matter (as he atests) is old hat, but his earnest approach is what wins me over...
This is the kind of artistry that gives "broken" people hope. Ren, through this performance piece, has become to a lot of people exactly what he stated in the song, "...the voice that you hear when you loosen the noose on the rope". So powerful, so impactful. The song structure itself is incredible. It starts off as a battle between his positive (Angel) and negative (Demon) aspects, the negative then makes an overpowering last ditch effort to reign supreme, tearing free and trying to take control, but ultimately fails as the final act, being the "God" aspect, emerges Triumphant, though still acknowledging and accepting that it will ALWAYS be a battle because we are all "a coin with 2 different sides". It's a beautifully cathartic and raw musical masterpiece. Ren is truly special. Welcome to the Ren rabbit-hole, it's a trip worth taking. This was the 4th take he did and yes, it was done live. Wait until you hear some of his other stuff, especially his storytelling ("The Tale of Jenny & Screech"). You haven't even touched the breadth of this young man's talent yet. The pig character (imo) represents the doctors and therapist who have essentially butchered him for years through their misdiagnosis. It's the system that focuses on peddling more pills than on genuinely trying to help to fix broken/ill people, caring more about profit than individual health. The bastardization of the hippocratic oath. He literally thought he was going insane because he was told repeatedly that the pain and symptoms he was experiencing were all in his head (psychosomatic). He had reached a point where he literally resigned himself to dying before he reached 30. Turns out he had Lyme's disease the whole time and it ran rampant through his system for 10 years, even to the point of causing brain damage. Ironically, if Ren hadn't gone through what he has, would he have ever made the art he has? There's no question that his suffering has shaped his music and now he's finally getting the recognition he undoubtedly deserves. I've said it before, I'll say it again, Ren is special.
I highly recommend the LIVE version of the Tale of Jenny and Screech, it includes Violet's Tale. I believe it also teaches people how to channel emotion to use music as an outlet. Once you hear the this trilogy of tales, you will understand why people say his genre is Bardcore.
Ren is the Original "Bardcore Genre Bender" The Master Bard himself ( Shakespeare ) would have understood exactly where Ren was coming from. Ren isn't just a songwriter but rather a Performance Art Master who blends music and character acting from all the styles over the last 500 years and makes it modern and relatable to all generations even if normally you may not be a fan of whatever genre he is currently performing. While most good Performers can envoke some emotions in their audience, Ren is an Emotion Master who has control of all of them, From the Feel Good Vibes of Bongo Bong, to the Rebellion of Illist Of Our Time, to the Tragedy of Jenny and Screech, to the Mind Bending Rap Flow of Losing It, and the Internal Psych War of Hi Ren, Ren has it All! The Ren Rabbit Hole is Deep and Powerful! Get Ready for the Ride of your Life!
❤one thing to keep in mind that this is alive performance in one take!! No cuts,to stops, no nothing! hope you will enjoy Ren's music from here on, he is truly remarkable ❤
I think the audio is all one take but there are definitely some small cuts in the video - one example is the bit at "Just as sure as the night has dawn". Not to detract from how incredible this performance is - it's the best musical/theatrical performance I think I've ever seen
@@witterquickly right, it was indeed filmed with multiple cameras in different angles so yes, if you would break the technical part, yes there were "cuts" purely form an aesthetic view.
I'm so excited for you that you're getting to discover Ren! It's a worthy rabbit hole that I hope you'll dive into. Ren is a prodigy. And also, somehow, an actual good human being!
Liked and sub'd! If you like this storytelling vibe, I recommend The Tale of Jenny and Screech (but do the full version that includes violet's tale) and For Joe. If you'd prefer singing, Chaulk Outlines and How to be Me are great. If you like hip hop, What You Want, Murderer and Love Music part 4 are good ones. There are also videos of him busking (street performing) and he was also in a band called the Big Push (Englishman in Newyork and Bongo Bong are great)
I totally understand wanting to just avoid it when someone spams for you to react to it. Unfortunately means you have been missing out for months in this case 😅 Luckily, better late than never. Welcome to the multitalented genius that is Ren. He does just about everything and he does all of it well. Prepare to keep getting your mind blown if you continue checking out his music. I see that people have already suggested the usual songs. I will just add one of my two personal favourites: Crutch feat. Bibi. Having seen a few of your other reactions, I think it might be a good pick for you. But then there are no bad picks when it comes to Ren 😂 Hope to see you deep down the rabbit hole with the rest of us 🐰🕳️
This is surely one of the most impressive live captures on the YooToobs tho, is it not?! He recently turned 33. He spent a large chunk of his twenties bedridden, with years of misdiagnosed Lyme disease & ensuing prescription of psych meds because he was told for years that it was a psychological issue making him think he was in pain, rather than the very real pain he was suffering through. He's been in Calgary for months now getting specialist stem cell treatments & surgeries. He's on a strict paleo diet out of necessity as his immune system is shot. I wouldn't wish that level of clusterfcuk on anyone.... but good grief, he's a fearless artist now. This year's project from him is the "Sick Boi" rap/HipHop album (dropping in a few weeks). Don't worry if you're not really into the rap thing.... he's already got most of next year's project together, & that's due to be more of a rock (probably with reggae/ska influences & some John Frusciante-esque leads) album! #AnnoyinglyTalented LOL I'll be buying "Sick Boi", & it'll be the first rap/HipHop I've spent money on in probably a couple of decades! I'm *very much* looking forward to next year's project from him tho. :)
Also, check out his insanely talented Babb called The Big Push. Id suggest their cover of I Shot The Sheriff/ Road To Zion/Hip Hop. Specifically, the one with him in red suspenders. I'm subbing in hopes you'll check out more Ren.
