Classical Composer Reacts to REN: MONEY GAME (Parts 1, 2, & 3) | The Daily Doug (Episode 674)

#ren #moneygame #renreaction
In this edition of #thedailydoug, I'm returning to the music of Ren. His music is taking the world by storm, and he's doing it himself...his own way. And, he's brilliant. This cycle of three songs struck me to my core like I haven't been shaken in quite some time. His art is visceral, pointed, and profound. I hope you'll watch and take the journey with me!
Reference Video: • Ren - Money Game (Offi...
Reference Video: • Ren - Money Game Part ...
Reference Video: • Ren - Money Game Part ...
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[@ctobolsk]

Classically trained musicologist here. I have not felt as excited about an artist as I have about Ren in many years. Mark my words, we will be studying his compositions at the university level in 50 years.

[@BJJUSAF]

You should check out Prof and NF. Two different styles but the creative Prof does with lyrics, melodies and harmonies he brings to rap is next level. Songs of pain like Flower Boy and showing his talent with songs like Bar Breaker or Fire Lessons. NF is music for the broken hearts and minds. Healing and letting the listener know they are not alone.

[@ctobolsk]

@@BJJUSAF I’m a big NF fan already! As for Prof, I only learned about him the other day. Planning on listening to more, as I’ve only heard Bar Breakers so far. Thanks for the recommendations!

[@jeffstumpf9129]

Every non-capitalist supposedly against money seems to be addicted to the comfortable life that money brings them. Money isn’t the root of all evil, but the love of money is.

[@RepstarVixen]

@@jeffstumpf9129 Ren does address this actually in another song of his, sick boi, he admits to be a part of it all himself as well cause not playing the game is even more deadly than playing it

[@antonymification212]

With an unsigned, unsupported UK album at #1 this week, I've no doubt you're absolutely right. Ren is a master class.

[@TheSyncos]

Two things of note: 1) Ren references Money Game 2 in "Hi Ren" when the bad Ren says "Ren, mate, we've heard it all before, 'she sells seashells on the sea shore'." 2) The Shell Transport and Trading Company, an antique company which expanded in 1833 to import and sell seashells, is the same company as "Shell" Oil today. So there's historical precedent for "She sells sea shells, sell oil as well."

[@G_Demolished]

I think that “Bad Ren” line was also a reference to the battle scene in Eminem’s 8 Mile.

[@DanKaschel]

​@@G_Demolishedyup, hi Ren definitely isn't referencing money game, though money game is likely at least giving a nod to hi Ren.

[@jeffstumpf9129]

That tongue twister is ancient.

[@TheSyncos]

@@DanKaschel Money Game came out before Hi Ren, and the line in Hi Ren is referencing how "Unoriginal" his work is. So It's almost certianly an internal reference to him using that very popular children's rhyme in his song. Money Game Pt 2 came out 2 years before Hi Ren.

[@DanKaschel]

@@TheSyncos yeah, I think I was just wrong. For some reason I thought Eminem used that same tongue twister in 8 mile but apparently I imagined that. Now I don't totally understand the line. I agree that it's a nod to money game, but although I understand the line in context I'm not sure how an old tongue twister line directly reinforces the notion that "we've seen it all before". I still feel like I'm missing something.

[@rexrogers1859]

Thank you Doug!! The 45 was decommissioned and there was clever switching of clips underneath the table during filming. We are, in real time, witnissing an artistic genius that I have never seen in 59 years. I'm so very grateful that I'm aware of this and to be alive. Grateful for you, Doug, and everyone who reads this. Thank you.

[@meganhelvering9578]

🙏❤️❤️❤️

[@MrPerkedel]

Parallel to part 1 where he also takes off his garment and cuts away before ‘pulling the trigger’.

[@rogerstarkey5390]

That exchange was a ballet

[@lesliejenifer920]

Likewise for me in my 55 years.

[@g54b95]

- s i g h - It's a magazine, not a clip.

[@iamsquatty]

Andrew Lloyd Webber actually recognized and shouted out ren after money game 3 dropped. That right there says all you need to know about rens magnificence 😊💜💜

[@rog2224]

Considering Lord Webber flew from where he lives in New York to vote to cut social security support for the disabled in the UK a few years back, it's surprising he liked this.

[@aimeeparrott9204]

ALW is impressed because Ren is original, and he isn't. Dude's been recycling the same melodies for years. I'll tell you this, too. People never, and I mean NEVER, recognize themselves when something negative is written about themselves or anybody like them. Not ever. So yeah, ALW probably didn't get that he's part of the problem. Or he doesn't care.

[@jamesrustles8670]

@@aimeeparrott9204 interesting stance "vote as I do or you are part of the problem"

[@aimeeparrott9204]

@jamesrustles8670 No. Vote against needed benefits for people who earn far less than you do, and you're part of the problem.

