The saddest thing about this video is that it is actually pretty reasonable to say that being overloaded with videos on certain topics could be damaging, but the way they've framed it is idiotic. They chosen the worst possible clips they could have to back up their argument, totally taken out of context, and theres even a segment wheres she's reading out comments saying 'i can relate to this' as if its a bad thing. If there are young teens relating to these videos, its because they are genuinely relating to it, not because they are mindless impressionable drones that agree with the first thing they see. It shouldn't be a case of then going 'Right! we need to censor the video so that no one can relate to it!' How about instead you ask WHY are teens relating to these videos. I'll take a stab in the dark: Everything is hyper polarised, algorhythms are mining for attention so they want people to argue, division is good for engagement, but terrible for our minds. The news knows the more evocative they are the more people watch, so they over sensationalise to evoke strong emotions to keep them watching, some of the strongest emotions are anger and fear, the byproduct of which makes people insecure and angry. We idolise airbrushed prophets who give teens unrealistic beauty standards. We've all become performers, social media means we're more hyper aware than ever. We feel ugly without filters, and we're so hyper aware and used to being judged on everything we do. Politics has become less about the collective comunal good and more a like a popularity contest or TV drama that you follow. Were so hyperpolerised between the left and right that we sometimes forget what were even arguing about and end up just fighting because 'I'm from team A and your from team B.' We've forgotten democracy should be about whats good for the collective progress of humanity. It stopped being about that, its started being about who's right and who's wrong. Who's right and who's wrong doesn't matter as much as finding ways to co-exist, survive, and thrive despite our differences. The food we consume is becoming devoid of nutrients that feed healthy minds. We are becoming stationary. We're more focused on the self than strengthening our communities because our culture glamourises the pursuit of material gain, me first, then you. It's ironic because if you ask most people about their happiest memories I bet its as simple as being around the people they love. The list goes on, but as creatures of independent thought, there is always the option to change
Thank you for putting all of these important thoughts into such powerful words! Independent thought is our biggest strength and is being eroded, with the goal of being eradicated altogether.
“You’re trying to bubble wrap all the people who have never experienced trauma, to the detriment of people who have.” Never has this been more perfectly stated. ♥️
Ren, as a father of a teen suicide survivor. She struggles severe depression and voices hallucinations and is such a success story. Now she is a voice to ether yoith with sucide awareness. Even though she still struggles with mental health. I applaud you for you using your talent to voice your experiences. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Breath of fresh air. I can't even explain how meaningful your song is to us. Your song is amazing, a true gift that someone could so beautifully express this struggle. Tears and gratitude....you are beautiful Ren
Don’t stop doing what you’re doing Ren . As a 51 year old man who also battles , your music offers incredible solace . I’m not sure how to explain it but there is some sort of phenomenon occurring and it’s evident with the amount of people who have been saying the same. We are drawn to your words, your performance , your art. I cannot stop listening and I can bet it’s the same for millions of people. Just watch the reaction videos. Unreal. Cudos brother and cheers from the west coast 🇨🇦
Brilliant. I’m a lawyer in America. I represent abused and neglect children who are severely traumatized. I suggest your music to many of my clients who are of appropriate age. Your lyrics have helped me with my own struggles. So, I know I can trust you with my clients. Thank you for sharing your art with the world.
I run a center for young people who have been utterly crushed by convention and this bewildering world and I too have introduced some of them to Ren's music as a thread to hold onto, finding that different songs are of value to different young people, rather like prescribing a specific medicine for a specific condition.
As a child who was severely abandoned, neglected, and abused by my parents, and eventually ended up in the foster care system, I just want to say thank you so much for the work that you are doing. When you are a child, you don't have the words to express your emotional truth, you don't know how to say, "Thank you so much for saving me. Thank you so much for standing up for me. Thank you so much for trying to create a safe space for me because I am dying inside." But those who step in and rescue us and give us a new place to start from are forever with us in our hearts and minds and true heroes. Thank you!
I have to comment 1 more time. I shared your "Hi Ren" video with my mom, who suffered a stroke a few years ago, and hasn't felt like anyone has understood what she deals with emotionally until she watched your video. She had a cathartic cry & felt for the first time like she wasn't alone. Don't stop, Ren! You're a healer.
I’m a licensed professional counselor in America and I’ve shared your music with multiple clients. Keep spreading love and shining light into dark places.
REN oh REN only found you a week ago and I am absolutely obsessed with your music and seriously a modern day Shakespeare. I am a fellow Brit and have now shared your music to my husband and 3 teenagers and you young man have blown us away!!🙏🙏🇬🇧 please know that the UK has got your back.AMERCA has embraced you.Get well soon REN 🙏💙💙💙
I appreciate your eloquence in pointing out the ridiculous way media twists things for their own purposes! As a huge fan and a psychologist, I would be happy to support you, your music, and this whole issue in any way I can!
And I "force" this! (wordplay, got it?) :) It's so damn important to create awareness and spread knowledge as well as experiences about mental health issues and physical consequential damage, instead of "fake news" (=LIES!) by ripping something completely out of context! I had them disgusting, nerve-wrecking, restless, unsettling paranoid delusions and I'm still suffering through mental health issues with physical consequential damages it caused... @Ren I love your point of view - you're not only diving to the deep, you're even looking into dephts (like through the surface, right until the ground)!
