What else should we react to? 🤔 Comment below! Also if you like the song in the outro check out my weird and wild video I filmed with Sam called ‘The Pot & The Kettle’ 🤟th-cam.com/video/2cO8wAXg5u8/w-d-xo.htmlsi=JSnoz4avAaL9aM9O
That’s not just a choir at the beginning, that’s a Welsh Male Choir, singing the language of Arthur. “Salwch yw fy athrawen Fe dorrodd fy ngwên Mae fy esgyrn yn teimlo’n hen Yma y gorwedd corff Ren “Illness is my teacher It broke my smile My bones feel old Here lies the body of Ren”
It’s a traditional Welsh Male Voice Choir consisting entirely of…Ren’s layered voices. Still, how cool would it be to get an actual Welsh Male Voice Choir on one of his tracks? Imagine the chills and goosebumps!
It is awfully impressive how much you know in general, not just rap-wise. Perfect example would be your explanaton of "parallax". You do realise that not too many people know what is it? I also noticed you read a lot of books. Basically, your general knowledge combined with being all in rap, sense of humor, ability to connect the dots and excellent communication skills renders you as (dare I say) best rap/hip-hop reactor on the platform. Respect Mr Hill.
Yeah that's one of his real edges. He's so educated on just whatever. The ability to just pick up a word and turn that into a story/lesson is why I just love Knoxs break downs. It's entertaining, but it's also educational. He's amazing for someone like me who don't have english as a first language.
im999 I have attempted to encapsulate this about Knox a few times. However you have it encapsulated it far better, I concur with all that you commented. 🎈🎈🎈
I really get why Ren appreciates these breakdowns so much. Knox's ability to understand Ren on the deepest of levels must make him feel truly seen for all of his pain and all of his talent. I wish anyone could see me as completely as Knox sees Ren. Few of us ever have this level of connection with another human. It's incredible to witness!
Ren saved me with Hi Ren. I was never able to put words to my disease. I am 20 years into auto immunity and 10 years into psychosis and suicide pain. No one knows or can figure it out. Secondary Progressive MS is what they thought but they cannot say the rest or fix me. I will hold on until my dignity is completely gone. This song is perfect. Love and peace to all
That sucks, I’m so sorry. Have they confirmed the SP MS? Are you able to access any support? Ren’s music’s been helping me through a seemingly never-ending MS relapse, which I’m suspecting might actually be me transitioning into SP MS. Music is therapy, and Ren’s just taken it to a different sphere. Keep on holding on.
I am With you, I have an incurable disfiguring progressive disease. Life is pain. For some of us, more pain than others. For sone of us, the pain is ever increasing. But still. Hold on as long as you can, I am doing the same. REN helps. I love how each of his songs reach me, how they tie back to each other. How they build on each other, making me wonder what is coming next. It is the first time in a long time that I have felt like maybe tomorrow might be better then today, given me something to look forward to. I hope he does the same for you. Hang tough fellow REN fan.
As a middle age white woman, I never thought I'd like rap at all, and yet here I am having been listening to this album nonstop since the moment it was released and rushing over to your channel every time I see a new video. I love all of your breakdowns, and I'm learning something new in every one. Thank you!
Middle-aged white dude, here. I wasn't a huge fan of rap until I started watching Knox's reaction videos. I would always hear people defending rap for its intelligent wordplay and rhyming schemes, but I didn't hear it. I was only listening on the surface. Mr. Hill's breakdowns not only enlightened me and introduced me to the artistry inherent in rap music, he also changed my view of it as a genre. Thank you, sir! 😄❤️
Ten years of chronic never-ending pain. It amazes me that he can turn his into art. All I've managed to do is cry and lose my mind. I'm broken and broke and disabled with autoimmunity and connective tissue as well as chronic pain. Then there's the once under control mental health issues aggravated and reasserting themselves because you can only take so much pain for so long. I have so much respect and admiration for this fantastic, world-changing artist. ❤
Ren has promoted MG3 as a "proof HI Ren wasn't a fluke", but this song is at the same level (or even higher). This paints a perfect image of invisible disease where Ren looks ill, but the full scope isn't apparent until he allows us to swim in his internal world, which is much more brutal, both physically and mentally. The changes of flow coupled with his production choices in the music maintain the experience of dislocation and chaos as listeners don't know what to expect next, the aggression and urgency in Ren's words complementing that as he changes flows, tempos, and ideas from verse to verse. Each metaphor being something one could dwell on for days. It should also be noted that his descriptions of each sin were used in the video portion of each of the riddle for the MG3 Challenge. A challenge which goes to the core of Ren's solution for many of the ills that plague humanity: communal intelligence where we all have value and all contribute for the good of all. Ren gives us such a gift in this album, and I sincerely hope it's rewarded in a fitting manner--not even by accolades and awards, but by people truly hearing what he has to share with us.
Knox Hill. The best technical reactor on YT bar none. Would love you to speak to my music students (at a UK University) about lyrics, rhyming schemes etc. They would learn so much. DM me if interested. Either way, thanks again and another stunning reaction to a stunning Ren track.