You hit the nail on the head. He performed it live, one shot video(they got it right on the fourth try) . They captured it with cameras from different angles that's why it seems like there are cuts. I think he said in an interview the only cut was before the spoken word part. Another song, Money Game part 1 is also a love performance, which took them round about 186 takes to get the one shot performance right😅(or so he said in an interview with Black Pegasus)
I've seen this a few times and knew that the guitar line was purposely imperfect, but I never saw his mic and lead; this is a live, bonkers performance.
Ren is therapy for so many from one song he helps so many people open up in ways therapists struggle to do in person. First time i watched Hi Ren i had a panic attack but thought i needed to watch it again so i watched someone reacting to it that was the best thing i could do i have watched many times since. One thing i think about this song is it needs to be seen by every one even in schools after a certain age, because how many children kill themselves because of the negativity towards them from nasty comments and bullying to them believing what is said. I went through hell, bullied all through school to the point i attempted suicide twice, and to many issues in my life since then I am a recovering alcoholic 11 years clean I suffer PTSD and other health issues so the majority of bad days over good is high, if this bullying had been dealt with i may have had a reasonable life not the existence i have to deal with now
great reaction, I too am a Ren fanatic, not just a mere fan, I'm just an old chubby fart, but i love music in any form, and ren covers it all. God bless and keep him with us for many years to come, thank you for your reaction, ya got my sub
Welcome to the Ren era of music. I absolutely guarantee that you are going to spending weeks down that rabbit hole. He is a singular artist and yes, his fans are dedicated and call themselves RENegades.
You had me at "5th Element. The stones are inside the blue chick." 😂 Stopped the video subscribed and liked. Now back to our regularly scheduled programming.
Direct quote from Sinead O'conner a few weeks before she passed away....."Every song or artist in history even Willie Dixon, Chuck Berry, The Beatles, NWA, Ice Cube and even Bob Dylan, is officially relegated to class B". And it goes on such high praise about Ren and his talent so "obsession" just can't be enough for the Ren-aissance and we followers.
And you’re probably thinking this has to be a one off ‘hit’ right? And the next track couldn’t be better than this one? Yeah I thought the same, until I listened to The Tale of Jenny and Screech (the full trilogy version - 13 minutes and some change). It’ll blow your socks off. That guy spamming you in Twitch was trying to get your attention, so don’t miss out on this one! 🔥😀👍
Welcome to the RENaissance! Yes! Live and performed in one take (the 4th time was the charm), tho the monologue was from a different take. Ren is absolutely brilliant. He's famous for his one take videos, tho not all necessarily live performances. Check out his Tale of Jenny & Screech (Official Music Video) which are three separate short songs, but all also recorded LIVE and in ONE TAKE. Also his duets with Chinchilla are absolute perfection (How to Be Me - LIVE and Chalk Outlines LIVE).
Great reaction! I just found you because of this reaction. Next you should check out Jenny & Screech's Tale -- there is one video with all 3 parts (react to them all together). They are also all live one-takes and really showcase his storytelling ability.
Truly enjoyed watching you experience this astounding piece of art! Haven’t come across your channel before, likely because I tend to stick to Ren reactions. I’ve subbed and hope to see you react to the wild, wild world of Ren music.
He performed this live in a theater in december...check it out. Watch the live live performance before the song was released on youtube... it is on his youtube videos. This official video was done after several takes which he was able to take the best one.
I am scrolling through these comments whole heartedly agreeing with every single one! Such profound and powerful words to be said about 1 single man. 1000% deserved ❤❤❤ I don’t think there is even exists 1 single word to describe Mr. Ren Gill. 👑🇬🇧🤴
Welcome finally to the ren train he is a phenominal bard /storyteller and is currently has a rolling release of his hip hop album . he brings his wide musical experience to his lyric's and doesn't shy away from challenging topics including suicide and other mental health.
The best talent, gifted, genius, humility, honesty& beauty out there just now is REN. I adore him& I pray for him everyday that his health greatly improves.He is helping g so many people. Love you man ❤🙏
RENs fans/community love, cherish and we appreciate his capacity to contribute and continue as an independent. It really was too obvious, whatever did you mean? Do you think you may have been prejudging… Won’t work out well with Ren as he is a diverse artist as ever you could find. He is the artist of our time. 🎈🎈🎈
Your pure virgin watch of this reaction got me subbed. You understood it from the start and there is so much more to learn but you got it. Thank you dude!