That song, and a therapist who felt inspired to react to your music, pulled me out of a months-long suicidal depression cycle, saving my life. Your voice played over the top of my own negative spiral, allowing me to see it for the bullshit it was. Stopped it cold and it hasn't returned. I'm not cured of depression and anxiety but I'm ok to exist and that's a huge difference that you've made in one 48-year old lady in America's life.
@Daria Grimaldi 'keep dancing' refers to a comment that Ren made in his Hi Ren song about depression being like a pendulum swinging from the darkness to the light like an eternal dance... Ink Panther might be from the US, I don't know, but that comment tells you nothing about their nationality.
I'm a 36 year old single dad. I was raised listening to meatloaf, Alabama, Alan Jackson, Tom Petty and so on.... I've never been drawn to r&b, rap, or pop and refused to listen. I'm as country as they come. I've written notebooks full of poems, short stories, songs, and even thoughts. The right words can destroy a nation, or conquer a dream. My friend, as so many others have said, I've never encountered music like yours, and it's refreshing to have someone as humble, and appreciative as you to keep me going another day. "Freckled angels" is my go to song when i feel like giving up. This video captures the trait that won me as a fan. That being your amazing energy! Ren, thank you for doing what your doing. Thank you for helping me save myself as often as you have.
You are,a,brilliant artist. I love your talent, and I'm 57. CNN, this guy has done more good for younger people with mental health problems than your so-called politicians....
Ren, I'm an English teacher here in the UK and I'm actively sharing your work with my sixth formers! The poetry of your lyrics is contemporary and inspiring, and encourages all of us to trust each other and be more emotionally vulnerable. Never mind this bullshit, because the young people of today are going to be so much better off with artists like you giving voice to feelings that many us of will have had - *especially* in such turbulent periods of our lives such as being a teenager.
100% ..... as a parent I can see that, and I also feel that introducing REAL voice and REAL honest outlooks on life is going to guide our children better than any mainstream news outlet who have their own agenda . I wonder if Ren had any real thoughts about what he was introducing to the world before all of this ? Prob not :) ...God, I love this guy.
As a retired psychologist / psychotherapist, I can say that that video of yours has made, makes and will make a WAAAAAAAY bigger service to people with difficulties, and not only of that exact kind, than ANY TV program ever made. People should be taught about these "communications techniques" that CNN and pretty much EVERY other TV channel uses in order to manipulate their base of viewers. "Hi Ren" is so profound that, I believe, scares the hell out of them. And it's so fucking relatable, by ANYONE, because all and every of us has inner conflicts, and, although at different levels, that kind of inner dialogue. I personally thank you for that video and the message it carries ❤. It helped so many people already just among my friends and acquaintances.
Hey! I'm an IT and 56 years old. All my (adult) life, I have been online: from minitel, IRC and forums, to MySpace, Twitter or Discord. And I have never seen all the bad things "journalists" are displaying on TV and in the press... because I've never searched for them. For me, the Internet has always been just a communication tool that is only worth what you (me, people) put in it. And when people like you put up some great culture, knowledge or wisdom in it, I will commend that every time. So, keep up the creation, please. You know you're doing good. Because art is meant to make people feel, think and talk... and you are very efficient at that. With plenty of Love & Respect!
Oh CNN, tell me you haven't actually watched the video without telling me. They could've be more wrong. Your music and your willingness to share your vulnerability is so helpful to others. ❤❤
Poet, rapper, storyteller, devastatingly good musician, actor and media analyser, is there anything this man can’t do? Listen to Ren, he knows what’s what.
I'm 52 and literally discovered your music today. I find your songs to have powerful messages about subjects that people are afraid to talk about. Things like mental health and abuse were never talked about when I was growing up. If they were it was usually in hushed tones. In my opinion if ' Hi Ren ' cane give someone the courage to see tomorrow then it should be on every FYP on every social media platform. Please keep writing your music, today's world needs it.
This breaks my heart that someone twice as old as me finally heard this from another human being through song for them to finally feel heard. I’m sorry for all the pain the past out you through man. J hope you get healed 100%. God has always had my back, and if you trust Him, He’ll always have yours…even in times where you don’t trust Him
Thank you Ren. RU-vid flagged this video for being about suicide as well. As someone who has survived a suicide attempt and still struggles every day to keep moving forward it drives me nuts that people still confuse cause and affect. People don’t become depressed because they listen to the wrong music or read the wrong posts, they listen to that music and read those posts because they are depressed and are looking for a connection with anybody. It is quite therapeutic to see how well others relate to you when you feel like you are the only one who has ever felt this way. It is soothing to hear someone else talk about things like they are in your head. I love your music Ren. Keep up the great work.
I don't think you would want to know what changed me years ago from wanting to commit suicide. I disagree strongly that music does not play a role in making one depressed or reading the wrong posts [to state this is inexperience of the condition of mankind].
i agree - and i wish you well. stay connected , that's the hardest but i know it's the key. And i agree with flagging the video for those who are not sure they can cope; but i can tell you it's not a trigger - and i have a condition that can be easily triggered . Ren's honesty and compassion is well needed in this world
@@RemnantDiscipleLazzaro-Rev1217 Music does not play a role in making one depressed. Reading "the wrong posts" also does not do this. Those things can make you SAD but that is not the same thing. They can also trigger or heighten a depressive episode but you already HAVE depression in that case.