Some of you are getting audio, some aren't. Keep reloading the page if you're not. It says the vid is processing but I've checked it on my end and on the TH-cam side and the audio is indeed working and there.
Just helping troubleshoot, I restarted my phone went back in, no audio but when I click on other YT videos I have audio. I can patiently wait, was just wondering if anyone else is having this issue. Hope you are well Knox!
All good on the audio front. I believe the Welsh is: salwch yw fyn athrawon fe dorodd fyn ngwen mae fyn esgyn teimlo'n hen yma y gorwedd gorff ren sickness are my teachers my smile broke my bones feel old here lies the body of Ren
I am a 56 year old white male, lover of great music, and great performances. Ren's, "Hi Ren" captivated me and your commentary is a great performance in and of itself. You are an exceptional commentator. You are very bright. Best of luck in all you do.
Ren's album is a masterpiece. It deserves multiple Grammys. Very deep. Very articulate. Very relatable to those who have lived long enough to experience suffering. Love, love, love the story telling (the world needs more great story tellers and great songwriters who can tell stories.
What stands Knox apart is that he is actually educated and is able to bring that intelligence to his reactions...makes a real difference to all the other reactors who aren't able to unpick the work in the same way.
Ren said the final "stop" was that sudden because it plays well with the beginning of "sick boi" the song as transition. Which tells me he wants us to listen to everything as an entire experience.
Another meaning of parallax is in reference to photography. Parallax is the difference in what the photographer sees when looking through the viewfinder vs what the camera sensor sees. When Ren says eternal parallax, I think he means that people aren't able to see things from his point of view because they haven't experienced what he has, a mental/emotional parallax effect.
We all need to buckle up-- The writing ✍️ on this track is mind blowing 🤯REN is just getting started. Also as someone who is always suffering from the same DX and other medical issues. I’ve never in my life connected with someone who can explain my personal headspace and the failure of my body. I’m so excited for his next Album…. REN- I’m so thankful for the conversations you are starting…. Also No one can Break down like KNOX.💯 Love and light to everyone suffering INVISIBLE illnesses💕
I can fully identify with you, and this song. I may not suffer from the same maladies, but I ride my own invisable, and even visable pain suffering. This song is fucking amazing, I am going to be DLing/owning this one. Thank you Knox, and rachel, for this.
His next album will be more guitar and singing based. He announced it himself. And i am extremely excited what he will be able to transport to us whis that album. Awesome artist. Maybe the greatest alive !
I can totally understand Ren, I’m 66 & suffer from RSD/CRPS along with Lyme disease…His music is phenomenal …Knox, I also enjoy listening to your channel !!!
I was diagnosed with one thing after another from 1995. In 2019 I was diagnosed with early onset dementia & ME/CFS. I was literally screaming ‘like fuck am I going down without a fight.’ It was only having my nursing degree from 1990 & putting together pieces of information with my very limited reading ability that I discovered I had Lyme disease, confirmed by private tests in Germany. I absolutely love Ren & his genius creativity. He’s also an incredibly compassionate, kind & caring soul who has the rare human talent of real empathy 💚
Fun fact about parallax and the equation used to actually calculate the distance to a star. its based on the very basic rules of triangles that no one side can be greater than the sum of two others and all angles must add to 180 degrees. It's a really cool application of elementary school math.
Seven Sins is probably my favourite song from Sick Boi, it's HARD to just pick one, but as you say I love how it sets the tone for the album, the deep, raw and vulnerable lyrics, the symbolism, the switches, the comebacks to Sick Boi the song, that beginning in Welsh with the choir-like vibe instantly hooked me... This song just has it all. I knew you were gonna love it. Great reaction as always!
“Have you ever felt pain?” … well yes I have Ren, thanks for asking 😁. For 20 years I’ve lived with what is frequently called “the suicide disease”, rated one of the most painful conditions on the McGill pain scale (42-47/50).. that never stops, it’s 24/7/365…. So this song sure is talking to me… and all us chronic illness survivors 🙌 thanks for voicing our thoughts Ren. And thanks for the deep dives Knox… you bring Ren’s words even more to life with your analysis 👏
Kia ora. So sorry to hear about your condition. I can't even begin to imagine the pain you go through. I know there's different medications for it and I hope you are managing it as best you can.
@@jleo8656 Mōrena 🙂 thanks for your comment 👍 yes I am managed pretty well and am very grateful to have the medical team I have here in NZ. My access to healthcare and medications is vastly better than many who suffer in other countries. It’s not perfect, but I’m still grateful. Fortunately I am very stoic and don’t let things affect me mentally.. so I’m able to battle through 💪
❤I completely know what you are living! My brother have to live with those atrocious, unimaginable and unbelievably incapacitating crisis of head pain since already 10 long years at least!! I wish you will see the end of those crisis. You are absolutely courageous. xxx
Sending so much aroha, thank you for sharing your experience with chronic illness. I am struggling with manawanui while I try get the help I need here in NZ. I hope you have a good support system around you. It's beautiful to see other kiwi Ren lovers that also deal with chronic illness.