This was one take live. Most of his songs and videos are. Go deep into his catalog. Every genre you can think of, he will give you a new favorite song in. Bet.
6 days ago I saw or heard of Ren. RUclips Hi Ren 1st song and I'm blown away I haven't been this hooked on artist in over 2 decades . This music is ART
Ren is insanely talented. He can literally do it all. Rap, sing, beatbox, his own beats, Bardcore. Here’s a list of some to check out. Rap type The hunger Illest of our time Power Losing it Genesis (also the acoustic one) Sick boi Animal flow (also the acoustic) What you want (beastie boys homage) Bardcore The tale of Jenny and screech (full) Hi Ren MoneyGame part 1 MoneyGame part 2 Singing ones Chalk outlines (live) How to be me (live) Humble Ocean Fire Funny 1990s (watch the video one) Love music Love music part 2 Love music part 3 Love music part 4 Down on the beat Dear God Loads of busking ones with his band The Big Push, ones with Sam Tompkins and Chinchilla. The big push - I shot the sheriff/road to Zion/hiphop TBP - war pigs TBP - sweet little lady TBP - bongo bong Ren & Sam - earned it/mans world/falling R&S - blind eyed live (also angry carpark version is funny) R&S - walking on the moon/no diggity Ren & chinchilla - one dance/drunk in love R&C - sexual healing Sad Su!cide For Joe Brilliant rabbit hole to go down 🖤
Oh.. and this is only the beginning.. there is so much more.. like Penitence, Hold On, Ready for you, Crutch, Fire, Freckled Angels… and so so much more I have not heard a bad song yet.. and they are all different.. you really never know what you are going to get…
@@GoodGirlGone definitely! I just typed up a few of the main ones to give him an idea of different styles but the ones you suggested are brilliant too! He literally doesn’t have a bad one does he! 🖤
@@TobiiRheaStarr I know.. i did that a few times.. and every time I type one song, another great song pops into my head.. so I stopped doing it.. as I will end up just typing out his whole discography 🤣🤣🤣
@@GoodGirlGone haha I know that feeling. I had typed it for a mate, then went to send to another mate and added more on. Iv just saved it in notes now to paste 🤣🖤
Great reaction, thismis a 100% 1 take live performance, took them 4 attempts to nail it! He wrote it, performed it live, produced it and directed the video on this track
he is 33 now. And yeah, "interesting" is a good word to describe our Ren - he is actually breathtaking at how well he does just about everything he does - and he does a lot
If you want to get a feel for Ren's character and wisdom (beyond his years), have a quick look at the video he posted for his 1 million subscribers milestone - he's truly a special kind of human.
Perfect suggestion
I wish more reactors would have reacted to Defining Success. I'm always checking for new ones, but all I find are the ones I've already watched.
@@MoreKellBellPlease I so totally agree.
Great suggestion!
He’s in his 30’s....
Welcome to the Ren rabbit hole!😂
He took all of us by surprise! He's an amazing artist, I HIGHLY recommend checking out The Tale Of Jenny and Screech (FULL VERSION, it's also live like in this video)!
Another videos that you should really check out are Money Game (part 1 & 2), Su*cide (bring tissues) and Animal Flow (a lot of references to the book Animal Farm by George Orwell in the video)!
Enjoy, can't wait to see more!! :D
Also The Big Puch his amazing band, Bongo Bong, Fatboy Slims Prase you and War Pigs buscking, to start that side of his massive rabbit hole.
He is 33 now, but I believe he recorded this last year when he would have been 32. Welcome to the Ren Rabbit Hole. Watch the RENegades stream in to see this ... this is the most dedicated, obsessed fan base ever. LOL. But to be fair ... he is a unicorn.
The most truly amazing artist of our time. He is fully independent - everything he does is just him and his friends - on a shoe string budget. You can see the same locations turn up throughout many of his videos, as well as those of his friends. His whole story and persona is inspiring.
Josh, I've followed you since your early Jinjer days. Ren is a phenomenon and deserves a dive into his catalogue. He defies genres and may be one of thr biggest talent around today but remains steadfastly independent. Some of his best (imo) are his llive performances and one take videos (both of which are shown in Hi Ren) and my personal favourite The tale of Jenny and Screech, 13 minutes of modern Shakespearepien tragedy, 3 live, shot, performances. You won't be disappointed.
Oh boy, you’re in for a treat! His catalogue is like a box of chocolates with no labelling, you never know which flavour come next! 🙌🏼
And the Renegades are here to go through it with you 😊
Love the reference with the chocolat box 😂
Really enjoyed your reaction! I see someone's already recommended The Tale of Jenny and Screech (comprised of 3 live one takes - Ren is the GOAT of live one takes). If and when you choose to react to it, which I HIGHLY recommend, make sure you do the version labelled "(FULL)". It's 13 minutes and MUST BE DONE IN ORDER to get the full, devastating effect. But there's a ton a Ren music to react to, so enjoy the ride!
yeah, no joke, your only regret after watching the tales will be that you have to pick one of these to be your favorite.