@@RemnantDiscipleLazzaro-Rev1217 It's the other way around. You listen to that music BECAUSE it resonates with your emotional and mental state. Not viceversa. If it doesn't resonate with you, you listen to it once and forget about it... Unless you're FORCED to listen to that all the time. 🙄
God forbid someone feeling depressed might find someone that they can relate to that is doing something creative with that energy. This is like being worried about our kids catching on fire, and then depriving them of oxygen, because fire can’t burn without oxygen. Ren, you and your music is an invaluable gift. So grateful for you and the real impact and contributions you’ve made in my life and everyone else’s. Thank you.
I work in a suicide prevention program as a peer worker, a person with lived experience of suicidality. It's the whole reason I'm employed - because I have this experience; because I can offer people the space to talk about their experiences without freaking out. It is exactly what the people I work with say is the most profound aspect of the program; the rational approach to discussion about something very real. No bullshit, no hype, no panic. Just support, relatability and a glimmer of hope. To see that reflected in a song was a moment of pure joy for me. After I pulled my jaw off the ground from the shock of the artistic creativity and brilliance, man I was jumping about my house like Tom Cruise on Oprah's couch. The world needs to talk about this. I am in Australia and the statistics show in this country we only get 20% of people suffering suicidality coming into services for support, whatever that support might be. Only fucking 20%!!! 80% percent of people going through this shit are doing it alone. 😒 I did and it fucked me over for years- decades of my life. I do what I do in the hopes I can help someone the way I wish I could have been helped. My hope is that the truth that shines through Rens art continues to serve as a beacon and an opportunity for connection. If even just one person suffering finds relief from the isolation and pain it has done something extraordinary.
Thank you Lois Lane for using a painful part of your life to help others! We need more people like you and Ren that are willing to not only share their stories but to listen to others that want to share their stories. To know that they are not alone and there is hope.
As a 50 year old living on anti depressants I found this song a ray of light.. I find it hard to talk about my mental state to people close to me but this song makes me feel like i'm not alone. I have shown this video to so many people and they have all resonated to the positive message of this song. Your message Ren is so much more important than any news network who are just there for clicks, views and money. Keep doing what you're doing. You rock.
This is a great example of why not to go mainstream. They will place you in a lane that they see fit for your style of music and then tell you to stay there. Don't voice your opinions or sing what you want. You just cooperate and they'll take care of the rest. Ren, stay true to who you are because that's why we love you. You're a breath of fresh air in a stale environment. We need your wisdom, your approach and your execution of delivery. Don't let them quiet you or change you. You are what the world needs right now!
Congratulations Ren. The music you make makes a much bigger difference than any of us realize. The world has huge problems and its need more people like you who are willing to speak up about ir.
Ren, I have been in a lot of bad places mentally and physically in the past. Seeing your Hi Ren song completely reinforced all of the positive progress I have made through the years (with a lot of help from others). What you do is a CELEBRATION of healing, not a script for self abuse. To me, Hi Ren is a victory march more than anything else, but with humility and gratitude. You are changing lives. For the better. Thank you so much. Stay awesome!
Just one more reason not to watch CNN. If they had actually watched your entire video they may have reported it totally different. Your videos are a resource for people who don’t normally want to tell others they may be depressed or hurting. Thank you Ren for bringing the issue out of the shadows for so many. ❤❤❤
@@jinno4594 Exactly. They had to get at least as far into the song as that part to hear the line so they could take it out of context! They wouldn't have changed their agenda.
@@robertovelez9122 CNN and Fox do the exact same thing. They tell their audience what they want to hear. They both take things out of context to tell their stories.
Ren. Because of you I am sober and off medication and trying to change my life because you made me feel normal for the first time in my life. Hi Ren and Sick Boi are so powerful and genius... So is the rest of your work. This is not a joke. You helped save me. Thank you
2:05 I don't think I've ever heard Ren speak with an American accent. Loved the announcer voice (in our accent over here on this side of the Atlantic). Was fun to hear. 🙂 Also, Ren, as someone who has experienced suicidal thoughts at varying points in life, and also experienced in my head (almost verbatim) what you've done with the demon talking to the angel "You're lucky to have me" "Fine, I'll kill you then", I've cried a little almost every time I've watched Hi Ren. In a good way. The explanation of what we are. It's a reminder of the many times I've done the same for myself - reminded myself of the beauty of our very existence, and the difficult path it's taken to get there many times. It's also a reminder of the ways and times I've tried to kill the evil, only to experience it grow stronger. "Newwwws Flash! I've been here since the beginning of time." You can't kill evil by fighting it. And the moment you stand up. "I go by many names also. Hope" being one of them. It's such a beautiful and potent reminder that by accepting our humanness, rather than trying to fight the demons or become the angels, we truly embrace the miracle of what we are. Thank you Ren. Thank you for putting this message so beautifully into the world. And, there's no such thing as bad publicity, right?
The more I see , the more I’m impressed with this man’s grasp on life in general. He might be more sane and together than most of the people who share their experiences with people that I’ve seen in a long time. I’d be honored and lucky to actually know him personally. I think he would be a positive presence and be someone that could enrich my life. He’s definitely made an impression from afar.