[@nguyenngoc-ee8lc]

@@aimeeparrott9204I guess ALW might be double standards, just like many of the ppl out there, but that is not a reason to put down his contribution to the musical industry, like, who’s not proud af getting compliment from the person that composed The phantom of the opera, Cats, Evita, The wizard of OZ and the likes? His acknowledgement for one’s musical ability worths a tons to me

[@djtidy01]

Ren has been praised by the one and only Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber. Calling one of the most unique artists of our time and wishing him good luck for number 1 uk album

[@braca977]

Also praised by Sinead O'Connor few months before she died, also The Verve...etc !!!!! Ren is making waves !!!!!!!!!!!

[@AttiCarius12]

HE DID IT #1 ALBUM IN UK

[@Bodgeitbob]

And justin hawkins the darkness loves him. Hes definitely special. Hes had some songs sent to him by prof to lay some lyrics on. Prof says its a hit ​@braca977

[@JS-mn1ck]

Thanks for doing all 3 Doug, this is a masterpiece. #1 in the UK tonight if all goes well!

[@dazzadaddazza]

Hoping he does it more than anything, a old 54 year old, playing Sick Boi album on repeat.

[@thatsamazin-]

@@dazzadaddazza I really think him and the Big Push would absolutely throw down on a Super Bowl halftime show. Would be a welcome upgrade over Cardi B. Lol

[@danhunt2425]

INDEED!!!@@thatsamazin-

[@allypad64]

@@thatsamazin-you got that right!!!!

[@Foxsuper1]

​@@dazzadaddazza61 old music fanatic here...yess

[@Tim31NJ]

Ren and Sam said the first Money Game video took something like 180 takes to get it right! Amazing dedication from everyone involved, really makes you appreciate it even more.

[@TehZombish]

I'm so glad you did this. Of all the reactors I watch, I've really been wondering what you would think on this suite of songs. Glad you did them back to back. I've become a huge Ren fan of the last year, much to the chagrin of my friends and family who are tired of hearing all things Ren, and this week has to be the greatest so far. So happy for his success and that he is finally getting the recognition he deserves.

[@kimmicakes]

@TehZombish I understand exactly what you’re saying about your family being tired of listening to EVERYTHING Ren! I’m 55 years old and my kids like Ren and I’ve listened to him on blast for about 8 months now but…. My grand babies LOVE Ren and we dance and sing to all of Rens music all day in Mimis room till they have to drag them out to go to dinner or bed! Renegades for generations in my home! ❤❤❤

[@hazmania]

I second all you say. REN is the most gifted musician I’ve heard in my 68 years. Bardcore kicks ass! Love from Annie, in Cornwall, UK.🙂🌸

[@kellyt5341]

From America 55 yrs old and fell in love about a yr ago when I saw him on "hi Ren". I have been following him since. I have all his albums and still waiting for my "sick Boi" CD. I purchased a handful of digital albums to help Ren with the numbers on the number 1 spot. I honestly don't know how to activate them. I purchased from his UK link at his store but don't know what to do, never dealt with something off the internet, only copy off of CD's. Yes, my husband is very tired of hearing Ren's name and the you tube algorithms popping up everything Ren...lol.

[@lesliejenifer920]

​@@kimmicakesI am 55 too! My 3 (grown) kids refuse to listen to Ren because I love him. I think they're afraid they'll connect with their old Mom on music. Sadly, I don't have any grandbabies yet so, maybe I can dance in spirit with you & yours.

[@kimmicakes]

@@lesliejenifer920 aww I would love for you to dance to Ren and think about my babies rocking out and just loving all music but at the same time I swear that’s exactly how my kids are to me! I feel the exact same way as you do about them not wanting to connect to something their OLD mom loves! My kids are 36 28 and 15 and my grandkids are 15 10 2 and 1 so I have a wide range in the age category and they all love their own genre of music but I don’t think they can wrap their minds around Ren cause he is in his own galaxy instead of genre so I know if they’d listen to him they’d at least find something they connect with cause dear God Alice tell me who couldn’t, right? Sending love and good vibes from PA USA! ♥️♥️♥️

[@Vmcf1968]

you have such a gentle soul. how shook you got when the hammer fell was heart warming. ive gotten so jaded to violence that i felt very little. ty doug for being a nice guy dont lose that.

[@dezmilad]

Thank you, I really wanted to point that out but I didn't know how to word it. You said it perfectly 👌 never lose that gentle soul doug 🖖

[@TheBigbadalex]

You gotta remember we're British... most of us go our entire lives without seeing a gun, it's even unusual to see our police with guns. Now watch pt3 again with that perspective.