I feel like Ren wanted you on this so you could show off your skills. The amount of knowledge you’re pulling in this react is next level. Gotta catchem all, Ash
The knowledge and skill behind all these reference catches is what puts knox a knock above the rest. Simply golden levels of insight into history, religion, music, literature... and the ability to access it at the snap of his fingers. Watching this is so engaging the whole world disappear around me. Put this man in a vault, one of the biggest treasures on the platform!
I need a ren documentary. His music would be perfect in it and he already works with videography often. I want him to tell his whole story through his music and his videos. Idk about everyone else but that would be so perfect
The fact that this was never intended to be a song is what makes me love this so much more. The numerology & symbolism had me screaming in the car when I first heard this. My absolute fave track on this album. Knox-your breakdowns are incredible. You catch the slightest things and your wealth of knowledge always has me coming back to these!!
Random note: parallax can also reference the “parallax effect.” Ie, you’re moving in a car and the objects closer to you pass quickly but the objects further away seem to pass more slowly. There was this really awesome example from a viral video where they were driving in a car and an airplane seem to not be moving but just floating in the air due to the parallax effect. So for this song, time doesn’t pass like it feels like it should. Everything around him moves quickly but he’s always searching for an end to his suffering that never seems to move.
I’m so glad Ren asked you to react to this, I’ve been listening to this song on repeat, I love them all, but there’s just something about this one song for me, but I’m not smart enough to understand or pick up on a lot of things you do, which is why I love your reactions, Knox. It makes me love something I already loved on a deeper level and I appreciate it so much
Best reaction I’ve ever heard. Uncovering the depth of REN’s genius. How does he write these lyrics? He ties everything together understanding that his pain has produced a lyrical, musical, theatrical genius such as we’ve never seen to my memory. The complexity interwoven into incredibly catchy beats and rhythms. Ren really is Music!!
Knox busting out the astrophysics knowledge! As someone that’s been in pain for the last 17’ish years, botched knee operations (on both knees because I’m was an absolute idiot), I feel this song heavily. The hardest part is trying to be upbeat and not let what I’m feeling impact on my family. I’ll spare anyone reading from having to read the rest off the medical crap, other than saying seizures just f’ing suck. Ren’s ability to focus, and channel the pain of what he goes through, never ceases to amaze me.
Sending so much love to you from across the world. Thank you for sharing your experiences with chronic illness. May you be comforted with only the comfiest pillows ever. Knees are dumb :(
So - Professor of intrinsic comprehension Your artist’s perception insight interpretation. Cognisance conception Reaction to The art of Ren Top shelf young man. ✊👍👍🤝🤘🖖
Welsh! Edit: totally unnecessary comment 😅 . I love that you started covering ren. I found you both seperately and i remember a few yrs ago i started asking you to react to him. You've introduced me to a bunch of great artists and it's so nice to find someone who actually goes into depth instead of merely making faces at the camera and saying things like, "whoa!". Basically, thank you ❤ BUT, let it be was written by McCartney.. and it always annoyed me tht lennons killer obviously didnt understand the existentialist salinger really was.
We got so much material from the album before it was released, and yet this little gem was hidden away from us, to surprise and blow us away as the opening track of the album! Love the violins, love the lyrics, love the hard beats! I would love to see a "live music video" for this one! 🔥
I’m biased for the strings 😂. I play the violin, cello, and guitar. That said, I love the variety of textured sounds and the many layers that flawlessly interweave. This is more orchestral. The cherry on top is the beautiful poetry over it.
16:29 In my eyes, the Martin Luther line could also relate to Martin Luther, who questioned the Catholic Church leading to the Protestant Reformation, and eventually the founding of Lutheranism. He was persecuted during that time and the Pope and Emperor wanted him killed, but Prince Frederick hid him, preventing his death. Now, it doesn’t fully apply because he wasn’t killed, he died of a stroke at 62, but I feel it could also apply because they wanted him dead because he began the Protestant Reformation after seeing the greed and corruption in the Catholic Church.
I listen to a large range of music and this might be the best opening track for an album I've ever heard. I've said this on every reactors comments but there is something about this song. I love rens music old and new but this one lives in my head rent free.
Once again Knox delivered. I keep typing the same thing but I learned so more about this song and thanks to you. I am a non-native English speaker but I appreciates Ren's skills. Your breakdown helps me a lot. Thank you, Knox.🙏🏼
"“Only in silence the word, Only in dark the light, Only in dying life: Bright the hawk's flight On the empty sky." The Creation of Éa ― Ursula K. Le Guin
Ok i can finally hear it. Knox it amazes me how you know all of his references like yall have been simultaneously going down the same rabbit holes of information throughout your lives. Love this reaction as always. Im sure you nailed the welsh translation as well 😂😂😂😂😂🧡🧡🧡🧡
as a chronic pain and mental health sufferer, this song, and many of ren's works, resonate with me very well. it's like ren's music gives me a means to scream out how my brain really feels, how my body feels like it betrays me on the daily, and how my brain with cptsd anxiety depression and panic disorder likes to to*&-re me when I never wanted any of it in the first place.