Ren, when I showed Hi Ren to my best friend, she started crying and said, "Who are these angels that just appear when I need them?" You helped her to feel less alone. Amazing that anyone could take that so out of context that they somehow interpret it as a bad thing! You're amazing, and this is maddening.
Thankfully no one watches CNN any more. This video will probably garner more views than then a CNN bullshit 'news' story. They are almost completely irrelevant these days.
Im just gonna drop "the media and their friends want you to feel alone so you are easier to control and anyone who actually helps and heals is a threat to the system" and say wow what controversial sentence I wrote for entertainment purposes!
I’m a 62 year old mum and grandma and I encourage my older teen grandkids as well as the adults in my life, to watch the Hi Ren video. I found it so powerful and full of hope. When we don’t talk about our struggles and hide or cover up our darker critical thoughts it only makes people (kids especially) think they are the only ones who feel this way. They think there’s something wrong with them and they are too ashamed to talk about it. This video exposes those inner voices but it also gives weight to the voice that counters it and, it presents the hope that makes sense of it and allows us to endure and make peace with ourselves. Without the exposure of the very real and very normal pain and doubt the standing up declaring the eternal hope available even within the chaos and the struggle looses its power. I can’t speak for all parents or grandparents but as for this one I say, Ren, bless you for being real and honest and expressing it in such a beautiful and creative way. We need more of this!
Im (right old wanker) and Hi Ren spoke to me. It cut through all the noise and I felt naked and completely exposed but in such a good way bc you revealed the truth of yourself. Chicken Noodle News are complete idiots if they cant see that. Its like you said , a river . Msm focuses on a narrative with a beginning and an end . That there isnt how we are . There is no beginning or end , to search for them brings confusion and dissatisfaction. Bless B
Sir, thank you for sharing "hi Ren" with the world. Anyone who listens to the entire song, will listen again to see what they missed. It truly is an amazing work. As for CNN, they haven't put out real news in decades. I hope all's as well as can be expected, have a blessed beautiful day.
I am 65, my Grandson is 13. I sat down with him and we watched then talked about your song. You have reached so many. Your song is not about giving up. Its about fighting that part of you that wants you to fail. That they want to bad mouth you work shows that you are doing good.
I’m a 61 yr old American Female, I find you to be brilliant! Your inner dialogue is quite genius! It provides you with balance and perspective. Very wise to distinguish the inner egos with reality. Many can not see their own lives outside of themselves, you have yours all aligned, not an easy task. Your inner and outer egos are well on their way to perfection! Thank you for sharing your struggles in such a way that if we pay attention, we might just find our own understanding of ourselves. ✨💖✨
I am 60, father of two great boys, married for 33 years, 40 years together with my wife. And a survivor since 2016. Your music is a key, that opened a door for me. "Hi Ren" was my start to explore the rabbit hole. Since 2 months i hear your music and watch videos and reactions to these. Since my mother died in 2016 my life changed, and afterwards i couldn't work anymore. So i retired. I have so much issues, and lied to myself to have overcome the depressions and fear. I have buried it under skills learned in many sessions of analysis . What i want to say, ist that i am angry about this CNN report. To tell, your videos are guiding youth to suicide ist ridicioulus. I am thankful for your thoughts and great presentation. Continue your great Work!
the harder people to try to cancel music the worst it turns out for them. I lived through the pathetic attempts of people in the early 60's trying to block the rise of evil rock and roll. In case you missed it, it didn't work. Rock and Roll won and the world didn't end. I am 67 years old and absolutely love Ren. His topics and his use of acoustics is beyond compare. His statement about that "it wasn't a battle of good vs bad but rather a pendulum swinging back and forth" is monumental. I can't even count the number of people I have turned on to Ren. Big thanks to Ren.
Your music has helped me through a really bad year. I am so happy. I found your music one day when I was just looking for something to uplift me. I love you Ren. Thank you for expressing yourself and sharing it with all of us.
Ren, you're a top top bloke. You have touched so many people with your songs. You are shining a light on mental and physical illness and you are giving a voice to sufferers of those. You are inspiring mental health professionals to take different approaches. You are inspiring musicians to create, and to challenge themselves to think "out of the box". You are having an incredible positive impact on so many people - ignore the noise and keep doing what you are doing.
Hi Ren (pun not intended 😊). Greetings from South Africa. I'm 52, a sober alcoholic, diagnosed as being bipolar, ADHD and OCD. Have 2 suicide attempts to show for it. Discovering your music changed me much much more than any of the hundreds of different medications I've taken in my lifetime. THANK YOU!!! I also have so much respect for you as an artist. You're like a modern day Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Eminem and Karl Jung all rolled into one. What makes me like you even more, is how down to earth you are, and how you always personally comment on almost all reaction channels when they react to your music. Please don't ever change. And lastly, your pinned comment is the most accurate description I've seen about modern day life, society and politics. I agree with every single word and it echoes exactly how I feel about everything too.
Totally agree, Ren nailed it in the pinned comment. He knows how to merge words to create meaningful sentences. Also, happy for you and hope you'll never go back to where you came from ❤
You're changing lives Ren, you are the greatest thing I've heard in 20+ years.. Keep it up I share your post of all your songs as often as i can to spread the word of your genius..