[@leoscone4036]

Phenomenal work of art. It was done in two takes with the break placed where the camera passes behind the wheelchair. They had to set up the quartet and move and protect Ren's lavalier mic from the "rain rain rain rain" shot. They did many many takes of the first half of the song to get the version we see here. But they only had ONE shot at the rain scene. So the second half of the song is truly truly a one shot. Such brilliance. In MG1 he took a great deal of time getting his poncho off and folded. Same with his suit coat in this. Building tension masterfully. When the water falls on him in this it is also reminiscent of him pouring the gas on himself in MG1. And MG1 ends with a click too. There were serious hurdles in getting the replica gun. And he had two clips, one which he loaded 45 bullets into for the accuracy to the story. But there was finesse involved and what he put in the gun was the clip that came with it which was a different size. And yet for all that it still hits us viscerally the same. When he sings the first notes it was reminiscent of Violet's Tale, introducing the notion of generational abuse/damage. And to my ear the quartet echoes the piano chord progression from "For Joe", which foreshadows the notion of su*c*de which is about to emerge in the story. One of Ren's favorite shots in the video is when he sits on the desk, spins the globe, and then the phone rings. He picks up the phone just as the globe stops turning to hear his father died. His world stopped turning. And the synchronicity of the globe stopping with South America facing the camera right before the song tells of him battling the cartels is beautiful. Even the bottle bounced perfectly for the sound when he dropped it. So much was planned for, but these little things just add so much. Ren is the most amazing musician/artist in decades. This from a 62 year old avowed prog rocker. Blessings.

[@Lers_780]

2nd half after the cut he mentioned they did 7 or 8 takes. Obviously once the rain went off though they were all in and had to go from there.

[@pheredeath]

As a reactor I don't recall mentioned, there seems to be a cut when he's pulling the hood off in front of the mirror, which would make sense, not to complicate the whole run by having to do that opening piano over and over and over and over

[@williamkeith8740]

Seems there are quite a few of us in our sixties and older enjoying the artistic maestro of musical talent Ren.

[@allypad64]

@@williamkeith8740I just posted the same thing basically :)

[@samanthazwickel]

@@pheredeath, he has said the only cut is the hidden one behind the chair

[@andy2950]

I read that the whole video only cost £2000. Can you imagine what Ren and Sam would be capable of with a bigger budget? Next year, they plan to make a pilot of an idea for musical drama set on city streets. They then hope to get it seen by Netflix or a similar company.

[@ninjabassonline]

... I feel like the budget constraints only feed their creativity though .

[@DanKaschel]

If you watch this video and think more money would make things better, I suggest watching it again.

[@andy2950]

@DanKaschel I don't think that. At no point do I use the "better". I was just speculating on the possibilities of bringing an epic artistic vision to the screen with the backing of Netflix. Ren mentioned this on a live stream.

[@tatradak9781]

Its one of the problems in the UK, we are so used to doing so much with so little money that it would be hard to believe that they would of done any better..but dont get me wrong your right more money means more options..

[@rosey_ie]

@@tatradak9781Not to mention, doing so little with so much. HS2, the reduction of NHS, the wasted billions on covid payments of many kinds (not counting the support for unemployment or anything in that, just the nepotism payments, the payments to businesses that didn’t need it, etc.)

[@Codex7777]

MG3 - Yes, that's Ren playing piano at the beginning! He also composed the music for piano and strings, apart from the opening bars, of course. He directed the video and produced the music/audio. It was recorded live but it's not quite one take. They had to make a single edit, at the wheelchair, as the 'rain machine' was malfunctioning. Yet another incredible, masterful performance from Ren! Overall? An absolute masterpiece... again! :)

[@bethray469]

Ty, I was wondering if there was a hidden cut there. Still did a *great* job with it though bc I've seen many, many "hidden" cuts where there was a slight shift or change of lighting that gave it away.

[@jeffmason4151]

Ren is the real deal, the most original artist we've witnessed in decades. A true trooper when it comes to breaking artistic boundaries ❤️

[@reneei875]

❤

[@woolleson]

Ren is one of a kind, in the current pig-swill we consume, Ren cuts through the drivel to make us reflect. I can watch him over and over, then just drop into a track like loosing it and just laugh and smile. He's a genius with everything in his arsenal...... Loved you reaction, unique and profound as always.

[@zed4225]

I love 'Losing It', massively fun track, I play it a lot, and 'The Hunger'. I must look funny rapping to Ren in the car. You're right, he is a genius, and how good is the road with Ren

[@kirsten3112]

Thank you. A truly splendid reaction to this absolute masterpiece of creativity. I appreciated your feedback of the story & understanding of the music. So glad you found Ren... & that you're a part of the Renegades 💖

[@lucasrumfield]

My wife is an artist who has multiple degrees in piano pedagogy and performance but suffers from physical ailments that have turned our lives upside down. Doug she shares your same brain and it’s what attracts me to this channel. Artists are the life blood and pulse of a generation. Never stop doing what you do. Artists like Ren give me hope that our passions and understanding of one another will prevail in the end. This is all so beautiful. Thank you for your great reactions.

[@davidcommons1328]

Amazing that at the end of pt3 he acts out without voicing the chorus of money game, even the rain...masterclass

[@Jesterz01]

I love how part 1 & 2 hook came back but in visual form, when the "Rain, rain, rain, rain, the storm came Jimmy's way..."