This is my favorite Ren song. The ending with the list of the sins is absolutely masterful, and it gives me chills every single time I listen to it. He's truly a modern day minstrel and I can't wait for the rest of his career. Thanks for being such a good friend and for the great reactions and analysis as always!
I love Seven Sins - the lyrics, the instrumentation, the flow switches, everything! Thanks for the fantastic break down of the song Knox! Great job as always. Excited forward your new song tomorrow!
Another commenter called this song a synthesis of the album which fits with the fact that this was the last one written. Great review that pulled out so much more for me to ponder on.
Sin 6 (22.06) sounds very much like a hark back to the Gravediggaz, i loved the way they accentuated single words ! Ren delivers the words with menace and meaning, awesome stuff
So not sure if someone already mentioned this, I didn't see it in the comment. Belly of the Beast isn't a twist on "the number of the beast". It is a literary term meaning the lowest point in the story. Jonah in the whale, Luke and party in the trash compactor, etc. Yes there is often a trend of decent with it, though it is not necessary. So "trying to find peace in the belly of the beast" is a way of saying trying to find peace when things are at there worst.
This is by far the best track on Sick Boi IMHO. As good as all the other tracks are (MG3 is freaking awesome) this track shows where Ren might be going next and - like Knox - I love that plucking sound.
Think this is actually my favourite of all Ren's tracks - and I LOVE pretty well everything else. The perfect blend of the beat, the cadences, the switch ups and the poetry of the lyrics - just an awesome way to start the album. The best thing? this is one of the 2 tracks that he wrote this year (MG3 being the other one) ... which means his trajectory is simply astonishing.
Your commentary is outrageously insightful. Are you really reacting on the spot because you don’t miss a thing. Like Ren, you are in a class all by yourself. Thank You
@knoxHill I've to compliment you as being the one with the most extensive ans interesting breakdowns of Ren's songs from a language and layer perspective and also from a poetic and technical perspective. Rap has never been that interesting for me but you have made it. And your authentic presentation is a joy to watch. Keep it up!
It’s an absolute pleasure to watch your mind race, trying (quite successfully) to keep up with Ren’s mind. Your intelligence shines through. Thank you.
Artist like Ren has never come around he is the most underated music artist out there absolutely amazing cant wait for the journey we are so lucky to experience this
You are so handsome and so eloquent with words I love your reacts to....... . With your explanations Ren became one of my favourite singers. Your english is even for not nativ speakers good to understand with this you make me understand Ren.
Hi Knox, you know the tv monitor in the hospital that shows your heart rate, and the line graph. The line is still for a minute, then it blips (that's hope), your break-down is my heart rate, racing. Doesn't quite measure up. Unplugged...Peace😌❤☝️🤓
You blow my mind how you know about every reference let alone catch them and so knowledgeable about random things like seraphim, John Lennon story, 6&7 to make 13, for example
Hey Knox, you’ve really got me thinking about the numbers six and seven, and what they represent. Like you say, add them together and we get thirteen and all that brings, but if you multiply six and seven we get forty-two. Life, the universe and everything? Ren has it all covered! This is an awesome reaction video. You get right into Ren’s lyrics. Awesome!
This is so 🔥 It's really relatable of course, but just so raw. One thing you can't take away from Ren is his talent, but his ability to be vulnerable and show other's that it's more than ok to show the dark parts of you.
I love so much how you're talking about your feeling of tracks creations; : And about your friend REN and especially with "SEVEN SINS" ! That's it's for me his Master Piece
Wow. I love your reaction... definitely my favorite to date! OMG your comments on Ren's back story connect a lot of dots for me. Thank you, Knox for taking me along for this amazing ride!
REN has taken over the number 1 spot in the UK charts! We can make a difference and help independent artist make it to the top of the charts!!!! Way to go to us and REN!!!!!
Ahhh! The Master masters the Master - Loooooove it!! Your impressive & knowledgable break downs have helped your & Ren’s fans understand & appreciate his journey….to #1 (this is destined, feel it in my bones) Let’s gooooo “Renolds” 😝
What else should we react to? 🤔 Comment below! Also if you like the song in the outro check out my weird and wild video I filmed with Sam called ‘The Pot & The Kettle’ 🤟th-cam.com/video/2cO8wAXg5u8/w-d-xo.htmlsi=JSnoz4avAaL9aM9O
Bro, check out a band called wage war. Song called low is a perfect starting point.
Beth Hart is defiantly worth a look
Aesop Rock - Mindful Solutionism
War With Us BY KING VON PLEASE
Loved pot and the kettle
Love you brother ❤
Love that y’all are friends.
Love you dad
Hi Ren. Been grooving to your tunes since the album dropped. ❤️
Love you too Dad!!!
Aww and we love u both
That’s not just a choir at the beginning, that’s a Welsh Male Choir, singing the language of Arthur.
“Salwch yw fy athrawen
Fe dorrodd fy ngwên
Mae fy esgyrn yn teimlo’n hen
Yma y gorwedd corff Ren
“Illness is my teacher
It broke my smile
My bones feel old
Here lies the body of Ren”
I appreciated Knox's translation! LMAO
Ren actually said on a livestream that it was all him singing at the beginning, layered
Thank you for writing this. I didn't have the energy 😂
Diolch yn fawr iawn 😊
well done bach!
