Mind. Blown. | Reacting to Ren - Hi Ren 

Oh, yeah. Tale of Jenny and Screech, Full version, please!

He is sick. He was bitten by a tick and got an autoimmune disease that was not diagnosed for a long time but by that time the disease had done a lot of damage to his body and mind. When he got sick Sony dropped him from their label. He is currently having treatment in Canada. He is a genius. Great reaction dude.

I think this IS his Magnum Opus - the creativity, the talent, the narrative, the relatability and the fact that it has already touched so many people in such a short time. It shines a light on chronic illnesses and gives sufferers of them a voice. It educates the rest of us and teaches us empathy. Ren is an incredibly talented artist/singer/songwriter/musician/producer/rapper. He completely defies genres. This song is a gateway to a back catalogue which constantly surprises and never disappoints. He is in Canada receiving specialist treatment for his Lyme Disease but is also finalising an album. He has already dropped a couple of tracks and intends to drop about one a month from now on.

I’ve been listening to this for 2 months, and I’m still processing it.

Ren became seriously ill in 2010 but his condition was misdiagnosed for 6 or 7 years, and the meds he was given just made him worse - he was often confined to his bed for up to 23 hours a day. In 2016 he was finally correctly diagnosed with Lyme Disease and he received stem cell transplants which improved his health. However, the years of incorrect treatment have left him with a badly damaged immune system and some brain damage. He is currently receiving specialist treatment in Canada where he is likely to be for at least 6 months

Dude, i'm not sure what exactly was lacking from this LIVE ONE SHOT performance piece of art, its genius in its simple perfection, from his vocals to his acting to his guitarmanship to his personal vulnerability, but if you want to see / understand more of who he is and how amazing he is, check out The Tale of Jenny & Screech (FULL) or his awesome busking (his honing of his LIVE ONE SHOT craft) with his band The Big Push.

So here is a little back story: Ren had medical issues with pain to the point where he was bedbound for a good 23 hours a day. The doctors were sure it was all in his head and that he was mentally ill. He was given heavy medication for said issues, which made everything worse. Turned out he contracted Lyme disease from a tick bite. As a result of misdiagnosis, he developed PTSD and brain damage from Lyme disease. He is currently undergoing daily treatment in Canada. His pain and frustration is his motor and vent. Amazing artist with a vast back catalog worth diving into 🖤🖤🖤

Notice at 4:18 when he moves his guitar strap away from the mic. Its a live recording.

The next one is definitely 'Jenny and Screech tale' (full version). Behind the camera is the same very talented Samuel Perry-Falvey. Each one of the trilogy is taken in 1 shot. I'm also bilingual and agree with you, in my head self doubt is in English ( my second language) and insults mainly in Polish (my mother's tongue).

Ren's genre = Yes ! He does it all.

Wait til you see and hear his other works. You are in for a treat...

HI REN is an absolute turningpoint, in so many aspects - THANK YOU, Ren

it is one take video. it is a piece of ART.-

His creation is DEFINITELY impactful. Only reason I'm here is bc I've watched too many reaction vids to this. I find it hard to believe he could have more impact on me than this but I hope so.

Enjoy the ride. Think you will be down the REN rabbit hole with the rest of usssss 🙏👍