[@Seamus.MacLeod]

In Part 3, Ren wrote the piano piece, finding the later portion to be too fast and complex to perform it himself. He hired a professional Pianist, Charlie Woof-Byrne, and that's who taps Ren on the shoulder and takes over on the keys for the remainder of the track. There was one notable cut, when the camera goes behind the wheelchair; from when it circles around to reveal the quartet until the end is continuous. They could only do the rain once, that was a point-of-no-return. As to the gun, it was once "real", but this one is incapable of firing. They also did a hand pass to take the (empty) magazine and hand him one to load, then switched them again before he put the empty one in the gun. The only actual casualty I'm aware of on the set was the Violist's bow. So glad to have been able to share this experience alongside you.

[@danielmeola3651]

Excellent choice , the 3 together, and as usual, a great job., thanks for a great moment.

[@gurulimbo]

Andrew Lloyd Webber tweeted recently about Money Game 3 that @RenMakesMusic Ren was one of the top/best storytellers and song writers of this generation! He could certainly do Broadway, TED Talks, has written a show to propose to Netflix, and has aspirations to do so much more! Strength and determination from constant struggle is a Power. 🔥😎👍 🔥🌳🌬️💨

[@jeffstumpf9129]

Yes, but Andrew Lloyd Webber isn’t needed to tell us this.

[@barbarashikongo286]

I love where he goes under the hands, underhanded, where they are selling arms so many little touches that you pick up after viewing 2 times. Mind blowing Greatness. Thanks Ren and team.

[@chrisre1779]

Also gives him the chance to put down the glass as he crouches down under the arms. It reminded me of wish you were here cover.

[@MissMeKate]

So glad you watched this, I was hoping you would. Ren said he had to compose some of the piano and strings parts on the computer and layer them because he can't play well enough to do what he wanted to do (though as you can see from the start, he can play very well!) This week Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber called Ren one of the most unique songwriters and storytellers he has seen in a long time. Parts 1 and 3 are like a broadway play. Money is a tool, but greed can corrupt the way we use it.

[@johnnypasho]

I chuckled when Doug said "Nothing to see here" just as Ren painted eyes on the victim/hostage/Romain. Fantastic reaction, loved every minute of it. Keep at it Doug! Love your candidness.

[@gwynethzen77]

Oh also Ren composed the whole thing and the string quartet was playing the hook from the original money games!! And his piano playing ability? And vision for the film? And the story??? Just a masterpiece.

[@littlefootsgrandma]

Yes, he is brilliant. The best thing that has happened in music or in general in a decade. You’re right he ain’t playin. He means every word. You can feel it in your bones. How lucky are we??? Wow!!!❤

[@joshuawiedenbeck6944]

One fun bit of info about the end of part 3: The sound you hear isn't the gun trigger clicking. I've grown up around guns, and no gun has ever sounded like that. So, the sound has to be something else. A light switch? A camera shutter? Ren said that he left the end open to interpretation on purpose so people would complete the story based on their own life experiences and values.

[@katydidnt3906]

You must have squirmed like I did at the muzzle being pointed at everyone in the room, randomly. Let's assume the firearm isn't real... like Alec Baldwin did. 🙄

[@joshuawiedenbeck6944]

@katydidnt3906 The gun was definitely real. Ren said they had to jump through a lot of hoops to be allowed to have it on set (guns being banned where they filmed it). I've seen a lot of people react to this song. Without fail, the reactors who are into guns are the most uncomfortable at the end.

[@schuhschrank947]

​@joshuawiedenbeck6944 Ren also said that they were glad that the police didn't stop the car with the faked money, the faked cocaine and the faked gun in it - they wouldn't have known how to explain that.

[@catsandcrafts171]

@@katydidnt3906 The clip that he loaded was for .45 bullets in order to be authentic to the viewer. The clip that actually fitted the gun was 1) decommissioned, these guns are illegal in the UK, and 2) not loaded, as the bullets are a different caliber (presumably a metric equivalent). I'm pretty sure Ren was checking these things himself as he was the one waving it around randomly! :D He knew people who knew about guns would spot the different clip and so they switched them off camera, and assistant passed them back and forth underneath the cameraman :)

[@Tamairascreations]

no matter how much i listen to Ren he ALWAYS leaves me speechless, teared up, and goosebumps all over. he is a lyrical genius. he's like the modern day Shakespeare! his music is absolute gold. I relate to him a lot with having chronic pains and mental health issues.

[@joshkovitz]

hearing the strings play the money game humming melody was genius

[@krikat3485]

I love that you did all three versions of the money game together. In two, Ren soaks himself with fuel, and also shoots himself with a 45. Little pessimistic, right? You’re right, powerful stuff. That’s why I find Ren so fascinating. For the boi from a small island in north Wales, he has a surprising world view.