It’s a traditional Welsh Male Voice Choir consisting entirely of…Ren’s layered voices. Still, how cool would it be to get an actual Welsh Male Voice Choir on one of his tracks? Imagine the chills and goosebumps!
It is awfully impressive how much you know in general, not just rap-wise. Perfect example would be your explanaton of "parallax". You do realise that not too many people know what is it? I also noticed you read a lot of books. Basically, your general knowledge combined with being all in rap, sense of humor, ability to connect the dots and excellent communication skills renders you as (dare I say) best rap/hip-hop reactor on the platform. Respect Mr Hill.
Yeah that's one of his real edges. He's so educated on just whatever. The ability to just pick up a word and turn that into a story/lesson is why I just love Knoxs break downs. It's entertaining, but it's also educational. He's amazing for someone like me who don't have english as a first language.
im999 I have attempted to encapsulate this about Knox a few times. However you have it encapsulated it far better, I concur with all that you commented. 🎈🎈🎈
I would agree with that statement 100%.
What they said😂
Agree, probably why he and REN get on.
I really get why Ren appreciates these breakdowns so much. Knox's ability to understand Ren on the deepest of levels must make him feel truly seen for all of his pain and all of his talent. I wish anyone could see me as completely as Knox sees Ren. Few of us ever have this level of connection with another human. It's incredible to witness!
It's a bromance almost like no other. It makes for great watching and long may their friendship and professional partnership continue
I fully agree!
Very well said.
I love the line :
'A bed where I never Deep rest,
a bed where I'm always Depressed.'
Such great word play.
Ren's brilliant writing + Knox's brilliant breakdown and analysis = pure joy
The beginning (Welsh) translates:
Illness is my teacher
My smile broke
My bones feel old
Here lies Ren's body
(Seven Sins)❣️
Ren saved me with Hi Ren. I was never able to put words to my disease. I am 20 years into auto immunity and 10 years into psychosis and suicide pain. No one knows or can figure it out. Secondary Progressive MS is what they thought but they cannot say the rest or fix me. I will hold on until my dignity is completely gone. This song is perfect. Love and peace to all
❤✌️
That sucks, I’m so sorry. Have they confirmed the SP MS? Are you able to access any support? Ren’s music’s been helping me through a seemingly never-ending MS relapse, which I’m suspecting might actually be me transitioning into SP MS. Music is therapy, and Ren’s just taken it to a different sphere. Keep on holding on.
I am With you, I have an incurable disfiguring progressive disease. Life is pain. For some of us, more pain than others. For sone of us, the pain is ever increasing. But still. Hold on as long as you can, I am doing the same. REN helps. I love how each of his songs reach me, how they tie back to each other. How they build on each other, making me wonder what is coming next. It is the first time in a long time that I have felt like maybe tomorrow might be better then today, given me something to look forward to. I hope he does the same for you. Hang tough fellow REN fan.
✌️to you .
Sending so much love and comfy pillows. Thank you for sharing your experience with chronic illness. I appreciate you
Per Ren the opening--sung in Welsh--is a "Eulogy to Myself". Sickness is my teacher...It broke my smile...my bones feel old...here lies Ren's body.
As a middle age white woman, I never thought I'd like rap at all, and yet here I am having been listening to this album nonstop since the moment it was released and rushing over to your channel every time I see a new video. I love all of your breakdowns, and I'm learning something new in every one. Thank you!
Middle-aged white dude, here. I wasn't a huge fan of rap until I started watching Knox's reaction videos. I would always hear people defending rap for its intelligent wordplay and rhyming schemes, but I didn't hear it. I was only listening on the surface. Mr. Hill's breakdowns not only enlightened me and introduced me to the artistry inherent in rap music, he also changed my view of it as a genre. Thank you, sir! 😄❤️
@@divinesoul23 10000% all of that. Well said
I can join the club 😅
Same! My husband thinks I’m nuts 😂
❤❤❤
Ten years of chronic never-ending pain. It amazes me that he can turn his into art. All I've managed to do is cry and lose my mind. I'm broken and broke and disabled with autoimmunity and connective tissue as well as chronic pain. Then there's the once under control mental health issues aggravated and reasserting themselves because you can only take so much pain for so long.
I have so much respect and admiration for this fantastic, world-changing artist.
❤
Ren has promoted MG3 as a "proof HI Ren wasn't a fluke", but this song is at the same level (or even higher). This paints a perfect image of invisible disease where Ren looks ill, but the full scope isn't apparent until he allows us to swim in his internal world, which is much more brutal, both physically and mentally.
The changes of flow coupled with his production choices in the music maintain the experience of dislocation and chaos as listeners don't know what to expect next, the aggression and urgency in Ren's words complementing that as he changes flows, tempos, and ideas from verse to verse. Each metaphor being something one could dwell on for days.
It should also be noted that his descriptions of each sin were used in the video portion of each of the riddle for the MG3 Challenge. A challenge which goes to the core of Ren's solution for many of the ills that plague humanity: communal intelligence where we all have value and all contribute for the good of all.