Well said Ren. I just found you by accident when I clicked on a link about veterans mental health first aid and your video was next in the que and now I’m hooked after Hi REN, and this very intelligent video. I’m sharing you with my grandkids, with the gratitude that you open the floor to conversation. Thank you Ren.🧘♀️🌹
Ren, Your message is inspiring. I am a Veteran that struggles with Mental Health issues and I have a Son and Daughter that also have struggles of their own. I shared your video with them because I feel your message was incredible and the way you have shined a light on a very serious struggle the way you have is extremely impressive! You are an extremely talented young Man and I hope you continue to share your story and your music no matter what ignorant corporations claim to say about you. Those of us that understand the struggle are Grateful for an Artist like yourself. Keep up the Great work!
I've noticed a lot of green bloods here, I'm glad I'm not alone vet here.. fanning like a teen for REN! (Ren music gives me a bolt of energy and hunger and that keeps my mind busy so it doesn't go off on it own) sometimes I wish I was back. Civi life freaks me out way too much!
Ren, I recently introduced a friend to "Hi Ren". He is a secondary school teacher in Devon and I saw him again this evening when he thanked me for showing him your incredible work. He told me he has been using it in class to broach the subject of mental health with his students. Please keep doing what you do.
Hi Ren! I can't express how grateful I am for "Hi Ren", "Sick Boy", "Chalk Outlines" and "How to be me". These have been in my ears for weeks and I spent the first few days tearing up every time I heard them! They really helped me through a rough patch and I am better because of them. What you are doing is truly honest and precious art and I wish you the best and hope to hear more from you when you are ready! Thank you, may you be well, and may you stay high, high above the busy stumbling of mediocre minds!
Love your work, Ren. I'm a former newspaper editor and this kind of sensationalist reporting hits on two tropes that drive me absolutely insane. The first is the internet is terribly dangerous place (as were comic books, rap, radio, television, jazz music and all sorts of other new things right down the centuries). This trope about new things destroying young minds goes back literally for thousands of years. The other cracker is the younger generation are not as smart, tough and loyal as the older generation and are slackers etc. Yup! That one has also being doing the rounds even as far back as Aristotle. All it shows is that the writers are too old, the staff is not diverse enough to include young people and it is a simple way to whip up nods from the older folks (waves at baby boomers - yep I'm one or I'm a Gen-X or whatever bullshit definition they come up to put a new generation under) in an effort to enlarge the audience. I despise younger generation bashing and the assumption that everyone born at a certain time is the same. Those who produce crap like that need to turn the microscope back on themselves and decide whether they need to go and relearn the idea of critical thinking. Anyway, off my soapbox now. Keep doing what you are doing. Absolutely, love your thoughts and music. Looking forward to you becoming a megastar that never forgets their roots. Go you good thing, Ren.
"HI Ren" is the most brilliant work I've seen in decades. I'm 58 and have see a lot of performers in my lifetime, but very few could even begin to convey such a message. It's not surprising to me AT ALL that CNN would get it wrong. Looking forward to seeing more of your work. Don't let them corrupt you !
VERY wise words, as always Ren x The ability for media like CNN to report on topics that they clearly don’t understand is actually scary. Half arsed reporting is more dangerous than the subjects they are claiming to care about.
Congratulations Ren, you ruffled the feathers of the bad, negative media! They’re threatened by you, your talent and your truth. Keep sharing your gift because you’re a much needed, refreshing artist! ✌️❤️
Sir, you do you! To hell with anyone else. If it makes you work through things and feel better and get better then that’s all that matters. You have given me, 52 y/o country boy, how to explain some things that go through my head. Thank you sir. Hope If your ever in north Mississippi give a shout we will have a drink and some good bbq. Have a blessed life and continue on this journey sir!
I love it Ren!!! I'm 47 and I discovered your music a few months ago. You're inspiring, you're one of the most talented people on this planet. CNN could have used a clip at the end of your "HI Ren" video but that wouldn't fit their false narrative.
Brilliant response 🥰 We’ve come a long way towards reducing the stigma of talking about mental health issues, but clearly more work and awareness is needed. That’s why “Hi Ren” is so powerful. And whenever I share it, I make sure to tell them to watch all the way to the end. Your closing monologue is incredible… everyone should hear it! PS - nice American accent as you played the part of CNN 😼
Hi Ren, I just wanted to apologize for how my country's media has decided to portray "hi ren". Honestly they will throw anyone under the bus if it means they get viewers. Its such an awful way to treat a piece of art that has such a beautiful message. I found your music a couple weeks ago and I was just blindsided at how much I resonated with your message. After suffering from alot of depression and anxiety I left music (I had been performing professionally for 8 yrs) because I had no energy left to create anymore. But after listening to the way you write, rap, and sing im finding myself inspired again. I have even started playing music again if only for myself at this moment. So thank you. And fuck CNN 😂
Your country is captured friend. Everything in your society is designed to hurt you and your children. Education, leadership positions, justice system, media, food and water. Sort of see you like technocratic communists now.
They're manufacturing consent to pass the restrict act which is an incredibly over broad bill that will strip our rights online. It is Patriot Act 2.0 but for the internet.