@twistedpixel. Why do you have to pick a favourite?
i ALMOST enjoy reaction videos to Hi ren, more than the the original videos for one reason... watching the wave of realization of what has just happened to them, wash over them, is so thrilling. its like watching someones life shift in real time. i know it changed me when i first saw it, ive probably watched it 100 rimes with all the reactions ive seen, and i still cry every.single.time.
You can get his backstory from his wiki page. And oh boy, did you get dropped into the rollercoaster ride of a lifetime. Strap in :)
I always have shivers when I watch it. It's less music and more a theater performance.
Agree
I realkly don't want to write tbe whole backstory, but Ren HAS been theough hell and back . He speaks for the chronically ill and those with mental illness. He lost most of his early 20s, bedridden with crippling pain and fatigue. Finally diagnosed with Lyme disease too late to repair the damage to his brain, body and immune system. Music was always his therapy when he had a window of energy. Much of the fan obsession has to do with his empathy and determination to find a way through. Such a good human. Welcome aboard. I also think his million sub thank you video should be seen ,even if you don't react to it .
Another live performance by him is his Tales of Jenny and Screech(and Violet) Full version. The guitar playing, acting and singing in that is amazing.
I think a good place to go next is "Sick Boi", for two reasons. 1) it gives you more of his back story 2) it is so utterly unlike this, it'll spin your head around. His music is so diverse, he defies categorizations.
It's so true to the music because it's technically a one take. He did four one takes and chose the one he liked the best to be made into the official video. Edit: just saw your closing words ;-)
Whats even more impressive is that it literally took them 181 tries to get it perfect
@@christyheffernan1248
Sorry no. 4 tries
@christyheffernan1248 that was money game
As fast as Ren blew up with this song, its amazing to me that 9 months after this dropped there are STILL RUclipsrs who haven't heard this....
But then, that could be said of a lot of earlier entries in Ren's catalog as well.
My dude, Ren has been releasing new stuff for months now that will be on his soon-to-be-released Sick Boi album.
But he has a wild catalog even before Hi Ren....
As for people still new to Hi Ren.... i guess it shouldnt be surprising when people STILL havent actually listened to the best tracks of multi-platinum artists from the 90s and early 2000s.
Welcome, you are now a "Renegade "
One of us❤ He is a musical genius, a a superb storyteller! Go down the rabbit hole of Ren. You will not be disappointed 👏👏👏🥰
Another song(s) I would recommend checking out by Ren is the tale of Jenny and screech
Absolutely
It was released as 3 separate songs/videos, but Ren also re-released it as 1 video compilation as "Tale of Jenny and Screech (Live)"
Seeing these all in a row really ups the impact.
These are also live takes.
And the third in the trio is violets tale..
Please be sure to find the full version with the trilogy. It is impactful
I concur.
It doesn't stop there. His talents are truly amazing and he does so many different genres. The Tales trilogy should really be your next one. You won't regret it.
I haven't watched your reaction yet -- I'm about to. But I have to say your comment "someone was obsessed with it" cracked me up. So, so, so, so many of us are obsessed with this song and with Ren. The whole world is about to be obsessed with Ren. OK, now to watch your reaction, after which I'm sure you will also be obsessed with that one guy and a guitar (and a piano, and several other instruments, and tons of super-creative friends).
Congratulations... You've just reacted to a genuine GENIUS
Liked & subscribed in anticipation of you reacting to more Ren
Cheers pal 👍🍻
New subscriber after this... that was a GREAT reaction, I'm so glad you went back to revisit. At the time that this song hit in December 2022, Ren had about 400,000 subscribers that he'd built up over a decade of being an independent artist. 'Hi Ren' hit RUclips like a shockwave, and everyone who'd seen it wanted to share it and talk about it with everyone they could. The 'Renegades' are an overall very positive and engaging group that really want to share this with their favorite reactors. Also: Ren is the king of one-take videos (note: not first take, just they'll shoot until they get the one-take LIVE performance to really draw the listener in. Hi Ren was on take 4). Oh, and he calls his style 'Bardcord" 😄
If I may make a couple of recommendations on some of his best works that have several versions out there:
1) "The Tale of Jenny and Screech" - This is a masterpiece. if you choose to react to it, it should be done in the FULL version, all in one video (Ren released a version with all 3 songs in it). There are legitimate reasons for this, you'll have to trust. Just go in cold and watch a true master bard at his craft.
2) "I Shot the Sherriff / Road to Zion / Hip Hop" - LOOK FOR THE VERSION WITH THE RED SUSPENDERS. This was done with his former band "The Big Push", and is from his busking days in Brighton. There are other versions, but the one with the red suspenders is HUGELY preferred.
3) "Chalk Outlines" - Look for the LIVE version (not the lyric version) with Chinchilla. He looks like he's deep in the basement of a building.
