AMERICAN RAPPER REACTS TO-Ren - Illest Of Our Time

[@kazpwright]

Really getting to appreciate this style of music through Ren and your reaction to this was pretty cool. It's 4.30am in London and I've been down this rabbit hole a few hours tonight. I'm away to my bed. Laters gents

[@chefstar72]

Ren said it in Power. He puts absolutely everything into every single song I've heard by him so far.

[@ClearTheRubble7]

Fantastic reaction! This song has been growing on me every time I hear it. Ren and Samuel Perry-Falvey filmed this in an abandoned building where homeless people and drug addicts were hanging out. Ren described it as a pretty scary and dangerous situation, with fights breaking out, some of their stuff getting stolen, threats being made against them, etc. All the better, he said, to create just the right amount of tension for the song and the video. That's a truly committed artist...

[@sketchtherapy1218]

Posted by Ren on his community page: (regarding Illest of our time) "Overhwlemed by the amount of support for illest Of Our Time. Have been loving watching all the reaction videos and hearing everyone's interpretation. I never usually break down my own words because I love letting people apply their own meaning, but there was one line I wanted to explain. The title of the song. Alot of people took this to mean "The greatest Of Our Time" "Look for all the answers that I never seem to find, Till then I guess I'm still the illest of our time" Its my reluctance to be the illest - the clue is in the word 'guess' - ive spent the better part of a decade looking for solutions to the damage lyme disease dealt with countless doctors visits, and am still in that boat. "Illest" can also mean "dopest" "best" etc. So it's a bit of a double entendre. Same as "Sick boi" This theme is repeated with the line "elementary dear Watson you might find" cause Sherlock Holmes was always searching for the clues to piece the puzzle together, which is very relatable when trying to piece together parts of a very complex health picture, anyone with a very complex illness will relate to almost having to become your own detective. And finally "A pathologic entity - if everything is set in stone then this is how its meant to be" Acceptance that this might just be the cards I've been dealt. To search for answers and simultaneously accept that chronic illness may be your fate is a bit of a paradox because it is the rejection of acceptance that spurs you forward in the pursuit of answers, but it is the acceptance that you may always be sick that let's you lead a more peaceful life... so one must walk this contradictory line between both opposing states to have the motivation to find the answers whilst not being so outcome dependent. Still haven't mastered this, but think it's an interesting concept" posted by Ren Gill (The Illest of the Ill) Me: To me it's like Ren is psyching himself up to get bigger, how much bigger? Big enough to have the power to create a standardized treatment for Lyme Disease & an early detection system... hyuge you gotta be hyuge. That takes millions upon millions upon millions of dollars, but Ren ain't rich never has been most of the money goes to medicine. Some of the reactors have more subscribers than he does. that's why he feels like Atlas sometimes maybe like the weight of the medical world is on his shoulders but he can't shrug it off. he got a go fund me for his medical bills but I doubt it covers much medicine is crazy expensive, but if he ever gets Eminem level money Jay Z level money Kanye level money he might actually make a mark on this world far better than the aforementioned.

[@anandasouthard7760]

Ooo! I love y’all for real! Y’all are so fucking chill. I feel like I’m just having a conversation about music with friends when I watch y’all.

[@rkoutz]

Ren had an interview with Knox Hill and states he is not anti-capitalist. He also said in the interview that the pig has a meaning but he doesn’t want to reveal his meaning and would rather leave it up to interpretation of the viewer.

[@patriciacloix71]

le cochon pour moi représente le milieu médical et tout ce qui l'entoure...

[@Mr-R.R.]

Love this. Part of that mystery is what makes these things more individual. Also, I wouldn't be surprised if the meaning is something hyper specific to an event in his life that no one would be able to guess

[@LaurenJayx0]

I believe the pig to be a representative of what humans have turned into. Ever taking ever consuming. Pigs are omnivores, eating whatever is placed for them to eat...consume....just like us. Be that with food, fame, money, sex....we are the only creatures that are sentient yet we choose to do what with our choice?....pigs.

[@jenk4653]

Ren has said in his interviews with reactors, that he draws his creativity from movies and books and other artists but he has a style all his own.

