Vera Hall's song has always resonated with Ren, particularly the line "Don't nobody know my troubles but God". He sought permission to sample Vera's vocal (presumably at some expense) because he wanted to pay tribute to her. He has also told how one of his first street performances, after his stem cell treatments gave him the strength to perform again, was a cover of Moby's Natural Blues. It went viral. Ren has said that he wants this song to act as a full stop to the Sick Boi album. The message now is hope. Love this track. Loved your reaction (as always)
Something that always amazes me is that most records played on the radio are created by multiple people, between the writing, arranging, mixing, producing and more. Ren’s songs are usually 100% him other than an occasional sample that he manipulates. He makes it look so easy that I’m sure it frustrates other artists. 😀
During his "chapters" reading section he showed a video (The stem cell procedure) of him getting his fat removed near his lower back. Ren explained what they did, but they broke up his fat, did some type of processing of it and fed it back to him through an IV. The problem is Ren had basically "no body fat" so they had to liposuction in several spots and it was made more of a challenge to "mine body fat". So he used his own stem cells and not a donor.
I've actually never heard that saying that if a group of people threw their troubles in the air, I'd still grab mine. But man, it feels true to me. In a few months I'll have been on Disability for 20 years. I would strain every muscle in my body to leap up to snatch my troubles back, to prevent the others from accidentally grabbing mine. I've survived. Not everyone would. I don't mean that in any kind of "I'm just that tough" way, and I don't know *why* I've been able to survive, but I have. My troubles have made me who I am and I've even learned how to thrive within them, though my personal measure of "success" had to become radically different than just about everyone else's on this planet to feel that way. But I'd do everything possible to prevent another person to have to go through this, and I couldn't look myself in the mirror every day if I'd thrown my troubles into the air to grab someone else's, leaving them with my troubles in exchange.
Really have no words to express how impressed I am by Ren. For someone who has been through so much from a young age, close to giving in at times. He always had his music and this kept him going. He kept turning out great music, which, until recently, was known only to a small fan base. To keep persevering and putting out his message of hope that seems to have helped so many people with their own struggles by being so honest and relatable, is such an amazing thing. Great reaction Eric 🤘
Your reactions are pure poetry. A lot of reactors struggle with getting to the essence of Ren's lyrics, but you nail it every time. You are definitely one of my go-to reactors when Ren drops new music 🤘
For those who haven't yet... ya Gotta watch his story... all 8 chapters! (Watch his life story, in 8 chapters, in his Troubles playlist!) His lyrics are Truly His Story... clawed at the laminate... I mean Come On Man!!!
🤘🔥 Actually these sample beat is very interesting and unique and Im sure he produced himself , because he also has a street live performance with his band The Big Push, of his own nice blues version of "Trouble so hard " where he plays the bass ...you should check it out. Peace 🤘
Thank you very much for reacting to this! He's been through a lot to get to this point and I'm proud of him for being a voice for others! This is why he's my favorite 😊
Have been really looking forward to your thoughts on this one, as it feels very "radio ready" to me, which I think he did to help get the message out there as widely as possible. (He'd usually swear at least once! And he didn't have the text at the start and end as a voiceover.) Love hearing your thoughts on Ren. "Untethered in the maelstrom" is such a good way of describing that upending of everything. Ren posted a short of the production that I think you might like. Him playing with the sample to make the trippy blippy sounds on the track.
Jazz Hop I like it! PS Love Ren and all he shares with the world including the hurting and disenfranchised......... Powerful when you have been there......... Today in the UK beautiful thrumming magic of May so worth holding on for.................. Go well all x
Eric, Positive & Interesting comments as always [ 66 year Old Renegade- Yorkshire UK ] Glad you find your way back in the Cockpit of living after you Loss:
During the week preceding this video, Ren released a series of chapters (8 total), in which he reads an account of his life and illness. I recommend watching it (but maybe not reacting). It's a gripping story and adds so much context to his music. It can be found on his renmakesstuff channel, or I think in a playlist on his regular channel.
Great insights and Troubles thrown in the air analogy. Hope you noticed the little smile on REN’s face when the unexpected Limo photobombs his shoot. Peace and love ❤ from Australia 🤘
great reaction as always eric, there is a chance this could get in the UK charts this weekend so ive got my copy earlier today, would be amazing if it did to help spread that message of hope to those who are struggling
Thanks for a great reaction and analysis. It’s incredible to see Ren use his platform to bring awareness to conditions like M.E., Lyme, MCAS, POTS, mental illness, and to the millions of people missing from life, trapped in the darkness of these diseases. Such a compassionate, humble person who has been through hell and back and now is shining a light of hope for others.
Ren is very special. It does not matter your age or gender. Ren hits the heart and never misses. My husband passed away in 2020, like you, that knocked me over and my own health has not been the same since.
If you really wanna know what Ren has been through, go and check out the 8 Chapters of his Story he written down and read it to us in preparation to the release of "troubles"! You find it on his 2nd Channel "RenMakesStuff" Love your Reactions Eric! Best wishes from Germany ❤
❤ Always love your Ren reactions. When you get time on your own you should definitely watch Tens Missing chapters 1-8 he did leading up to this song its a chronological order of his lifes events. ❤
So are you still on the radio in Nashville? I recently moved here well not that recently, but a couple years I never listen to the radio but if you have a shower would be cool to listen to or maybe you could suggest a radio station huge country music fan Seems like that’s all they have on the radio or Bible readings which I don’t mind wouldn’t mind some alternative music!?🤘🏻 or if you have a suggestion on a venue that plays cool, live music that country that would be appreciated as well
our assessment I feel is pretty accurate in my mind ! lol The part that hit my heart was his interpretation carving a hole in his chest for the pain of cold steel being a relief for the fact the cause of the paid was manageable and real !! Nice reaction !!
Please take a walk through his even esrlier catalog. His evolution is striking. From Trick the Fox to "Patience" to "Clutch" to "Seven Sins" to "Troubles"
Actually, I was wrong. He just made a clip showing how he made that part. Just sounded like “Informer” in my brain. Like you said. He brings a familiarity with his music that resonates. 🤛😎👍 🤘🏻