4) "Money Game Part 2 (Official LYRIC video)" : This is one of the few where the LYRIC video is preferred over the Official music video because Ren added some important verses on the LYRIC video not iin the official video. NOTE: Doesn't require Money Game Part 1, but I'd recommend doing both at some time b/c they're both so damned good.
and the part 3 is comming 🙂
Gotta remember his busking friends and The Big Push band , amazing how 4 guys meet on the streets of Brighton and are so talented every single 1 off them. Check them out. Plus you got Ren and Sam Tompkins. Sam has just started touring America and wouldn't be anywhere if it weren't for Ren finding him singing on a street corner. ✌🏻😎✌🏻
Welcome to the ren Rollercoaster! All his performances r theatrical. He's in his early thirties and he's been thru alot. He's not metal,but u should checkout more of his music.
Welcome to the Renaissance and thank you for the great and insightful Hi Ren reaction @Roguenjosh - I am looking forward to you doing more Ren content (hint).
Ren is 33 but keeps fit and looks younger. He has an amazing back catalogue and was in two bands, The Big Push until recently, you do no wrong checking that one out, and Trick The Fox much earlier. There's much wow and awe and fun to be had with Ren.
Great reaction. I am always so jealous when I see somebody who has the pure joy of discovering Ren. I wish I could wipe my memory of everything Ren related and have the amazing journey of discovering him all over again.
I'm obsessed with this song, and with Ren. Haven't been to your channel before, so I'm not the one who spammed you months ago. So glad you decided to take a look at this. To answer your question (before I saw your final comment), this isn't lip synced, it's recorded live. He is that good. Ren's been through hell in his life, and has come through it as a shining beacon. Check him out, and prepare to have your mind blown, or at least expanded in the best possible way.
I didnt spam you either first time watching.
shining beacon is the perfect set of words. i swear his music was like a spotlight and brightened up all the dark places inside me... showed the shadows how to get out so to speak.
great reaction. A good follow up to this one is Sick Boi. A good place to start to get to know Ren tho, is Patience; which is posted by someone other than him, it's live and from a time when he was quite ill, still misdiagnosed as only having ME (he has Lyme's disease) and is from a documentary or docuseries.
Better late than never 😉 Isn't he great!?! Ren is 33. Time to dive into his back catalogue, you won't regret it. He is currently releasing songs from his upcoming Sick Boi album
Hi mate. Loved it. Liked but I'm subbed already... So I can't do it again.
Glad you did this.
It is quite a few of us obsesed with this lad. We call ourselves RENegades.
This is a rabbit hole I strongly recommend; because you're gonna love him. You'll get loads of suggestions from a lot of people. They are all great... AND he has a pretty vast catalog.
Enjoy.
Big love from Valladolid (Spain).
Can't wait for more.
The video IS the performance. A live, one take.
Ren Rabbit Hole coming. I am so amped to see you follow this trail. This guy is amazing. Better late than never. Enjoy you have enough content to fill a few months worth of reviews. If you break it up a year of stuff to react to. So happy you finally found him.
You have stumbled onto a very unique artist. He's amazing as an artist and as a human being. The community of RENegades is too - positivity and uplifting everyone is the name of the game. Looking forward to a deeper dive (and it is VERY deep) down the Ren rabbit hole. He is the master of many things.
Ren is truly one in a 1000 Million.
its meant to be obvious , its one of the most transparent pieces of music on youtube .
Get ready. There are so many facets to his talent
This was LIVE, one take. Three cameras.. thats how he did it so true. He’s a once in a generation musician.
Buckle up, the rabbit hole is unbelievable.. and deep.
He’s 33
There are additional takes cut into the video towards the end, for the hand-held close ups. Only one take in the audio, though.
He basically missed out on his 20s. He was sick and bed-ridden for years of his life. I think he seems young because of that. But, at the same time, those years gave him time to read, to understand, to think, to hone his skills. That's why he seems old.
Welcome, finally, to the Ren Rabbit-Hole. It comes with the most compassionate, supportive fan community I've ever seen. He's created a counter-culture of people who believe in lifting each other up.. He's opened doors for the chronic illness community to come into the light, and speak openly of the shadows we deal with every day. It's kindof amazing.
Great reaction. You're in for a ride.
We call him the RENassiance. Check out his street busking videos and his songs dedicated to his friend Joe (“suicide” & “How to be me” ; featuring Chinchilla). Ren misses his friend terribly but made a 21 thousand dollar donation to the search team that never recovered his body. You will find a common thread through most of his music; capitalism, suicide and his struggles and treatment for Lyme disease .
I have said this before, and you hit on it, this is a performative piece of art...you could literally see this as an installation at a gallery. Its the honesty of this performance that makes it unique...the subject matter (as he atests) is old hat, but his earnest approach is what wins me over...
This was a one take. Makes it that much more impressive.
Ren is a genius storyteller, a true artist. Thanks for covering. Please cover 'Chalk outlines' by Ren and Chinchilla.