[@tinadunbar4577]

Love this review. How can 1 guy that's so physically and mentally ill make the best medicine we've all had in decades. He's more than a genius. His talent seems impossible, and yet its endless. He does everything himself, production etc. ❤

[@justintime82jb]

You two have a great dynamic and are very insightful in breaking down this masterful artist!

[@LexiB-f3s]

I love that you guys rewind it back to relisten to parts several times!

[@sicpuppy9500]

RENegades 💪 Here are the lyrics for anyone who wants them! One two three Spitting bullets on the beat I'm a sick little puppy Who gets lucky when he speaks Blessed with a silver tongue Chest with an iron lung Extra terrestrial, tentacles, alien Psychopathic tendencies A pathologic entity If everything is set in stone Then this is how it's meant to be Elementary dear Watson, you might find Yourself in side the mind of the illest of our time Lets get it Popping, Hot rocking, Im Freddy Kruger, I’m chopping, I turn it up to eleven, the Demigorgon of Oppin The strangest thing I’m the boss when The danger - lingers I’m plotting Sweet like a spoon full of sugar Because Im Mary like Poppins The double barrel is cocking A shotgun shell to the noggin Im coughing catchy bronchitis Your in your funeral coffin No blocking, stoping me not when I pick the world up - I’m squatting And when I take from the rich i’m in your hood and Im Robbin Four, five, six, spit a crucifix Six six six flow, crucify a catholic Maverick, anti-hero ,villain not protagonist Words are kind of muffled when you’re sucking on my massive… Who’s the fucking illest, who’s the realest, who’s the baddest kid? Call the police on this beat before I damage it A kiddie called screech on the streets I’m a masochist, So far from reach, I’m the type to kill a pacifist Catalyst for chemical combustion I’m the analyst Of metaphors and similes and synonyms an alchemist Evangelist - spread the words I speak like they’re cancerous Pragmatist - think before I speak then I answer it Pull up, pull up, pull up to the place When I pull it, bang, a bullet sang, it shot right into space Music for the hooligans let loose on the estate, call the police and the riot vans the people want to play, hey! Freedom now, has lost all meaning, how can we all be free in a hierarchic breeding ground The poor get poorer while The rich get rich in style Ill be a heretic, kill a king, take his crown Top of the throne, top of the kingdom I own, top of the streets that I roam top of the dome, spitting for britain I show em bars like a cellular phone Hyping like Tyson, an icon, go twice in, left, right in, I’m striking like I’m biting like a python Ready? I’m heavy, I’m Mercury, I am Freddy, So eat my words fill your belly Like alphabet spaghetti I am a rap star Don’t believe me the facts are I spit fast like I’m nascar Don’t believe me? Then fuck ya, ah shit I don’t feel so well I don’t feel so well I don’t feel so well Call a medic for myself I don’t feel so hot my brother Aching, shaking, stop then stutter Things gone wrong Hit by king king kong A Swan-ton bomb like Hardy Brothers I don't feel so fresh my bro Things get slurry speaking slow Head in Hong Kong wonton soup Is what I have for Brains I know That I want to spread these tattered wings hold them high Banished from the heavens but Im knocking on the sky Living with depression is a blessing in disguise Never second guessing, intuition getting wise Want to sink into the pupil of my eye Travel to the corner of my cornea and mind Look for all the answers that I never seem to find Till then I guess I’m still the illest of our time

[@themadcadder4847]

I'm loving your insight & I LOVE LOVE LOVE how open minded & you're connecting to his ridiculous talent.

[@AmaBrigitte]

Thanks guys that was awesome! So cool to see how you appreciate Ren's artistic creations! Have a great week 😊

[@MarcelousTV]

This was a great reaction! The eye opening moments of the realization of Ren’s artistry was honest, thoughtful and awesome to experience with you guys. Ren has so many amazing songs in his catalog. It’s mind blowing when you realize that no two songs sound alike. They span multiple genres, styles, compositions, and tempo. One I think you guys would really appreciate, especially, is “Power”. That one doesn’t get the spotlight it deserves. Though you can say the same of at least 20 other tracks by Ren. Honestly, I think you guys would really appreciate REN’s track “Power”. See you for next one!