The problem is CNN wants ppl divided along with gov. As long as the sheep fight and blame each other they win. REN'S music brings people together and shows that everyone regardless of your beliefs suffer, and hope is very dangerous
When Ren talks it sounds like he’s reading poetry. The way it flows and the language that he uses sound like poetry verse and I think it shows how incredible of an artist he is
Hi, I'm 44 and music like yours has helped me (and still does) staying alive and on my two feet, after I burned out and lost everything, after years of struggling to keep my job, finish my studies, all while dealing with health issues, both physical and mental. CNN is far from being a bastion of journalism but this is getting really down to a very low level of sensationalistic gratuitism.
So proud of you Ren. For always speaking the truth and being an independent and sane voice for the rest of us. Also, I received a viewer discretion advised warning before watching this video. WTF? What is our world coming to? I tweeted at the reporter and now I am going to Tweet at CNN, the company. This makes me so mad. I hope we all do.
Yea I got that viewer discretion thing too. And a number to ring the Samaritans. This nonsense will only serve to get Hi Ren more views. Tell people not to do or watch something. It a sure way to get more people to watch it.😄
Got the warning too. Yes, we're talking truth about mental health and unfortunately that includes opening up about suicide. I said it before, the pain mental/physical is temporary but suicide is forever. I'd sooner hug a crying friend than attend another funeral. Sad they have to warn about content because someone is too sensitive. How dare we talk about suicide. It's 2023 we need to start dialogue somewhere. If they don't want to be part of the conversation then hit cancel and walk away. If you hit the other, open your mind. Don't put us in bad light cause you don't know us, but you can.❤❤❤❤
@@bonitalloyd822 The too sensitive ones.. should not be allowed to flag videos, just because they are too sensitive and lack of experience in life. True, if they don't like it.. move on.
👏 your so so right Ren, cnn must have no news to report on, the more people talk and if they say it in their music is surely a good thing for the world.
Could not have said it better myself. It looks like they have not only search words without context, but have shown one of the greatest problems in society…complete misunderstanding of suicide and mental I’ll health. Shame on all involved. Congratulations REN. You are what the world desperately needs right now. I think this story proves this unequivocally. Great love to you and blessings ❤
❤ Thank you, Ren 💙 You hit the nail on the head. That CNN report has zero valuable content. I appreciate you have the platform to speak up, and do so, with integrity, kindness and honesty
Previous addiction clinician/crisis worker: Keep it up, Ren. You're helping a lot of us folks. Hope your backpack of trauma is light as of late - you help lighten the load for the rest of us.
You're a fucking legend Ren. I've just had a 12 week ordeal of fighting auto-immunity - HLH. I discovered your talent literally about 2 weeks before it all started. You're an inspiration to me, you cannot believe how much your music carried me through it all. Keep calling out the bullshit man, the world needs it.
I laughed at your American accent - it wasn't bad! I just found you. i have lymes disease also and was diagnosed as "just being depressed" for 3 years before they found it. I deeply relate to you and the co morbid mental health issues we developed as a result of being chronically ill and gaslit by the medical community. I was about to end it after 3 years; i am astonished you made it through 8! I find so much comfort in your videos. Amazing talent with a higher purpose. Don't ever stop what you're doing. Much love from Chicago
"Gaslit" Well, you can add paranoia and a persecution complex to the things you have... You weren't gaslit. They just got it wrong...Until they didn't, which would never have happened if they were indeed gaslighting you.
@@grabble7605 it is gaslighting when they ignore your symptons to shoehorn them into their diagnosis and their sheer lvl of confidence on thier misdiagnosis and refusal to see other options past thier initial desicion it is gaslighting ..most of these diagnosis come after the patient seeks answers from other doctors not the dobtore seeking answers because they are 1000% convinced that they know whats up even tho their treatment s are not working ... gaslighting
@@grabble7605 A little grace, tact, and sensitivity could be good for you. You denigrate this person and insult them. You could have just clarified the distinction between genuine 'gaslighting' and what might look like it but is simply the result of trial-and-error (with lots of error in this case). Soften, be kind. Love your fellow human being. May your days be brighter.
@@grabble7605 why are you here? I was told there's "nothing wrong with me" on multiple occasions for a good 8 years straight (whilst feeling like I was dying 24/7 and experiencing excruciating pain). There are seriously so many people neglected by the medical industry, and you're lucky to know nothing about that. But there's no need to shit on perspectives that you might not relate to
CNN seems to be suggesting that parents should shelter their children from any content they think might be related to these topics, rather than nurturing a conversation with them.
Luckily those of us with a brain here in America know that CNN is far from real news.. thank you for talking and singing about things that SO MANY young people are going through nowadays 🙏
Don't let this stuff about the media get to you, Ren. Nobody believes you are negative if they have ever seen your content. I am 35, and I know what it is like to be sick. You inspire me. Thank you.
50 yr old normal american, beard havin, FATHER of 4 (who suffer from some form of depression), who gave some of the best years of his life to serve his country in the navy, and then spent several more; building it's buildings. I love your performance. When i see ppl compare it to Shakespeare, i feel like they are being spot on. Don't let things like this hold you back. I would put YOUR music right on the shelf between my bob marley and my eminem.. and i've never even heard of Plan B.. They should probably thank you for the new fans. We won't let them label you and put you in a box, just because they can't get it. Be well man.. and KEEP CREATING!! Oh, and tell the lovely lady you sing with that she sounds like heaven.