This is the kind of artistry that gives "broken" people hope. Ren, through this performance piece, has become to a lot of people exactly what he stated in the song, "...the voice that you hear when you loosen the noose on the rope". So powerful, so impactful. The song structure itself is incredible. It starts off as a battle between his positive (Angel) and negative (Demon) aspects, the negative then makes an overpowering last ditch effort to reign supreme, tearing free and trying to take control, but ultimately fails as the final act, being the "God" aspect, emerges Triumphant, though still acknowledging and accepting that it will ALWAYS be a battle because we are all "a coin with 2 different sides". It's a beautifully cathartic and raw musical masterpiece. Ren is truly special. Welcome to the Ren rabbit-hole, it's a trip worth taking. This was the 4th take he did and yes, it was done live. Wait until you hear some of his other stuff, especially his storytelling ("The Tale of Jenny & Screech"). You haven't even touched the breadth of this young man's talent yet.
The pig character (imo) represents the doctors and therapist who have essentially butchered him for years through their misdiagnosis. It's the system that focuses on peddling more pills than on genuinely trying to help to fix broken/ill people, caring more about profit than individual health. The bastardization of the hippocratic oath. He literally thought he was going insane because he was told repeatedly that the pain and symptoms he was experiencing were all in his head (psychosomatic). He had reached a point where he literally resigned himself to dying before he reached 30. Turns out he had Lyme's disease the whole time and it ran rampant through his system for 10 years, even to the point of causing brain damage. Ironically, if Ren hadn't gone through what he has, would he have ever made the art he has? There's no question that his suffering has shaped his music and now he's finally getting the recognition he undoubtedly deserves. I've said it before, I'll say it again, Ren is special.
I highly recommend the LIVE version of the Tale of Jenny and Screech, it includes Violet's Tale. I believe it also teaches people how to channel emotion to use music as an outlet. Once you hear the this trilogy of tales, you will understand why people say his genre is Bardcore.
Ren is the Original "Bardcore Genre Bender" The Master Bard himself ( Shakespeare ) would have understood exactly where Ren was coming from. Ren isn't just a songwriter but rather a Performance Art Master who blends music and character acting from all the styles over the last 500 years and makes it modern and relatable to all generations even if normally you may not be a fan of whatever genre he is currently performing. While most good Performers can envoke some emotions in their audience, Ren is an Emotion Master who has control of all of them, From the Feel Good Vibes of Bongo Bong, to the Rebellion of Illist Of Our Time, to the Tragedy of Jenny and Screech, to the Mind Bending Rap Flow of Losing It, and the Internal Psych War of Hi Ren, Ren has it All! The Ren Rabbit Hole is Deep and Powerful! Get Ready for the Ride of your Life!
❤one thing to keep in mind that this is alive performance in one take!! No cuts,to stops, no nothing! hope you will enjoy Ren's music from here on, he is truly remarkable ❤
I think the audio is all one take but there are definitely some small cuts in the video - one example is the bit at "Just as sure as the night has dawn". Not to detract from how incredible this performance is - it's the best musical/theatrical performance I think I've ever seen
@@witterquickly right, it was indeed filmed with multiple cameras in different angles so yes, if you would break the technical part, yes there were "cuts" purely form an aesthetic view.
Yep. Hand-held shots are cut in as is the monologue.
I'm so excited for you that you're getting to discover Ren! It's a worthy rabbit hole that I hope you'll dive into. Ren is a prodigy. And also, somehow, an actual good human being!
Liked and sub'd! If you like this storytelling vibe, I recommend The Tale of Jenny and Screech (but do the full version that includes violet's tale) and For Joe. If you'd prefer singing, Chaulk Outlines and How to be Me are great. If you like hip hop, What You Want, Murderer and Love Music part 4 are good ones. There are also videos of him busking (street performing) and he was also in a band called the Big Push (Englishman in Newyork and Bongo Bong are great)
If you'd reviewed it back then, you'd have 50% more subs by now. Everyone love a Ren reaction. (by the way, it was recorded in one take).
More that some"one" is obsessed with Ren. 😂 Welcome to the Reniverse. 🎉
I totally understand wanting to just avoid it when someone spams for you to react to it. Unfortunately means you have been missing out for months in this case 😅 Luckily, better late than never. Welcome to the multitalented genius that is Ren. He does just about everything and he does all of it well. Prepare to keep getting your mind blown if you continue checking out his music.
I see that people have already suggested the usual songs. I will just add one of my two personal favourites: Crutch feat. Bibi. Having seen a few of your other reactions, I think it might be a good pick for you. But then there are no bad picks when it comes to Ren 😂 Hope to see you deep down the rabbit hole with the rest of us 🐰🕳️
Not sure if it's been explained already, but this video is a live one take. The one they posted was his 4th performance.
This is surely one of the most impressive live captures on the YooToobs tho, is it not?!
He recently turned 33. He spent a large chunk of his twenties bedridden, with years of misdiagnosed Lyme disease & ensuing prescription of psych meds because he was told for years that it was a psychological issue making him think he was in pain, rather than the very real pain he was suffering through. He's been in Calgary for months now getting specialist stem cell treatments & surgeries. He's on a strict paleo diet out of necessity as his immune system is shot. I wouldn't wish that level of clusterfcuk on anyone.... but good grief, he's a fearless artist now.