[@Deroes73]

"We must be better simply because the option exists." - Ren

[@MalcolmMXTaylor]

A great reaction to all 3 parts!! 1 thing I took from it (and maybe someone else suggested this as well) was that the dad could be a metaphorical dad that could for example represent society in general and that whether it's through family or friends or society that we are all almost challenged that whatever you have it's not enough and you need more and more...and as Ren says 'the way we live is parasitic' and he is absolutely right. Have another listen and you will pick up the strings section were playing the hook from parts 1+2, and when he sat in the wheelchair of course there was rain...'rain rain rain rain, a storm it comes our way...' (why sing it when you can actually make it rain! Haha) the chorus from parts 1+2. The guy is a genius to link them all beautifully. And what a fantastically produced and directed cinematic video as well. Ren has said that when the screen went black at the end he has left it up to individuals to decide what happened....did Jimmy kill himself? For me the gun clicked, it didn't fire... I love he leaves it up to individual interpretation (same as he did in part 1 after pouring petrol over himself)

[@warmfuzzyfeeling]

Thank you for watching the three together! I feel that although they are all individually great songs they have PROFOUND impact all together. One of Ren's greatest creations!

[@splitimage137.]

BEWARE ALL: The intensity of these songs is set to Eleventy-One!

[@yilomina2047]

Wonderful reaction, it's great to see Ren's genius reaching more people, and you're helping to spread this wisdom!

[@barbarahatcher5942]

This was so much fun to follow you in this journey. Part 1 gets you instantly invested and part 3 leaves us speechless. It has purpose and story and incredible piano music and next level videography. He does play piano and he composed the piano and strings on pt 3. High five Doug!!

[@frankwalton1628]

Won three awards at the London Music Video Awards for Money Game 3. Best Music Video, Best Director and Best Concept, over the weekend. Well deserved the snowball is in motion.

[@iancollins65]

Ren wrote every note of (MG3) this musical masterpiece. He used MIDI for the composition because he isn’t really a professional piano player. He got Charlie, who is the piano player, to play it live, but Ren learned the part at the beginning and practiced it and mastered it so this vision was possible. This is all shot in continuous format. There is one cut when the camera goes behind him in the wheel chair. My understanding is that the first section took 5 takes to nail and the second took 15. It’s a work of art and the most ambitious thing he has done to date. As for MG1. He has said it took 153 takes to get the final one you see. This is mostly because they couldn’t do the final shot where he dumps the liquid on his head, but one time, so they would run through the whole thing and just before that scene they would stop it if something wasn’t just right prior. Also, Samuel Perry-Falve is the director and he has directed most of Rens masterpieces. He is quite the genius himself and should be applauded as well for what he has accomplished.

[@suevick637]

I love Ren ! He is the Dr Suess of musical truth. You are the only reactor to take the time to play all 3 together. Though I have heard them all. Together, they are magical. ❤❤❤

[@rog2224]

There are a couple of others now.

[@sistermoon1970]

I really enjoyed this. Your views and values align with Ren and so many of us that follow him. He has not only does he explain what is damaging humanity, he has shown us how we have the power to change. The week leading up to his album drop he did a week of interaction promotion for money game, showing exactly how hive thinking works. I believe it is this just as much as his amazing music has got his album to number one, we all wanted and needed to lift him as he has shown us in his own actions. I truly believe he has awoken a new consciousness and I have a new found hope for humanity 🫶

[@DogDocKat]

Thanks for your reaction to this series of masterpieces from Ren! He is so talented. He wrote the whole piano and strings for part 3 and was involved in planning all these videos. Well-deserved UK Number one album for Ren today!!

[@jurgenp8764]

I geuss that's what really, REALLY good Music und REALLY good Texts/Poetry/Songwriting does - It leaves you speechless and thinking...Many Thanks for this reaction, I think we can all realate! - Thanks for all these reactions (I'm subscribed for many years now), you have shown to me some awesome music, that I would have missed otherwise AND you are very educational (like exlaining why the Music I like connects withe me) -and entertaining - keep up the great work!!!

[@Penstone]

BRILLIANT love the depth of your insight both musical and lyrical, you are Ren level genius of reactions

[@photobyhe]

Yes! Two of my favorite people Doug and Ren!

[@Libbydoh]

Thank you for reacting! I just discovered Ren. I fear this is a rabbit hole I will live in for a while. ❤ And... he ain't playin. Love Ren.

[@Dereks402]

Just love the music and support in watching and spreading the videos; watch ren videos on his youtube

[@carlofrusciante9979]

The Daily Doug is a great, great Dj. This is the kind of speaker I would love to have in the air.

[@Doug.Helvering]

Thank you for your kind words 🙏

[@zerofox3d]

Y’all can we all just take a minute to appreciate how Doug goes into a reaction prepared and researched 👏

[@PlymouthLad76]

Amazing and beautiful breakdown, reaction and personal thoughts. ❤

[@meganhelvering9578]

🙏❤️

[@jontask9997]

I have no words. It's so beyond talented, it's abnormal.

[@allisonal]

It’s incredible to me that this whole performance was set to classical acoustic instruments. It’s unlike anything I’ve seen before in the rap scene. Ren said he composed all of it himself, using virtual instruments and drawing in some of the parts in midi as he didn’t have the technical skill to play them all, and then gave the music to the performers to add their own flair to. The pianist has an in-ear linked to Ren’s microphone so the two can stay in sync, and at the end, Ren conducts the strings using the gun!