Truth and the purest of love prevails. No need to worry. You must be doing something right if you’ve entered the CNN distortion machine! They won’t waste their time on the little fish! I love who you are, Ren. This amazing world glows brighter because of your light. ✨
My granddaughter (14) struggles with mental health but didn’t realise how much her negative thoughts were tearing her down. When I introduced her to Hi Ren she was triggered and stopped watching halfway. But that was okay, it made her think and led to a fresh perspective of her tendency to self sabotage. Overall, this has had a positive effect and she is talking more, which is fantastic. I hope she will eventually watch the whole video because I know she will find it uplifting. Until then, she is really enjoying sick boi and the hunger. I am happy to let her watch most of your work but I have suggested she avoid Jenny and screech (my favourite but she isn’t comfortable with violence). Fortunately, I do this really unusual thing called supervision. I know I can’t cotton ball her; even taking away technology isn’t going to stop a determined teen for accessing inappropriate things. But I am trying to teach her to make sensible choices and so far she’s been willing to accept my advice. I’m glad you’re taking CNN’s rubbish journalism for what it is; complete and utter bollocks🙄😆 I would also like to say that am so grateful that you have found the strength to create. So far, I’ve liked or loved every single video that I’ve watched. That’s unusual for me, as I tend to only like 1 or 2 songs per artist. This I the first time I have ever said I love someone’s entire body of work. Stay strong Ren. You’re awesome!
Thank you! For boosting so many of us who face mental health issues and are out here looking for hope and for others that need a hand and a kind, hopeful word! I hope “Hi Ren” gets a big, positive boost from this! ❤
Ren, I'm certain you won't see this, but this song literally helped me. I thought I would one day "defeat" my depression. You helped me see that it is a dance, and that I have to accept all sides of myself. I showed it to my therapist who said she will now show it to other patients with depression. You're right. The people who find it respect it. All the way in Ohio, USA.
Brilliant response Ren. You are an inspiration m8! You bring the inclusive, supportive and compassionate energy that is the solution and the likes of CNN are very much steeped in the fear and division that is the problem. In just over three minutes you have spoken more calm eloquence and common sense than CNN could muster in any ten years of programming. Like hundreds of thousands of others your music has affected me in a profound and positive way. Keep doing what you are doing, you ARE making a difference!
fKM Ren!! The people (including myself) that I have shared the song, have fully understood what your song is about and are blown away by it. Thanks mate!!
Love you Man your beautiful and I am a big fan. I'm 50 years old and even showed my 73 year old Mom and we loved it the artist in you is amazing never quit I know something about what you been through but not the same. Stay strong I will spread your video to all my friends MAY ART STAY ALIVE.. #LIVING ART #NOT SUICIDE #CNN NARRATIVE
Hi Ren was just introduced to me. I have to thank my friend for that. That song applies across all ages. Sometimes we all need a leg up, and the news isn't particularly where we can get it.
Your Hey Ren video is a great example of the internal battle for people suffering from anxiety/suicide. After my son's passing, my daughters began suffering from anxiety and I found this video to be a perfect learning tool to help them understand what is going on in their minds from an "outside" perspective. I am so glad you were able to articulate it so well and I am confident it will be shared world-wide to help people either relate or help them unwravel their demons.
HI REN is a work of ART, a true MASTERPIECE. It honestly is beautiful poetry that touches the heart and soul in a deep spot and inspires love and hope and the delivery to our heart and soul is with your beautiful voice. It has and will continue to help millions of people who see it. CNN at this point in time is just garbage and is detrimental to civil society. CNN is the dirt on the bottom a shoe.
It's hilariously hypocritical of CNN, they literally are calling for more wars & death around the world, then have the nerve to point the finger, disgusting propaganda merchants.
"Hi Ren" is an amazing piece of art. The sound, the visuals, the message- all amazing. I agree with you 100% that a large portion of society thinks that if we just don't acknowledge our problems (specifically mental health problems) then they don't exist. That's just not true. It's out there and ignoring it isn't gonna make it go away. Ren, your work is awesome. I haven't found a bit yet that I don't like. You keep doing you. Keep being Ren. We love you out here.
This is truly disturbing to me. I've not had any mental illness issues, yet I watched your Hi-Ren video and saw exactly how someone could use it to set themselves and rise above their own issues. I've seen many many reactions who have said it was so helpful and they identified with many aspects of the song... many in tears by the end of the video. Tears, not of hopelessness... but of hope. You are 100% correct in that CNN did nothing of value. Keep making your music Ren... this old man is/has enjoyed nearly every bit of it I can find. You are respected and making a difference in lives.
Ren - your comments are spot on. And Hi Ren is a powerful and uplifting piece of performance art that does more to advance the discussion of mental health than any other music video I've ever seen. Your voice, your art needs to be seen (and heard). Keep up the great work, you rock!!
One more thing. My step-daughter has mental health issues - and I recommended she watch your channel - and she agrees that you gave voice to her experience.