Great reaction. I wrote this introduction to Ren when I first discovered him earlier this year, as there wasn’t a Wikipedia entry for people to look him up prior to March 2023. I have posted this info to every “Hi Ren” reaction I have come across since, and I hope it will be of some use to the uninitiated. “Hi Ren” is the song that put Ren on everyone's radar since December; it went viral and has garnered over 9 million views since its debut, but he has been creating great music for more than ten years. Ren’s music videos are generally recorded live, often in a single take, although not necessarily the first take, and from various camera angles. His release, "Sick Boi," is almost another chapter to "Hi Ren." Many of Ren’s songs resonate with people because he addresses struggles that many others face every day. Ren is an independent artist/singer/songwriter/busker from Brighton, UK. He plays multiple instruments (acoustic, electric, and bass guitar, piano, drums), has impressive vocals, is an excellent storyteller, and is quite the philosopher and poet. He is considered by many a modern-day bard; he calls his music “bardcore.” Ren’s earliest recordings on RU-vid are from his time in a band called “Trick The Fox,” consisting of Ren and his buddies Charlie and Tommy. Unfortunately, the band performed only briefly due to Ren’s onset of health issues. They are very talented. A fun clip to watch is “The Mash Up.” Ren’s trilogy "The Tale of Jenny/Screech/Violet" has been likened to a Shakespearean tragedy and is a prime example of his genius; it is a master’s class in storytelling and also showcases his guitar skills. The three acts are haunting, and the conclusion will catch you off guard. The trilogy needs to be watched in the order given, as this is the flow of the storyline and is best watched as a whole rather than piecemeal. Ren’s collaborations with Chinchilla (“Chalk Outlines,” “How to Be Me,” “Sexual Healing,” “One Dance/Drunk in Love”) are beautiful and showcase his singing voice. His live music videos are especially impressive. Ren's personal reflections are threaded through many of his songs; "Insomnia," "Depression," “Diazepam," “Penitence,” “Dear God,” “Heretic,” “Dominos,” his "Freckled Angels" album, just to name a few, all deserve a listen. His song "Money Game" (Part I & II) is another recommendation, although it is less of a personal song than it is an indictment of greed and the resulting injustices in this world. Ren’s Hip Hop/Rap style songs are all worth checking out if you enjoy this genre; they are pretty amazing. Check out “Genesis,” “What You Want,” “Losing it (FISHER rap retake),” “Right Here, Right Now (Fatboy Slim one shot retake),” "Life is Funny," “Love Music (Parts 1, 2, and 3),” “Crucify Your Culture,” “Power,” "Hold On," his new release “Bittersweet symphony (The Verve retake),” and his latest release "The Illest Of Our Time," just to name a few. Ren's performances with Sam Tompkins (“Blind Eyed,” “Earned It /Mans World / Falling,” “Walking on the Moon/No Diggity,” “Feeling Good/Trouble So High/Masterblaster (Jammin'),” “Latch,” “Wild Thoughts/Crazy in love (Live Session),” “Same Old Situation (Live, feat. Ren),” “What Went Wrong” Part I&II) are definitely a must. Also, his collaborations with Eden Nash (“Humble,” “Ocean”), Bibi (“Crutch,” “Ahiahiaoha”), Molly McKinna (“Penitence”), Orlean ("Jessica"), his former bandmate Romain Axisa (“French Song”), are all great. Last but not least, Ren’s busking sessions with Liv Sangster are awesome. I recently discovered that Ren also recorded a cover of “Can't Help Falling In Love (Elvis Cover),” that is simply beautiful. "The Big Push" (Ren Gill, Gorran Kendall, Romain Axisa, and Glen Chambers) busking sessions, concerts, and live recordings all are amazing and well worth checking out. All but the drummer sing lead vocals at times. Ren, Gorran, and Romain all play multiple instruments. Ren plays acoustic, electric, and bass guitar, piano, and drums. Gorran plays acoustic, electric, bass guitar, and harmonica. Romain plays acoustic, electric, bass guitar, ukulele, and piano. They are each incredibly gifted artists, and their solo work is completely different from each other. Well worth checking out. Their covers of "I Shot the Sheriff/Road to Zion/Hip Hop," "Wade in the Water/Nina Simone/Trouble so Hard," "Watch Out," “War Pigs,” “Roadhouse Blues,” "My Generation," “Paint It Black,” "An Englishman in New York," “Bongo Bong” are awesome. On “These Boots Are Made For Walking,” “Praise You” (Fatboy Slim Cover), “What Kind Of Woman Is This,” all three take a turn singing. The songs "Oh My Woman," “Swan Song,” “Sweet Little Lady," "It's Alright," “Dignity,” and so many others are equally impressive. The band, at least for the time being, performed their last official busking session and gave their last concert in September of last year (2022) due to the fact that Ren was leaving for Canada to undergo specialized medical care and surgeries for his multiple health issues. In anticipation of his stay in Canada, Ren prepared some music ahead of time to be released over the next six months that he expects to be gone. He released “Sick Boi” and “Bittersweet Symphony (The Verve retake),” which is another masterful work. Ren just released his newest song, “Illest Of Our Time,” on his birthday, March 29.