[@rebeccaburnell9319]

A huge HELL YES for Power. Very few days go by where I don't listen to it, because it fills me with energy and determination and it gets the dishes done and the snow shoveled (snow's done now, but it's not quite lawn mowing season yet where I am in Canada so it feels like lying if I say lawn mowing) and builds me up so I can hit the ground running to work on the *meaningful* stuff in my life. Even though I listen to it the most out of all of Ren's songs, I'd still say it doesn't top Hi Ren, Sick Boi, and Chalk Outlines in terms of my favourites... but it has the most re-listenability outside of watching videos. I mean, I ADORE the video for it too, but the song itself is something I reach for to listen to whether I'm sitting down to watch KZbin or not. ... Humble comes close, too.

[@Ann-vi5ns]

Great reaction. I’ve listened to this song, maybe 10 times, but appreciated it more listening to you unlock it. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@johnnyeproductions]

Ren is making music exciting again! He can't be put into one specific genre, and everything he does has some sort of higher meaning, but can be taken one direction what you get from it, to another that someone else gets from it. EVERYTHING he does is purposeful, it's not just because "it sounds cool" or "that's what ppl should expect" he comes at you with such knowledge, power and delivery and his performances are another artform within themselves. He is a musical, lyrical, videographer, provocative thought evoking Genius!!!!

[@jeffmartin_UK]

Excellent reaction and just seeing you two with great big smiles on your faces at the end was brilliant.😁

[@Myfunceazy]

You two are so real about everything you reacting to and I love y'all bc y'all explained every comment rens a humble artist and illest of our time is about his illness not him really trying to get the dopest rapper bc he loves his fans but is independent for a reason he believed in his message that's all. And I'm a fan for life

[@ismofishness8192]

The flow switch ups and the heavy electronica influence on the beat really put this in heavy rotation for me. Fantastic song, glad you reacted well to it.

[@amandacollins2854]

Your right about hearing this 2 or 3 times it get better every time , great reaction. ❤

[@denalinde]

Crucify Your Culture is a good one to see Ren talk more about his thoughts on the state of the world. It’s easier to catch the lyrics on that one.

[@highlightspotent127]

Yeah boys !! Great reaction . Straight up Ren is 🔥 Keep it going 🇨🇦🍻

[@captainmorgan999]

great reaction guys! You could just see your smiles appearing on your faces as the track went on. 🤜🙏

[@johnsearing9736]

You hit the nail on the head about him not getting to a higher level bc of his message but, the biggest blessing of the internet is y'all. Reactors. They can't stop y'all. Or us for that matter. The can have the radio and Grammys , I'll take y'all and Ren. Period.

[@LaurenJayx0]

This ^ 💯

[@peterveste6976]

thank you for reacting to my favourite artist ever ❤❤❤

[@JenNutton]

Vibing with you guys, in gratitude and love for your sharing :)

[@jamesdoherty6558]

ren is off the scales good

[@futureviking5091]

I think the pig head is a little closer to lord of the flies (collapse of social order). And the body wearing it is the stick sharpened at both ends. Usually a doctor/butcher or business person. Clever triple entendres

[@elenaorujev3494]

Ren brings something special to every song!❤

[@coleeg69]

Gotta react to Genesis, Insomnia, Losing It, Blind Eye with Sam (MC Sessions), War Pigs Cover, or How to be Me... about his friend that committed suicide.

[@bcagz9835]

If you want to see Ren rap watch “losing it”. He is an amazing artist but he kind of flexes his rap skills there.

[@Lynnie_14]

This ⬆️ ❤

[@davidbrown7779]

Big credibility for Ren right there coming from these two guys . Respect ✊

[@MarkTomblin]

I enjoyed your reaction. Respect to you both for recognising Ren's artistry.

[@Bludreamgirl]

I really love how you guys break down lyrics.... I'm new and I can already tell that this guy is underrated ♡

[@sheridetiveaux1839]

Money Game 1 and 2‼️‼️‼️ 🔥🔥🔥🔥💣💣💣

[@bpiraeus-p3b]

Ren isn't against capitalism, he's against the ABUSE of capitalism(This is strictly my impression based on things he's said), it seems like a small difference but it's a rather meaningful one. Also he's stated repeatedly that he won't reveal his explicit reasons for the pigs head and wants everyone to figure out what it means for them on their own.