Ren gives us such a gift in this album, and I sincerely hope it's rewarded in a fitting manner--not even by accolades and awards, but by people truly hearing what he has to share with us.
Very well said!
Honestly, Knox, the knowledge in your head is almost as fascinating as Ren's music...almost. LOL
Knox Hill. The best technical reactor on YT bar none. Would love you to speak to my music students (at a UK University) about lyrics, rhyming schemes etc. They would learn so much. DM me if interested. Either way, thanks again and another stunning reaction to a stunning Ren track.
Some of you are getting audio, some aren't. Keep reloading the page if you're not. It says the vid is processing but I've checked it on my end and on the TH-cam side and the audio is indeed working and there.
Just helping troubleshoot, I restarted my phone went back in, no audio but when I click on other YT videos I have audio. I can patiently wait, was just wondering if anyone else is having this issue. Hope you are well Knox!
@@SoullessGingersnaps Seems to be working fine on desktop. Maybe it's just taking a little longer on phones
It’s fine for me on my I Pad and I Phone
@@KnoxHill yep all good on desktop
All good on the audio front. I believe the Welsh is:
salwch yw fyn athrawon
fe dorodd fyn ngwen
mae fyn esgyn teimlo'n hen
yma y gorwedd gorff ren
sickness are my teachers
my smile broke
my bones feel old
here lies the body of Ren
I am a 56 year old white male, lover of great music, and great performances. Ren's, "Hi Ren" captivated me and your commentary is a great performance in and of itself. You are an exceptional commentator. You are very bright. Best of luck in all you do.
Ren's album is a masterpiece. It deserves multiple Grammys. Very deep. Very articulate. Very relatable to those who have lived long enough to experience suffering. Love, love, love the story telling (the world needs more great story tellers and great songwriters who can tell stories.
Your Welsh translation is absolutely accurate. Well done Knox 👏
🤣🤣 I do what I can
With everything knox knows, I wouldn't be surprised if he actually does randomly know welsh
@@codyjohnson6427 I thought you were going to say that with all Knox knows about Ren, he likely knows that he does have a huge dong haha
What stands Knox apart is that he is actually educated and is able to bring that intelligence to his reactions...makes a real difference to all the other reactors who aren't able to unpick the work in the same way.
I love Knox and ren they are two of my favourite people on this platform and they deserve all the success
Do you know Harry Mack? He's dope as well!
@@luigimario4458 ye he is dope aswell
💯 both great
Ren said the final "stop" was that sudden because it plays well with the beginning of "sick boi" the song as transition.
Which tells me he wants us to listen to everything as an entire experience.
Knox’s analysis adds so much to understanding the complexity and skill of how Ren crafts his lyrics. Love the breakdown.
Another meaning of parallax is in reference to photography. Parallax is the difference in what the photographer sees when looking through the viewfinder vs what the camera sensor sees. When Ren says eternal parallax, I think he means that people aren't able to see things from his point of view because they haven't experienced what he has, a mental/emotional parallax effect.
We all need to buckle up-- The writing ✍️ on this track is mind blowing 🤯REN is just getting started. Also as someone who is always suffering from the same DX and other medical issues. I’ve never in my life connected with someone who can explain my personal headspace and the failure of my body. I’m so excited for his next Album…. REN- I’m so thankful for the conversations you are starting…. Also No one can Break down like KNOX.💯 Love and light to everyone suffering INVISIBLE illnesses💕
100% agree!
I can fully identify with you, and this song. I may not suffer from the same maladies, but I ride my own invisable, and even visable pain suffering. This song is fucking amazing, I am going to be DLing/owning this one. Thank you Knox, and rachel, for this.
His next album will be more guitar and singing based. He announced it himself. And i am extremely excited what he will be able to transport to us whis that album. Awesome artist. Maybe the greatest alive !
@@AttrickEnning I know and I’m so stoked. I also completely agree with you. His music is so much more than just sound, it’s ART 💕
@@Solange-h8e I believe we are all surviving something and that’s why he is so relatable. Stay strong, keep fighting 💕
I can totally understand Ren, I’m 66 & suffer from RSD/CRPS along with Lyme disease…His music is phenomenal …Knox, I also enjoy listening to your channel !!!
Sending so much love your way. Thank you for sharing your experience with chronic illness and pain. I see you. ❤
I was diagnosed with one thing after another from 1995. In 2019 I was diagnosed with early onset dementia & ME/CFS. I was literally screaming ‘like fuck am I going down without a fight.’ It was only having my nursing degree from 1990 & putting together pieces of information with my very limited reading ability that I discovered I had Lyme disease, confirmed by private tests in Germany. I absolutely love Ren & his genius creativity. He’s also an incredibly compassionate, kind & caring soul who has the rare human talent of real empathy 💚
Your interpretation of parallax, my friend. *chef’s kiss* This is why you’re at the top of the reaction game
Fun fact about parallax and the equation used to actually calculate the distance to a star. its based on the very basic rules of triangles that no one side can be greater than the sum of two others and all angles must add to 180 degrees. It's a really cool application of elementary school math.