Thank you for your wisdom, empathy and compassion in your songs, and this intelligent breakdown of this ridiculous news story and its consequences. And thanks for inspiring solutions and being part of the solutions! You have impacted my life so positively, and anyone else I've shown your music to, even here in west Africa. My daughter in Australia loves you, and I have read hundreds of comments from people you've helped and who can relate, who've been through trauma, illness, grief and loss. So CNN can try to do damage, but they won't succeed. You're way ahead and above them, you're important and your impact will last! Look at all the people, teachers and professors using your music and lyrics in their classes! That didn't make it onto the news! I'm happy for you and all of us who have found you. We respect you.
This young man has put his hope into words for so many people in our world to hear. As a mom of seven and grandmother of 13 , I am Christian and conservative. I was blessed to send his music out to my children and their families. Especially my child with life long health issues. The struggles and pain are real. So is the Hope 💕
On point , Ren. 🙏👍 Keep being your beautiful artist self and showing us your musical paint. Keep going. I commented on CNN's channel too in hopes that they can embrace the light (and sound).😂
I’d be taking this as a massive compliment Ren! It sounds like some organisations are feeling very threatened by your art! Keep pushing your message and healing people mate, the world needs it ❤
Damn I didn't even consider that, just thought stupid boomers take things out of context, but they're probably being pro-active telling people "Don't let your kids listen to this dude, he's BAD" because he's saying the ugly truths and they want to shove it all down.
They're manufacturing consent to pass the restrict act which is an incredibly over broad bill that will strip our rights online. It is Patriot Act 2.0 but for the internet.
Ren, keep on shaking up the whole world beneath us. As a 56 year old man with MS I support you 100%. What you are doing is saving lives and helping people all over the world. Listen guy’s if you go to the original article there’s an e-mail link under the article title. Let’s send them a few million respectful e-mails explaining how they are completely misrepresenting Ren and the whole message of the song. Let’s show some solidarity and make them hear us, Renegades. Spread the word far and wide. Let’s inundate CNN with mail. Please keep it respectful though. 🙏🏻❤️🔥✊🏼 Just another thought let’s reach out to all the reactors who have been reacting to Ren’s videos. 🙏🏻
Thanks Ren - I mean it. 55 years old .. Decades of the pendulum swinging dark to light. "Hi Ren" is a masterpiece. This is the kind of art that will survive AI. We are human. It almost seems that sharing it would be too vulnerable, but then there are the reaction videos. People relate and it resonates. Because we are human. Millions of hours of horror, crime and porn grind out of every device, but let one switched on guy hold up the truth and go to the difficult places and the "watchdogs" go berserk. You got me out of a deep dark place I've been able to manage better in the past. It got really bad recently. You reminded me that I am human, that I can relax and move and dance instead of giving in to the paralysis of analysis. Thank you - Roy -South Africa
I’m a mother of two children and I thank you REN I LOVE YOUR WORK YOUR SO BRAVE - good on you mate / thank you from a mother , whom is proud of you young man … keep shining your light 🌞🌞🌞
Ren… I’m 69 and I wish there had been a forum for me to express how I felt and have had the opportunity for someone to anonymously say they could relate to it so I would have known I wasn’t alone. What a lifeline it would have been! I chose a profession that allowed me to “inspire the meek to be strong” - and I did. But last December when I first heard “Hi, Ren”, I would have cried if I could. Like so many others, it was a stunning echo in my head! Yes, there are bottom-feeders on Tik Tok and social media, but they are far outnumbered by those who will empathize and offer hope! If you see find your kids expressing how they relate to suicidal ideations, etc. please believe them and don’t blame tik tok! Be thankful that somebody made a comment or wrote a song they could relate to! Only in the last few years did I even realize I had a mental illness and complex PTSD and I’m learning to dance with it. Thanks for your voice.
Hi, 64yr old here … just been struggling to make a reply to Ren that encapsulates my thoughts. You have just done it for me. Thank You. I had a really hard time growing up, the effect of which is still here and just bubbling up underneath. Ren opened my eyes and my heart, I wish I could have listened to Ren when I was a young teenager. ❤️
Yeah, Dave. Thanks for responding. My siblings reacted differently than I did. Funny how they were just bits of no emotion. I didn’t realize the trauma was underneath things I struggled with and choices I made. Just moved and finally found a new therapist. Sometimes scary, but still it helps.
I recently saw the "hi Ren" video. It made me cry because at 52yrs old, I can also relate. It sends a very positive message and I love it. This young man has a beautifully unique talent for songwriting, singing and playing guitar. This should never have happened. CNN has definitely messed up here. I have a lot of respect for Ren and hope he has fullfilling life giving his music to the world. 👍
I am 58yrs old, we have 3 generations, my children and grandchildren, we can all understand Hi Ren is fighting against imposter syndrome and addressing mental health awareness. Social media idiots, they sound like they lived in a time capsule and just came out from the 50's. How do they even call themselves reporters? Do they even try to report with an unbiased viewpoint anymore? Did they even look at the material they are discussing or do they just jump on the sensationalist bandwagon. Good grief! smh. Thank you, Ren for your brilliant artistry that is making all generations awoke... Elvis don't you dare rock your hips, thats a moral sin, lol.
Most of your songs tell a very clear story in a brilliant poetic style (my wife says better than anyone thus far) and you seem to go out of your way to explain mental health issues. Tiktok has its faults but you are not one of them by any means. The more that your criticized the more your going in the right direction by bringing awareness and light to an ever increasing evilness and control from evildoers Stay healthy because your a true once in a century talent......TY Ren