[@stevenmeyer9674]

Ren was destroying the "money game" not killing himself.

[@samanthazwickel]

He talked about the ending being open to interpretation in his interview with Chris Liepe.

[@stevenmeyer9674]

​@@samanthazwickel And that was how I interpreted it.

[@samanthazwickel]

@@stevenmeyer9674, clearly. And I interpreted your comment as presenting facts.

[@elsvaughn7959]

Im a violinist, and ren is my ABSOLUTE favorite new artist since alt-j. Admittedly, I've been a huge fan of his for abt 5 years now, but its been absolutely amazing and emotional to watch him explode into so many ppls awareness. His philosophies don't hurt, either ❤ PS- I love tht in the 1st vid he uses the space/props as percussion and the 3rd just breaks out the grieg 😅😂😂

[@stevehill9555]

That’s was really good Doug 👌

[@whozitwhatzit4802]

Appreciate your reaction. (btw, Money Game Pt 1, when he draws the eyes on the seated figure, that figure now becomes a person. He is no longer "faceless." When he started getting ready to pour the gas on the figure and the figure now looks directly at him, he has to recognize this is a person and he what he is doing is wrong. Also, in Pt 3, a lot of people don't pick up on the petri dish being us and our EARTH and what we are doing to it, as well as society.)

[@AnotherFacelessDigitalNoOne]

Sam needs something more than a run of the mill award for everything he does

[@elevown]

Thanks for doing this reaction :) p.s it was ST:TNG for me too :) Im old enough to have seen the OC before it on telly but i was too young for it to have a real impact.

[@jimmyhughes5392]

the gun magazine was swapped, they had 2. the 1 that was loaded was not put in the gun

[@adifferentname]

Ren brings something to the table that's been missing for many years: groove.

[@exert2020]

Fingers crossed he gets a UK number 1 album tomorrow! It's sooooo close! Love your thoughts on his music.

[@Musiklife.9049]

He did it! Numero uno woohooo

[@WanderlustWarrior46]

Ren got number 1 in the UK album charts last night. For an independent artist, it's an incredible achievement. Add in all the health issues and obstacles he faces, and it's just beyond amazing. There is a video of him finding out which made me cry with joy 😊 . I'll find the link and send it in a reply. I'm so proud of him and the global community(RENagades) he's managed to cultivate. He's insanely talented and deserves everything he is getting g at the moment. My journey started with hi ren when I was in a dark place, and it saved me, so thank you, @renmakesmusic , for everything you give us. Peace and love to you all

[@Silkytoaster]

@@WanderlustWarrior46I cried too when I saw the video of Ren finding out he was number one in the uk - Hell I still well up every time I see it .

[@WanderlustWarrior46]

@@Silkytoaster such an achievement

[@waneemo9067]

Fabulous review! I love your enthusiasm and musical knowledge. Yes, Ren is a true generational talent who will leave a profound effect on our world.

[@ZakisHereNow]

Ren is awesome. Thanks for the breakdown of the three parts so far. I didn’t even realize watching these that they were all single uncut shots. Just wow, man.

[@ydo-bc5wj]

Your reactions to Ren are always special; I've been looking forward to this. Thank you!

[@mattyball]

This rise of a generational artist is awesome, storyteller of our time ❤❤❤

[@Lightmane]

Doug, that was one great reaction. Thank you for this. Hope Ren sees it.

[@KKDZ-sn3gi]

Great reaction….really appreciated your musical knowledge & your passion for REN’s music. I have to say though…I laughed pretty hard when you got that little jump scare when your heard the trigger pull. 😂

[@mrdarengilbert3907]

WOW Doug Thank you so much for this reaction. I love REN But this, your reaction, your words, your personal thoughts regarding this subject was inspirational, and thought provoking. I’m subscribed to your channel. Thank you again I hope you are well Take care Daz

[@susanperine1068]

Outstanding! Ren is the artist for our time, unique and indescribable. Thank you for this breakdown and reaction and for doing all three consecutively. Music is the heart of our existence and Ren's music is the pulse. Well done! I love a team too and the healthy result of working together. Those damaging our existence at the moment can not function in a team......this is a problem. Ren is profound

[@spinalobifida]

In the first one, the guitarist didnt react to Ren before he was hit. When he got eyes, he reacted when the gas was going to be poured on him. Ren, realizing he messed up by giving him eyes, Ren destroyed himself. Like the People vs Government. When the internet came out, one of the things i thought of was that companies are going to get rid of stores and just sell online. Watch the making of Money Game 3. The violinist on the left accidentally got wet and Ren had to buy her a new bow. And kuddos for her not reacting.

[@shirleygarcia8092]

Hmmm 45 with a red tie? 🤔 could it be? Ren is brilliant. I have loved everything that I have seen of his.