It is a live one take thing... (The fourth take that day I believe, as often happens, the 'oh well, let's just do one last attempt...') He's been at it for years already. Amazing how much work it takes to become an 'overnight sensation' 🤩 Nice reaction mate. I enjoyed your take on this. Have a new subscriber...

he was glued to his bed for almost 10 years because he had Lyme disease, the problem was that for almost 8-9 years this wasnt diagnosed. He was misdiagnosed with Bipolar, Anxiety, depression etc. So medications made him more sick. The Lyme disease finally got diagnosed after 8 years by a specialist. Because of the Lyme disease he was allergic to about 95% of food, so all he ate was meat and some veggies. During his sickness he got a stress induced psychosis. He finally got a stemcell transplant that made him better, but that was before the Lyme disease was noticed. Luckily today he has been in Canada for the better half of a year to undergo treatment by a Lyme disease specialist to become as healthy as his can despite of his body being destroyed by this for nearly a decade. He missed out on being a young adult, trying to see what life would bring him in the twenties, missing parties, new years etc. He actually at one point resigned to the fact that he probably would live to see his thirties because of all this. (this was before he finally got the proper help). He just turned 33 in March. Like he said, he doesnt care if he only gets 80% well, as long as he can outlive his dream which is making music, then he is okay with that.

I don't know why I haven't seen this before. I tried to soak up EVERY Hi Ren reaction I could find and here YOU are and it says from "9 months ago"! Great reaction, man! Thanks!

I love how this masterpiece transcends all walks of life. So refreshing to see people all ice the world coming together to celebrate this one amazing experience.

Yes,this is relatable,yes this is comforting to say many,but it is also very personal,"it needs work" (your words),is probably something you or anyone should avoid,best left as Ren intended,ie,it's not broken, don't try to fix it!!.respect

Thank you for this reaction. This is what you get when passionate professionals team up. It looks simple because it is so perfectly written, performed and executed but nothing about it is simple. It’s just raw, like it should have been.

Thank you for reacting! I knew you would do it justice! REN’s music is a wonderful rabbit hole.

YES! The voice in my head speaks to me in English, but it criticizes me in Spanish. Spot on!

I love your analysis. I so appreciate that he always concludes with "WE".

We've got a lot to look forward to with Ren ... This song was instrumental to me getting some help with some struggles I've been having over the last few years. I was ashamed to let anyone know that I was struggling. Thanks Ren The song Chalk Outlines on the other hand completely broke me ... I'm still reeling actually. Emotional and passionate and poignant. Nutty ... I hadn't been moved by a piece of music like that in forever.

Love this reaction. Excellent break-down at the end. Unsurprisingly there’s also a few pretty good poets who are Welsh. Ren goes on the prestigious list.

New sub here. Sorry that I’m so late to this premiere, but you only just organically cropped up in my suggested list. I really appreciate how you received this first with interest in whether it was a live recording, then delight at the form, then reveling in the possible added potentials and finally with reverence for something of profundity the artist left you with. And I agree that we have not yet heard his opus and that it will be told through very different instruments and medium when he does finally lay it down. But he is like Hafiz, playful and mischievous all while slapping us and carrying us to dance on either side of the moon. He is beloved. As for those two sides of the moon now, I encourage you to watch, listen and react to his collaboration with Chinchilla, the song memorializing his lost friend, Joe: HOW TO BE ME (the live version). That is the dark of the moon. And for the light? So many, but I think LOVE MUSIC PART 3 is apt. Perhaps you have already ventured to these climes. Regardless, I am now happily planning to plunge into your other reactions. Kudos! And peace!

I can't wait for you to go down this rabbit hole like you started with voiceplay! tales of Jenny and screech (gotta do the full versio) then his rapping the world can't get enough of Ren

Welcome to the RENaissance !

Live but 4 takes for cameras. 2 guys and 2 lights and one guitar, seen the legend busking here in Brighton, of the chart talent.

perfect choices for the breaks/comments times . New sub here.

One of my favorites (okay 2, since it's a 2-parter) is Money Game 1 and 2. That will blow your mind all over again.

His best work is a trilogy of tragic tales called Tales Of Jenny And Screech ( full ) IMO

I loved your reaction, and I have seen many. To see Ren take on different characters, you need to do The Tales of Jenny and Screech (Full). Trust me you will be amazed.

What a brilliant reaction, thank you for posting. I've made a hobby out of Ren reaction videos the last year and I have no idea how I missed yours. Great audio and video quality, amazing job man. Seriously, this video is criminally under viewed. Up there with BP and Knox Hill. A rising tide lifts all ships. Love to see you step back into the World of Ren

He continues the voices throughout all songs. They help you how to interpret certain aspects. Seven sins, the opener for his independent UK No 1 album (!) is a stunner.

I have watched every reaction to this song and many of them more than once, yet it felt as good just watching with you was so exciting, what a genius! Chalk Outlines is so beautiful and Jenny and Screech is a MUST.

So happy to see you do this one!!

Speechless. Thank you for this. I wouldn't have seen it otherwise.

Ren is a master of art.