[@rebeccaburnell9319]

In The Hunger he specifically says he's anti-capitalist, though.

[@JonNo86]

He said on the Knox Hill interview he's very anti-capitalist, but then he said Socialism doesn't people really work either so it's hard to agree with capitalism even though it's kinda the best option.

[@patriciacloix71]

​@@JonNo86c'est un surdoué ce REN quel talent Intelec

[@ubtrippn6202]

REN is 🔥🔥🔥 storytelling great messages and is a deep thinking! Great reaction guys really enjoyed it!

[@RockPowerUSA]

Really glad you got me to watch/share with you this Ren song, which I hadn't checked yet. You guys are dope together supporting each other. I like the way you guys are figuring on things and reviewing on Ren vibe.

[@planetag310]

One of Ren's best songs - I wish it was longer.

[@rebeccaburnell9319]

I want to spread these tattered wings; hold them high Banished from the heavens but I"m knocking on the sky. ... love those lyrics, like, they seem to land super hard, placed where they are as the track is ending. Glad you two found this one! It's super fun seeing you get to know Ren and piece together what he's all about as you connect stuff from different songs and imagery in the videos.

[@woodywoodman2319]

Money Games pt 1 & 2, and Crucify your Culture is gonna Blow your minds!!!!

[@sarahcp6117]

If you haven't seem Money Game Part 1 and 2 you absolutely need to watch it next! I think you'll love it based on your comments in this vid. Thank you for the great reaction!

[@chrislevine4569]

He also said he plans to do a part 3 for money game. Might be a good time to check them out. Also, ,crucify your culture.

[@trevorsmyth7247]

Hello from Belfast

[@Jadedxx]

He was signed but they dissolved his contract when he got really sick... They're kicking themselves now with the numbers he's pulling and he's said he's staying Independent 🔥🔥🔥

[@woodywoodman2319]

I'm Soo Happy y'all are digging into his work! Alot of reactors are just doing them just for clicks, most of his work goes over the heads of alot of people! Again... dig into his older stuff! Ocean, Crucify your Culture, Money Games, Life is Funny, Hold On, etc... You'll really pick up on his lyrical mind!

[@idiostylze]

Think the best reaction you can give to something is to immediately want to go back and listen to it again :)

[@ukdnbmarsh]

Ren has come along and is going to change music forever

[@KCVRK]

Now y’all get it bc I thought y’all were skeptical of his skills in other reactions. The dude is the monster of the century so far

[@terrancecaad915]

The hunger, Illest of our time and animal flow all have that message tossed in there As well as money game part 1 and 2 Those videos are wild af lol

[@Av3rageD4D]

Great reaction guys! Enjoyed it all, hope you continue to go through his discography! Have a great day!

[@robertmuir2904]

You picked up on the Freddie Mercury part. But did you also notice he says “heavy I’m Mercury” before the Freddy part? Mercury is the heaviest liquid on earth with the highest density. Ren always has multiple angles.

[@Bleeglesplotch]

"Ready I'm heavy, I'm Mercury I am Freddy"

[@everythingisvibration]

He Commands Respect,, That was good. This was ILLLLL

[@jamiereed6080]

thanks guys! love watching you react to ren and appreciate his art! goes over all our heads first time watching if we are being honest! always so much to process lol! but ive watched you guys grow while taking it all in. 🔥🔥🔥

[@vieella389]

I also have to listen multiple times. He is my first intentional exposure to Hip Hop.

[@JimGraham-jj8fv]

Ren from his own mouth said he wants people to refer to the pig in the way they see it it’s open to interpretation ren also isn’t against capatilism he just wants it to work for everyone Knox hill interview he says all this…

[@fangirl6115]

You're right, it is pure art 🔥🔥🔥🇬🇧

[@donald1379]

Guys loved this reaction..Ren is amazing

[@conniem7341]

Once again another great reaction video! I love seeing people realize how most of his videos are connected. I have made this comment before, Ren is like a comet that has been traveling in the universe and now is close enough for us all to see!