Seven Sins is probably my favourite song from Sick Boi, it's HARD to just pick one, but as you say I love how it sets the tone for the album, the deep, raw and vulnerable lyrics, the symbolism, the switches, the comebacks to Sick Boi the song, that beginning in Welsh with the choir-like vibe instantly hooked me... This song just has it all. I knew you were gonna love it. Great reaction as always!
“Have you ever felt pain?” … well yes I have Ren, thanks for asking 😁. For 20 years I’ve lived with what is frequently called “the suicide disease”, rated one of the most painful conditions on the McGill pain scale (42-47/50).. that never stops, it’s 24/7/365…. So this song sure is talking to me… and all us chronic illness survivors 🙌 thanks for voicing our thoughts Ren. And thanks for the deep dives Knox… you bring Ren’s words even more to life with your analysis 👏
Kia ora. So sorry to hear about your condition. I can't even begin to imagine the pain you go through. I know there's different medications for it and I hope you are managing it as best you can.
@@jleo8656 Mōrena 🙂 thanks for your comment 👍 yes I am managed pretty well and am very grateful to have the medical team I have here in NZ. My access to healthcare and medications is vastly better than many who suffer in other countries. It’s not perfect, but I’m still grateful. Fortunately I am very stoic and don’t let things affect me mentally.. so I’m able to battle through 💪
❤I completely know what you are living! My brother have to live with those atrocious, unimaginable and unbelievably incapacitating crisis of head pain since already 10 long years at least!! I wish you will see the end of those crisis. You are absolutely courageous. xxx
Sending so much aroha, thank you for sharing your experience with chronic illness. I am struggling with manawanui while I try get the help I need here in NZ. I hope you have a good support system around you. It's beautiful to see other kiwi Ren lovers that also deal with chronic illness.
@@HeleneOrraggan I wish your brother strength as he deals with this awful situation. Kia Kaha!
I feel like Ren wanted you on this so you could show off your skills. The amount of knowledge you’re pulling in this react is next level.
Gotta catchem all, Ash
The knowledge and skill behind all these reference catches is what puts knox a knock above the rest. Simply golden levels of insight into history, religion, music, literature... and the ability to access it at the snap of his fingers. Watching this is so engaging the whole world disappear around me. Put this man in a vault, one of the biggest treasures on the platform!
YESSERY!! Totally agree with you! 🎉❤
I need a ren documentary. His music would be perfect in it and he already works with videography often. I want him to tell his whole story through his music and his videos. Idk about everyone else but that would be so perfect
Ren is the most talented person 💗 in current times. I think he is amazing 👏. Everyone needs to buy Sick Boi album. ❤❤❤❤❤❤
You missed the Fo-Ren-Sick (Forensic) line at about 13:40
The fact that this was never intended to be a song is what makes me love this so much more. The numerology & symbolism had me screaming in the car when I first heard this. My absolute fave track on this album.
Knox-your breakdowns are incredible. You catch the slightest things and your wealth of knowledge always has me coming back to these!!
Knox Hill not sure who is more genius, you for being able to interpret and explain this artistic masterpiece or Ren for creating it.
Knox over here giving astrology lessons during a music review. 🤣
Random note: parallax can also reference the “parallax effect.” Ie, you’re moving in a car and the objects closer to you pass quickly but the objects further away seem to pass more slowly. There was this really awesome example from a viral video where they were driving in a car and an airplane seem to not be moving but just floating in the air due to the parallax effect.
So for this song, time doesn’t pass like it feels like it should. Everything around him moves quickly but he’s always searching for an end to his suffering that never seems to move.
In terms of pure vibe - this is the track that hits me hardest on the album. Love it.
I’m so glad Ren asked you to react to this, I’ve been listening to this song on repeat, I love them all, but there’s just something about this one song for me, but I’m not smart enough to understand or pick up on a lot of things you do, which is why I love your reactions, Knox. It makes me love something I already loved on a deeper level and I appreciate it so much
👍🏽✌🏼🐷
Best reaction I’ve ever heard. Uncovering the depth of REN’s genius. How does he write these lyrics? He ties everything together understanding that his pain has produced a lyrical, musical, theatrical genius such as we’ve never seen to my memory. The complexity interwoven into incredibly catchy beats and rhythms. Ren really is Music!!
Knox busting out the astrophysics knowledge!
As someone that’s been in pain for the last 17’ish years, botched knee operations (on both knees because I’m was an absolute idiot), I feel this song heavily. The hardest part is trying to be upbeat and not let what I’m feeling impact on my family. I’ll spare anyone reading from having to read the rest off the medical crap, other than saying seizures just f’ing suck.
Ren’s ability to focus, and channel the pain of what he goes through, never ceases to amaze me.
Sending so much love to you from across the world. Thank you for sharing your experiences with chronic illness. May you be comforted with only the comfiest pillows ever. Knees are dumb :(
Your knowledge is unreal, what a great team you and Ren make!
I was enjoying this reaction when i got an announcement of Ren going live. He proceeded to Rickroll his entire audience 😮😅😂😢😢😢
So -
Professor
of intrinsic
comprehension
Your artist’s
perception
insight
interpretation.