I loved to see how captivated you were.. it's amazing when a song can do that and I could very much relate to that :)

I believe he was sent from the univerise to open our eyes Thank you great reaction

Great reaction to a genius masterpiece...!

This is a three-act opera by someone on the level of Mozart. This is hard to watch every time but it inspires me as a creative (poet & writer) to understand the forces that flow through us as we are making things we hope speak to someone. Your reaction spoke to me too. Thanks for it!

I really enjoyed your reaction and analysis of this Masterpiece. I just found him a few weeks ago and am addicted! If you decide to further react to him, you must do "Tale of Jenny & Screech" FULL Trilogy next. Ren is the most unique artist I have come across in a very long time and he is an amazing Storyteller! Enjoy the ride. Cheers! Jennifer/The Speak Easy Lounge

Really enjoyed your reaction/review. Nice blend of technical and meaning and personal excitement in reaction. I laughed when you said your voice in your head is in English unless it's putting you down or cursing at you :) I speak a couple languages and can totally relate. Very nice video.

Leaving a little coment,, because others will be better at expressing. I just want to say thank you and enjoy the ride.

Insightful reaction. Thank you my friend!

Thank you for your excellent reaction!! ❤

It's as much stage performance as it is music. I doubt Ren is interested, but there would be a line of Hollywood casting directors, that would LOVE to place him in all the things, if they saw this performance.

So, I just left a comment on your THE BIG PUSH - WADE IN THE WATER reaction that I can already see it in your eyes that you get it, صديقي, and I not only wasn't disappointed, this instantly became one of my favourite Hi Ren reactions ever. Idon;t have much time cause I gotta go to your "For Joe" reaction, but I'll say that nothing you said here, no matter how good it was (and it was), impressed me as much as your body language/ facial expressions, which told me the whole story.

Great respectful reaction thanks.

Ren is incredibly talented and speaks his truth. By doing that, he speaks our truth, too. He shines a light on his own dark places, and his bravery inspires us. It's the same way I feel about Hua Chenyu. Their performances can be hard to watch, but also comforting, because they understand, and we aren't alone. You saw a little of that in Hua's 7 Personalities. He explores that more in his mental health trilogy and many other songs. Ren also has a trilogy that you should see. I'll put in a good word for Sohyang, as well. She knows darkness, but her purpose is to show us we're not alone and lead us to lighter places. "Everyone" is her magnum opus, although most people start with her "Bridge Over Troubled Water." They're both incredible. Please do more reactions to Ren and Hua and check out Sohyang. Peace.

hey! first time listener her and new subscriber too! i really REALLY want to hear what you and your friends will do with that part of the song... Love fron France!

Wa alaikum salaam! Great to hear your perspective on this! Wales is all right. Said an English guy! Haha I'm kidding. Ren is amazing and his work is a revelation! (Not like a divine one of course, that'd be weird). And you nailed it. This was live.

Ren is absolutely incredible 🖤

Great reaction. Tops in creativity.

I love how many details you're catching. I'm so happy to have found you.

Contrary to popular belief, most legendary artists produced their magnum opus before the age of 35 statistically. Ren was 32 when he created this piece.

Morissette sang Never Enough for David Foster 6 days in a row and The Bodyguard Medly day2 to day 6 and kept wowing David Foster!Facts: Originally she has to sing fo 3 days, but it ended singing 6 whole nights because of her exceptional performance!Sky is the limit for Morissette!! Please check these out! Thank you soo much!

ive heard you say less is more before..... love this

Great reaction, the tale of Jenny and Screetch full version is a must from Ren ❤

If Hi Ren isn’t his Magnum Opus then Money Game Part 3 might be. It’s hard to imagine he could make music pieces even more creative and impactful than these 2 but he likely will. Intelligent reaction man! Subscribed 👍

He is live both guitar and voice...and one take

Its a one take live recording. He likes doing that in many of his songs. He's verified it in his interviews with reactors.

I've noticed that Sad Ren is a bit slumped, almost cowering and he has a hard time maintaining "eye contact" with Angry Ren, because he's afraid and uncertain. You can hear it in his voice as he tries to convince Angry Ren, almost like he's trying to convince Himself as well. Angry Ren, on the other hand has a completely different posture and demeanour, he's big, loud he wants to be noticed(which is why he's attacking Sad Ren, because he feels neglected. Angry Ren is confident, both in tone of voice and also with how he "stares" Sad Ren down. Hopeful Ren though, breaks through all that and directs his eyes directly towards us. Tone of voice at first calm and confident then grows to empowering, as he starts by addressing "Ren" directly. Almost like a parent comforting their child before the eyes turn towards society/the world and loudly assert their feelings, thoughts and self worth. Simply beautiful.