[@distanceismyplastercast]

I had same thought. Son of rich father obsessed with money but no empathy spends his whole life chasing money, the only thing his father appreciated to gain some form of approval. Does sound a very familiar life to the Orange one, doesn't it?

[@exert2020]

Number 1 record!!!! His messages are resonsting! Love to see it. Thanks again for your thoughts. I enjoy listening to you so much!

[@mattmorrisson9607]

There's so much to say about this trilogy of videos, and you already said so much of it beautifully, Doug. I think what has been coming up for me as I've watched them over and over is that they make me feel uncomfortable in some unique way that I can't put my finger on. I typically avoid that kind of discomfort, I dislike it, and I don't see the importance or value in it, but there is something, thus far intangible to me, about Ren that bypasses that filter for me and allows me to sit with it and move me like nobody else. Money Game 3, in particular brings me to the edge of tears more and more the more I listen to it. Instead of being desensitized to it by knowing what is coming, I find myself becoming more moved by it. Thank you Ren, and thank you Doug, for this reaction and commentary.

[@MarkTomblin]

Your comments about choir, forgive the pun, struck a chord. Ren himself has used several simple choral samples in his album. Cooperation is a key part of Ren's own personal ethos.

[@matthawley7935]

Beautiful reaction. Nail on the head got it. Chapeau. 👏👏👏

[@bklhappy]

Thank you for your thoughtful commentary. Ren is brilliant and his music hits on such a deep level and what is going on at this point in time…so profound, powerful and entertaining ❤

[@timeshiftedprios5564]

Finally someone that does all 3 of them at once. Just for that fact, you got a new sub :D

[@colinanderson1349]

Great reaction, really enjoyed watching this. Thanks.

[@siwlasilva]

Think: this was put together with so little money that they couldn't repeat the rain scene if needed because they didn't had the money for another suit or time enough to wait for it to dry...

[@allisonal]

I think it was also done this way as a callback to part 1, where they also had only had one shot at filming the oil scene at the end. Part 1 truly was done on a shoestring budget, in a borrowed parking garage in the middle of the night. The cinematographer, Sam, said that one of his roles was to hide behind a pole watching the monitor, and cut the take before Ren poured the oil if anything looked wrong. For part 3 they put in a sneaky cut as the camera passes behind the wheelchair, to ease the process a bit and minimize the risk of losing a day’s work due to issues with the rain at the end.

[@acyned8079]

Thank you for reacting to this Doug. I'm glad you got to hear about this. I'm still shocked by Part 3 and trying to understand the message. I feel like we all need to do a lot of pondering and take action about this.

[@lemurskin1234]

Check out the origin of Shell Oil. Ren is thorough.

[@dalemurray1318]

I was a High School athlete, What I was taught was "Only Winning Matters" and "If the Refs don't see it, it's not a foul" Who was it that said "If you aren't cheating. You're not really trying"

[@wakkoedu]

It's so amazing seeying you envolving your experience with Ren over those past reactions. It's like see a flow blossom. Keep going!

[@WanderlustWarrior46]

Ren got number 1 in the UK album charts last night. For an independent artist, it's an incredible achievement. Add in all the health issues and obstacles he faces, and it's just beyond amazing. There is a video of him finding out which made me cry with joy 😊 . I'll find the link and send it in a reply. I'm so proud of him and the global community(RENagades) he's managed to cultivate. He's insanely talented and deserves everything he is getting g at the moment. My journey started with hi ren when I was in a dark place, and it saved me, so thank you, @renmakesmusic , for everything you give us. Peace and love to you all

[@zed4225]

I feel you, glad you discovered the light again, it's a pendulum, go with the flow but always see tomorrow. Peace and love to you, whatta journey this young man is taking us all on. Lifting us ALL up with him❤

[@WanderlustWarrior46]

@zed4225 thanks for the comment yes that's it it's a pendulum from the light to dark 😀 the day I heard hiren (5am) I was up form 3am and had decided that I was gonna have a coffee and take my life then checked mu messages and a friend had sent me the song hi ren and I just let go of all the pain and cried and cried listening over and over it was so cathartic. Sorry went off on a rant you didn't ask for. Just very thankful and inspired by ren

[@LeeannG]

WHOA You did them all!!! ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@paulmccarragher4106]

I find it amazing that a single person in a few minutes can explain the world to a Tee. His talent through this and many others of his songs and the angst that he can generate makes one listen even when they know they cant handle the message.

[@jurgenp8764]

29:29 -till the end: so much truth and wisdom -thank you!!!! here in germany we have a saying: "da letzte Hemd hat keine Taschen" meaning the last shirt you wear (when u are buried) doesn't have pockets so you cant take your money with you when you die - spend your money wisely. Seeing you sepeechlees after these performances is priceless and reflects my own reaction.

[@traisaighkeane2521]

yup as we say " no pockets inyour shroud...(/body bag)

[@lisavalentine8877]

Another reaction from a visual artist pointed out that in the first installment, when we're so tense about what he's doing to the poor guy on the guitar, he gave him a face by drawing eyes on the hood; making it harder to just dismiss his existence.