This year's project from him is the "Sick Boi" rap/HipHop album (dropping in a few weeks). Don't worry if you're not really into the rap thing.... he's already got most of next year's project together, & that's due to be more of a rock (probably with reggae/ska influences & some John Frusciante-esque leads) album! #AnnoyinglyTalented LOL I'll be buying "Sick Boi", & it'll be the first rap/HipHop I've spent money on in probably a couple of decades! I'm *very much* looking forward to next year's project from him tho. :)
“All i know is someone was obsessed with this”. Ohhai, I am! But this is the first I’ve seen of your channel so I didn’t spam you 🤣
You’ve got a sub and like from this Ren fan. Welcome to the rabbit hole fella x
Buckle up my brother, it's one hell of a ride down this rabbit hole....
Been obsessed with Ren since this came out, he's a genius without question. This is a one take live video. Enjoy the rabbit hole! 🖤
Also, check out his insanely talented Babb called The Big Push. Id suggest their cover of I Shot The Sheriff/ Road To Zion/Hip Hop. Specifically, the one with him in red suspenders. I'm subbing in hopes you'll check out more Ren.
You hit the nail on the head. He performed it live, one shot video(they got it right on the fourth try) . They captured it with cameras from different angles that's why it seems like there are cuts. I think he said in an interview the only cut was before the spoken word part.
Another song, Money Game part 1 is also a love performance, which took them round about 186 takes to get the one shot performance right😅(or so he said in an interview with Black Pegasus)
That was Part I. Part 2 was a lyric video.
@@jasonremy1627 oh damn you are right 🤣. Thanks for correcting me bro 😊😁
I've seen this a few times and knew that the guitar line was purposely imperfect, but I never saw his mic and lead; this is a live, bonkers performance.
Ren is therapy for so many from one song he helps so many people open up in ways therapists struggle to do in person.
First time i watched Hi Ren i had a panic attack but thought i needed to watch it again so i watched someone reacting to it
that was the best thing i could do i have watched many times since. One thing i think about this song is it needs to be seen
by every one even in schools after a certain age, because how many children kill themselves because of the negativity
towards them from nasty comments and bullying to them believing what is said. I went through hell, bullied all through
school to the point i attempted suicide twice, and to many issues in my life since then I am a recovering alcoholic 11 years
clean I suffer PTSD and other health issues so the majority of bad days over good is high, if this bullying had been dealt
with i may have had a reasonable life not the existence i have to deal with now
Well at least you found Ren in the end 😂😊❤
great reaction, I too am a Ren fanatic, not just a mere fan, I'm just an old chubby fart, but i love music in any form, and ren covers it all. God bless and keep him with us for many years to come, thank you for your reaction, ya got my sub
Welcome to the Ren era of music. I absolutely guarantee that you are going to spending weeks down that rabbit hole. He is a singular artist and yes, his fans are dedicated and call themselves RENegades.
Yes. thiis was recorded live in one take
Every song he puts out is a gem, keep going dude.
You had me at "5th Element. The stones are inside the blue chick." 😂 Stopped the video subscribed and liked. Now back to our regularly scheduled programming.
Direct quote from Sinead O'conner a few weeks before she passed away....."Every song or artist in history even Willie Dixon, Chuck Berry, The Beatles, NWA, Ice Cube and even Bob Dylan, is officially relegated to class B". And it goes on such high praise about Ren and his talent so "obsession" just can't be enough for the Ren-aissance and we followers.
And you’re probably thinking this has to be a one off ‘hit’ right? And the next track couldn’t be better than this one? Yeah I thought the same, until I listened to The Tale of Jenny and Screech (the full trilogy version - 13 minutes and some change). It’ll blow your socks off. That guy spamming you in Twitch was trying to get your attention, so don’t miss out on this one! 🔥😀👍
New Ren song, "Masochist", being released on Thursday, 7pm UK.
Welcome to the RENaissance! Yes! Live and performed in one take (the 4th time was the charm), tho the monologue was from a different take. Ren is absolutely brilliant. He's famous for his one take videos, tho not all necessarily live performances. Check out his Tale of Jenny & Screech (Official Music Video) which are three separate short songs, but all also recorded LIVE and in ONE TAKE. Also his duets with Chinchilla are absolute perfection (How to Be Me - LIVE and Chalk Outlines LIVE).
I'm grateful that you put it off. I love to keeping watching new reactions to it.
Ren is now 33yrs old.
Some"one" was obsessed with it. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 Understatement of the year!!
Great reaction! I just found you because of this reaction. Next you should check out Jenny & Screech's Tale -- there is one video with all 3 parts (react to them all together). They are also all live one-takes and really showcase his storytelling ability.
Truly enjoyed watching you experience this astounding piece of art! Haven’t come across your channel before, likely because I tend to stick to Ren reactions. I’ve subbed and hope to see you react to the wild, wild world of Ren music.