Did you realise Ren was in the band The Big Push, whose street performance you reacted to a few weeks ago? I can't wait to see how Ren's 'The Tale of Jenny and Screech (full)' hits you! Are you aware of the phenomenal UK artist Lowkey? I highly recommend checking him out. He is a British Muslim who is extremely outspoken politically and is one of the great Rappers. Look at his 2 Fire In The Booth appearances 🔥

Peace be unto you! Loved the reaction.

I read he went through this four times, start to finish, and picked the best for release. One-take play-through, live, room chosen for acoustics by Ren. Heroic genius! Too real but the hope at the end! He was treated for psychosis. (Lithium and Zuclopenthixol kill. I saw it happen.) Doctors are human too and make mistakes but pharma?....... Have you seen the band The Big Push with Ren? "I shot the sheriff/Road to Zion - hip-hop" street busking!?

Man you need to do more Ren! He doesn’t disappoint

Great reaction! You blew me away at least 10 times and made me feel more normal because I thought the same. Looking forward to some heavy guitars over the top of this. That got me pressing the sub button.

give your safe a break cause we all only human! hugs all around good reaction

This is him dude!! Read the comments. He is very ill from Lymes disease not diagnosed for years. Affected his brain and body. He is currently in Canada receiving therapy infusions etc..

Hope you do more Ren reactions! He’s incredible!

That was a nice reaction video. I’ve listened to this song very many times in the last three weeks. Each time I get goosebumps during certain passages.

I was so impressed by this masterpiece. 🤩🤩🤩 Thank you for your insightful reaction. One of the best I have seen. 😊 Hugs from 🇨🇦

One of the best reactions I've seen for this song! Thank you! +1 sub and looking forward to more reactions from you. 🎶🔥💜🤗😎

New subscriber. Loved this reaction and I have seen many to this.

This was a fantastic video! You seem like a really cool guy, new Sub 😘💕 Going to go binge your vids

I enjoyed this great reaction, and yes it's a live performance❤

Thanks for doing Hi Ren sub'd

You should listen to Vincente Fernandez por TU maldito amor that song will make you cry I love it it's really special to Mexico ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ do a reaction video on that song please 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺

Yes. It is live.

Brilliant reaction!

Good reaction. Ren has lots of styles. Next: JENNY & SCREECH (FULL) - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-TYAnqQ--KX0.html Also check out these rap hits (with double time): HUNGER - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-1T_fLytBFM4.html GENESIS - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-YzsTdLIcbzU.html LOSING IT - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-mLvAGjhDssc.html Also, Ren & Sam with Earned It / Man’s World / Falling - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-d8nBzrhd8Ro.html He also does live duet ballads (one take) with Chinchilla CHALK OUTLINES - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-35yALr_opeg.html And HOW TO BE ME (LIVE) - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-SDR7sup3DsU.html

Enjoyed your reaction, hope you do more Ren!!! He's an unbelievable artist

Great reaction!

React to 'The Hunger', it is freakin' brilliant.

I've seen your reactions to Morissette Amon, your reactions are always good and honest. Now I see you reacting to Ren, and you never fail. It's funny that you say that artists like Ren are only limited by the instruments and tools that they have in front of them.. Cause when you get to Ren's - The Tale of Jenny and Screech (Full), you'll see just how limited/unlimited he and his friend Sam are. You won't be disappointed. The use of guitar, voice, story telling, ambiance, camera.. It's simply amazing.. By the way, someone already did a Pop-Punk cover of Hi Ren with drums and an electric guitar. The guy is obsessed with Ren's music that he paid homage to Ren. he goes by Mr. Blackburger.

Vulnerability is hard.

It has a slight devil went down to Georgia vibe,

Beautiful reaction, Boudy.

then, sick boi, chalk outlines, street performance w/former band The Big Push: I shot the sheriff/Road to zion/hip hop, Jenny/Screech/Violet triology story

Please keep going down the Ren Rabbit Hole! Here's the full version of Jenny and Screetch that so many are suggesting: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-TYAnqQ--KX0.html

Спасибо за реакцию. Это что то новое и об этом надо подумать и ещё раз прослушать. Зацепило.

Yooooo! Great bro

OMG what a great surprise!

I think Ren's already there. He's not new. How come I don't see any other Ren reactions? We want them.

When you end up listening to the tale of Jenny and Screech full version, DO NOT use subtitles, it'll spoil it. At least the first time.