[@johneicher7914]

Yes. the eyes were very significant. I believe it represented overall awareness. No longer "in the middle we sleep". Once he had awareness, he stopped the gas can (money game hypocrisy ). I also thought it was very interesting that he raised the guitar to stop it. Representing the power of music.

[@cecilyshea444]

I love that your reaction at the end of one is literally the same as mine at the end of the 1st and last parts. That a solute shock and "No, no ,no!" Ren reaches down to the most visceral and unpleasant bits of ourselves, pulls them into the light and gives us the option to change it.

[@rogerstarkey5390]

Doug Look behind you. Dark side of the moon. Money. 50 year anniversary. . Ren is carrying their baton.

[@andy2950]

Did you notice the gun went click? No shot. Jimmy didn't kill himself. Jimmy killed the money game in his mind.

[@elliew2710]

Ooh, yes! I took the click as a 'When it all clicked,' like, an ah-ha moment.

[@wendyweedwhacker]

Now I feel dumb😂. Ty for that nugget of insight

[@celtzen]

TY! That was my take when I watched as well... wordplay- he came in out of the rain-> he learned better --> pulled the trigger on _the game_

[@aarondirt]

they say you never hear the bullet

[@alisonancell6047]

Ren, visualises the imagery of these emotionally hard hitting videos as he is writing his lyrics. He truly is a creative genius.

[@bethosbornefischer3315]

Thanks for a review of the entire arc of the Money Game songs. Like The Tales, there is an entirely different feel to it. A few things to think about: First, The "10 steps" of economics in a nursery rhyme, is not only an incredibly series of bars, but it is influenced by the history of the Shell Oil conglomerate. They literally went from selling shells to oil. Second, Ren has co-opted elements of the 10 steps to change the way things work. He has zeroed in on "influencers, product placement, featured prime time entertainment" **BUT he has done so in a way that does not sacrifice others for his success**. What I mean by that is that Ren has chosen to *cooperate* with the YT reaction community to push his music, but he waves his copyright claims, so that reactors can monetize their work. As the tide of interest in, and love for, Ren's music rises, the many boats that make up the reaction community are rising as well. It should also be noted that it is even becoming a point in the Ren fan community to watch Ren's videos on his channel, but then *also* visit the pages of as many reactors as we can to boost their reactions, and to share reactors content among ourselves to boost their subscriber counts. Ren utilizes social media and the premier function on YT to directly engage with his fanbase and keep the energy and anticipation high. He has created a less harmful, and more beneficial, way to play The Money Game. Lastly, for those who are just learning about Ren, a lot of his music is like this--full of layers that you can investigate at your leisure, and some that will ambush you.

[@auburnstanchannel3884]

Great reaction Doug! Found your channel a while back and found Ren a little bit earlier. I have watched all of your Ren and many other of your reactions, and not only do we have similar tastes and views, but I also truly appreciate the way you breakdown the art. Keep up the good work.

[@carolweight5972]

Same as the others, I have been looking forward to your reaction to these. And yea not disappointed just brilliant thank you

[@mattutes]

"When the cello drops like this. I'm losing it" 😊

[@Jinxy44]

Visual representation of the chorus. Ren is amazing.

[@andrewwallace4481]

What a Brill idea all Three 🤟👍👏

[@serenamizuki3960]

Really appreciated your reaction to Money Game pt.3. it's so lovely to see so many different types of people, from different perspectives and educational backgrounds view and enjoy that masterpiece for what it is 💜

[@jflo2023]

Ren's skills come through in everything he does. He's an admirable person, as seen in the sentiments of his lyrics an intelligent person as seen in his interviews and a talented storyteller and self taught musician, playing piano and guitar on these videos and composing the strings' parts too. Brilliant. I hope that he finds the good health and endurance to do a live tour one day. This story of The Money Game, sadly. tells the plight of many children who are taught to seek parental approval and never feel that they achieve it. In a conversation with my own child, she told me that she felt that her father and I were disappointed in her, even though we had made sure never to set any precendences for her, praised everything that we admired about her and only ever wanted her to find contentment in life. What I finally realised is that we set precences for our children without being aware of it, her father and I being very adept had already set an unspoken standard, and our praise had also set a standard of expectations, in saying that she was smart, or pretty or whatever, she interpreted that as us wanting her to be smart, or pretty or whatever at a time when she felt that she was neither. Raising children has become so complicated.

[@jorice5528]

Ren is organic in his profound abilities to lyrically, musically, visually & spiritually transport us to the depths of ourselves and makes us look openly & honestly in the mirror ☯️⚛️🙏

[@JulieAiken]

Fantastic reaction! Ren IS overwhelming, but down to earth and funny and thoughtful and profound and goofy... Ren is amazing and the voice of a generation. You and I, Doug, are not of his generation, but he gives me (and I think you) a hope for the future I haven't had in a long while. Thanks!