Think you are ready for “the tale of Jenny and screech (full version ) you won’t be disappointed.
He performed this live in a theater in december...check it out. Watch the live live performance before the song was released on youtube... it is on his youtube videos. This official video was done after several takes which he was able to take the best one.
He has been through alot..only 33 years old... he has been performing 10-15 years for people
I am scrolling through these comments whole heartedly agreeing with every single one! Such profound and powerful words to be said about 1 single man. 1000% deserved ❤❤❤ I don’t think there is even exists 1 single word to describe Mr. Ren Gill. 👑🇬🇧🤴
Welcome finally to the ren train he is a phenominal bard /storyteller and is currently has a rolling release of his hip hop album . he brings his wide musical experience to his lyric's and doesn't shy away from challenging topics including suicide and other mental health.
The best talent, gifted, genius, humility, honesty& beauty out there just now is REN. I adore him& I pray for him everyday that his health greatly improves.He is helping g so many people. Love you man ❤🙏
So happy you decided to listen to Ren. Is is an amazing person. You should dive more into his music.
Hello fellow RENagades 👋 Y'all know what to do! 🥰🙏🏽❤️
RENs fans/community love, cherish and we appreciate his capacity to contribute and continue as an independent.
It really was too obvious, whatever did you mean? Do you think you may have been prejudging…
Won’t work out well with Ren as he is a diverse artist as ever you could find. He is the artist of our time.
🎈🎈🎈
Your pure virgin watch of this reaction got me subbed. You understood it from the start and there is so much more to learn but you got it. Thank you dude!
It’s true to the music cause it’s a live performance man. Audio and video captured at the same time. Amazing
This was one take live. Most of his songs and videos are. Go deep into his catalog. Every genre you can think of, he will give you a new favorite song in. Bet.
#Ren is one of a kind! ❤
Very special talented soul 💗
This song introduced me to Ren and now I'm obsessed with his music! :D
Welcome to ren! Would love to see you react to more of his songs, hes fantastic 💜💜
Please do Ren's trilogy: Tale of Jenny, Screech and Violet🙏
6 days ago I saw or heard of Ren. RUclips Hi Ren 1st song and I'm blown away I haven't been this hooked on artist in over 2 decades . This music is ART
Welcome to the Ren journey
If you love his live ”one take” story-telling performances you should check out ”Tale of Jenny and Screech (Full)” next. It’s even better that this.
Its live, thats how its so close to the vocal
Insanely talented.
His music has impacted my life deeply.
He performs it so well because it is a LIVE performance!!
We’re not discovering this together, where watching you discovering it now because of some preconceived bias. I’m glad you came around.
And this is a live done in one take video. Makes it even more wonderful
Ren is insanely talented. He can literally do it all. Rap, sing, beatbox, his own beats, Bardcore. Here’s a list of some to check out.
Rap type
The hunger
Illest of our time
Power
Losing it
Genesis (also the acoustic one)
Sick boi
Animal flow (also the acoustic)
What you want (beastie boys homage)
Bardcore
The tale of Jenny and screech (full)
Hi Ren
MoneyGame part 1
MoneyGame part 2
Singing ones
Chalk outlines (live)
How to be me (live)
Humble
Ocean
Fire
Funny
1990s (watch the video one)
Love music
Love music part 2
Love music part 3
Love music part 4
Down on the beat
Dear God
Loads of busking ones with his band The Big Push, ones with Sam Tompkins and Chinchilla.
The big push - I shot the sheriff/road to Zion/hiphop
TBP - war pigs
TBP - sweet little lady
TBP - bongo bong
Ren & Sam - earned it/mans world/falling
R&S - blind eyed live (also angry carpark version is funny)
R&S - walking on the moon/no diggity
Ren & chinchilla - one dance/drunk in love
R&C - sexual healing
Sad
Su!cide
For Joe
Brilliant rabbit hole to go down 🖤
Oh.. and this is only the beginning.. there is so much more.. like Penitence, Hold On, Ready for you, Crutch, Fire, Freckled Angels… and so so much more
I have not heard a bad song yet.. and they are all different.. you really never know what you are going to get…
@@GoodGirlGone definitely! I just typed up a few of the main ones to give him an idea of different styles but the ones you suggested are brilliant too! He literally doesn’t have a bad one does he! 🖤
@@TobiiRheaStarr I know.. i did that a few times.. and every time I type one song, another great song pops into my head.. so I stopped doing it.. as I will end up just typing out his whole discography 🤣🤣🤣
@@GoodGirlGone haha I know that feeling. I had typed it for a mate, then went to send to another mate and added more on. Iv just saved it in notes now to paste 🤣🖤
Great reaction, thismis a 100% 1 take live performance, took them 4 attempts to nail it! He wrote it, performed it live, produced it and directed the video on this track
' THE TALE OF JEENY AND SCREECH', TRILOGY. MORE LIVE ONE TAKE MASTERY:)
Enjoy the ride! Be sure and check out his work with the band The Big Push, too.