[@NativeNYerChicHK]

Yes!! The best rappers and lyricists are very intelligent with their lyrics. They’re always throwing obscure references and double entendres that sometimes need a moment to process. Because they’re so clever and/or deep. For example, his whole Mike Tyson verse people don’t fully get, it’s about him from beginning to end, even the biting like a python reference, because of Tyson famously biting Holyfield’s ear during a heavyweight match up. Very cool shit. Ren is a crazy talented dude.

[@alloralou4722]

You guys and TheReactTwins are my favorite reactors. I also fell like this song isn’t getting as much love but it’s definitely my favorite along with Ren’s live songs. Actually I haven’t found a song from Ren that I don’t like. Thanks for this great reaction!

[@robotclark]

you dudes are the best at breaking down these videos. appreciate yall

[@Melanie-AlwaysJustMe]

I enjoy yalls reactions very much!!! Awesome job guys 🔥💕 Ren is fantastic. I cant get enough of his music ❤

[@garysherwin3316]

Quickly becoming my favourite reactors....GET THE YAYO 😅

[@haydenduvall162]

Love these reactions - you guys are killin' it.

[@sicpuppy9500]

Fantastic reaction, You guys are true RENegades 💪

[@Kilcommons1]

Great reaction to this track. It’s a masterpiece.

[@mariolizano3951]

Masterpiece! Exactly!

[@thehazelinthejane]

Money Game 1 & 2 please and thank you!

[@woodywoodman2319]

Digging yalls Ren journey! Dont overlook his older stuff!!! Ready For You, Hold On, Fire, Ocean, Life is Funny!!! Keep digging guys!!! Hes got some Serious Lyrical and Fast Rapping from like 7 years ago!!!

[@Lynnie_14]

You guys will LOVE 'Losing It' a Fischer Retake. His best rap I think. ❤❤❤❤

[@Singlespeedjo]

Fire reaction guys. This is one of my favs too!

[@wowoshell]

Loved your reaction! Subbed & liked. I’m here for the Ren Rabbit Hole!!!🎶

[@tretvfrmdabx2544]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@lovelight1]

When Ren says .....IF every thing is set in stone then this is how its meant to be...i think it means ...young men on the street grow up with NO choices but to become hardened to life, violence and poverty, their future is set in stone , not a good thing guys!!!!!!!

[@woodywoodman2319]

You two are Great! Bouncing off each other like ya said!!! Dig into his older works... they're insanely Good! I have yet to find a Bad track myself!!! Like Ocean, Life is Funny, Crucify your Culture, Money Game pt 1 & 2, love Music pt3, Humble, Blind Eyed, etc... All different, and all Awesome!

[@woodywoodman2319]

Yall gonna get your mind blown with his Money Games, Life is Funny, and Crucify your Culture videos!!!

[@alanhall7091]

How the f#ck can so much wisdom come from a pot head (speaking as a fully fledged member of the green chill machine for 30yrs) ... 'hes fighting against the machine', 'you need to be let through'. F#ck me fella ... That's insightful. Big ❤️ to all and everyone 😀

[@coreyms]

Not gonna lie. At 6:55 when y’all paused shortly after and said y’all had to pause cause ya were thinkin the same thing, I thought ya were gonna say “Damn, Ren ripped AF”. Then ya went into talkin bout the lyrics haha 😂. I mean hey, I’ll say it. Dude must work out

[@JonNo86]

This video was made a year ago and dude is even more jacked now lol. He posted a health update on his IG stories and I swear he had like a 8 pack of abs lol.

[@tretvfrmdabx2544]

😂😂😂

[@Lynnie_14]

Let's face it - Whether you're young, old, male female, whatever! - Ren is simply gorgeous ❤ He looks amazing and quite buff 😘 in The Big Push - I Shot the Sherrif/Road to Zion/ Hip Hop video ❤️‍🔥 🔥 I love this video. Have you seen him in Money Game Part 1? Best go have a peep 😉😆🥰❤

[@Lynnie_14]

He's looking great now - The stem cell treatments, regular IVs, vitamin infusions, and Paleo styled diet is definitely working a treat 😉🥰 it's so good to see ❤

[@direnova6284]

If I had his health problems I'd be getting as fit as possible too, God bless him.

[@feathersz1952]

You should watch his reaction to when this song came out. He was so underground for so long that he started crying when he saw how many people did reaction videos writhing like 24 hours of him putting it on KZbin.

[@Innov8te-1]

From a cinematic - storytelling POV, everything in every frame should be there for a reason. Most incredible Hollywood films, legendary films from legendary directors -- Nolan, Spielberg, Ford, Coppola, Hitchcock et al -- everything in every frame had a reason for being there. Not to mention the audio mix, too. Ren's 3 vids i've seen, Hi Ren, Illest and Chalk Outlines fill every frame intentionally. Super hard to do. Also, and equally as important, is what is left out :)

[@ClearTheRubble7]

From what I've seen of his videos, I agree with you. One of the best examples of what you pointed out, I think, is his Tale of Jenny and Screech (Full Version). It's a 13-minute long miniature movie and storytelling masterpiece. As soon as I saw it, I thought Ren and his cinematographer, Samuel, would do well to make a feature-length movie. He mentioned the possibility of creating something for Netflix in one of his interviews, and you could see the excitement on his face when he talked about it. (I think it was his interview with Justin Hawkins.)

[@Megan-Bradley]

If you liked the message in this song "Money Game Pt 2" and "Crucify Your Culture" are two EPIC songs! Check them out! Definitely worth the time and energy to spread the message! Also, he has done a couple interviews with a couple other reactors that really dig into his mission and past. Gives a glimpse of how he got to where he is now and what created what we are witnessing. So goooood!!

[@Lynnie_14]

Yes! A must see ❤

[@emilianoserranosouza1991]

Pure fire!! Amazing reaction!!

[@shelleygriffith3243]

Love this reaction 🤗 Ren won’t say what the Pig symbolises, but likes hearing what people think. You see the pig at the hospital, music industry, at the entrance to of the ride into his mind, in the kitchen chopping meat and it’s head on a stick 🤔 does it not then symbolise “The system” everything that we don’t question, allow and pay for. Then again he might just like scary pig masks🤭

[@caseysmith3849]

I just realized while watching this too, paying homage to Ill Mind 5 by Hopsin. Endings are very similar, down to the outfit color.

[@LaurenJayx0]

I feel you. Ren's bars have layers, double entendre if you will. I can listen to it a few times and realize he meant 2 things. Ren is multifaceted. I can honestly say I'm attracted to his mind 😅 I also like him because I feel we've lost preforming in music because of all this quick content over the years. Ren is performing, and I'm so here for it.

[@annanelahie4782]

Beautiful reaction brothers.❤

[@garbeal2397]

Every sentence is fucking unbelievably well thought out.

[@MissMaria1969]

Thank you for appreciating good music ❤❤❤

[@lamb7283]

Stay amazing folk.

[@keelywheelieelliott121]

Its one of my favourites ❤

[@woodywoodman2319]

Have y'all ever seen a Rapper go nuts over an EDM track? If not... Rens Losing It is whatcha wanna do! He Nails It!!!

[@davidbrown7779]

I’d love to see what you guys think of HERETIC. I like it because it’s creative and goes yo another area of Ren versatile

[@leviking4891]

ocean wisdom is another great artist from Same Town worth a listen!

[@berlingolingoful]

Lovin your comments, insights 👍

[@dmj4966]

If u haven't seen The Hunger, he breaks down his intent a bit more

[@podunk87]

He's definitely not against Capitalism. He said so in an interview with Knox Hill.

[@texashookem22]

The pig does NOT represent capitalism, Ren specifically said he won’t disclose what it really stands for because he wants people to figure out what it means to them. If anything, it represents human greed and it’s prevalence via The Machine.

[@garywillow6578]

Your beard is fucking magnificent. Cool calm stoned insight. Peace my brothers.

[@julielong8714]

Excellent reaction, gentlemen! Just found you and will definitely be returning 🔥🔥

[@MissMaria1969]

Thank you guys ❤❤❤❤

[@jamesbann3577]

Love your work guys!