Cognisance
conception
Reaction
to
The art
of Ren
Top shelf young man.
✊👍👍🤝🤘🖖
This is an example of an excellent reaction to a tremendous album.
Welsh!
Edit: totally unnecessary comment 😅 . I love that you started covering ren. I found you both seperately and i remember a few yrs ago i started asking you to react to him. You've introduced me to a bunch of great artists and it's so nice to find someone who actually goes into depth instead of merely making faces at the camera and saying things like, "whoa!". Basically, thank you ❤ BUT, let it be was written by McCartney.. and it always annoyed me tht lennons killer obviously didnt understand the existentialist salinger really was.
2 artists that are intelligent enough to understand each other i can see a bromance hapoening here 😊
We got so much material from the album before it was released, and yet this little gem was hidden away from us, to surprise and blow us away as the opening track of the album! Love the violins, love the lyrics, love the hard beats! I would love to see a "live music video" for this one! 🔥
I’m biased for the strings 😂. I play the violin, cello, and guitar.
That said, I love the variety of textured sounds and the many layers that flawlessly interweave. This is more orchestral. The cherry on top is the beautiful poetry over it.
16:29 In my eyes, the Martin Luther line could also relate to Martin Luther, who questioned the Catholic Church leading to the Protestant Reformation, and eventually the founding of Lutheranism. He was persecuted during that time and the Pope and Emperor wanted him killed, but Prince Frederick hid him, preventing his death. Now, it doesn’t fully apply because he wasn’t killed, he died of a stroke at 62, but I feel it could also apply because they wanted him dead because he began the Protestant Reformation after seeing the greed and corruption in the Catholic Church.
I also thought that was closer to the topic! But I don't think I could have done the comment justice the way you have!
I listen to a large range of music and this might be the best opening track for an album I've ever heard. I've said this on every reactors comments but there is something about this song. I love rens music old and new but this one lives in my head rent free.
Once again Knox delivered. I keep typing the same thing but I learned so more about this song and thanks to you. I am a non-native English speaker but I appreciates Ren's skills. Your breakdown helps me a lot. Thank you, Knox.🙏🏼
"“Only in silence the word,
Only in dark the light,
Only in dying life:
Bright the hawk's flight
On the empty sky."
The Creation of Éa
― Ursula K. Le Guin
This is like a synthesis of the whole album.Your reaction was great !
Ok i can finally hear it. Knox it amazes me how you know all of his references like yall have been simultaneously going down the same rabbit holes of information throughout your lives. Love this reaction as always. Im sure you nailed the welsh translation as well 😂😂😂😂😂🧡🧡🧡🧡
as a chronic pain and mental health sufferer, this song, and many of ren's works, resonate with me very well. it's like ren's music gives me a means to scream out how my brain really feels, how my body feels like it betrays me on the daily, and how my brain with cptsd anxiety depression and panic disorder likes to to*&-re me when I never wanted any of it in the first place.
This is my favorite Ren song. The ending with the list of the sins is absolutely masterful, and it gives me chills every single time I listen to it. He's truly a modern day minstrel and I can't wait for the rest of his career. Thanks for being such a good friend and for the great reactions and analysis as always!
I love Seven Sins - the lyrics, the instrumentation, the flow switches, everything! Thanks for the fantastic break down of the song Knox! Great job as always. Excited forward your new song tomorrow!
Another commenter called this song a synthesis of the album which fits with the fact that this was the last one written. Great review that pulled out so much more for me to ponder on.
The reactor we love with the reaction we need. Knox is the GOAT at the top of the Hill.
"I would read a book by Ren..." Word!!!! I love the way you listen to his songs and lyrics... thx!!! ❤
You help me sooo much to understand all Rens lyrics and make this track…which I love… better to enjoy!!!❤️❤️❤️
I have never in my life see someone break down lyrics they way that you do. It’s so impressive your brain must be so full all the time.
Been waiting for this and the rest of your reaction to the album! The songs that don't have videos yet are straight 🔥
Let's goooo!! Appreciate you
Btw he reacted to three of them at the end of his recent Live w/ Ren 👍
Sin 6 (22.06) sounds very much like a hark back to the Gravediggaz, i loved the way they accentuated single words ! Ren delivers the words with menace and meaning, awesome stuff
Knox polishes off an epic reaction by making sure the video is dead on 25:00 mins
2+5=7 👏
So not sure if someone already mentioned this, I didn't see it in the comment.
Belly of the Beast isn't a twist on "the number of the beast". It is a literary term meaning the lowest point in the story. Jonah in the whale, Luke and party in the trash compactor, etc. Yes there is often a trend of decent with it, though it is not necessary. So "trying to find peace in the belly of the beast" is a way of saying trying to find peace when things are at there worst.
Definitely my favourite track off what is one of the best albums l’ve heard for a while. Perfect opening track.
This is by far the best track on Sick Boi IMHO. As good as all the other tracks are (MG3 is freaking awesome) this track shows where Ren might be going next and - like Knox - I love that plucking sound.
Think this is actually my favourite of all Ren's tracks - and I LOVE pretty well everything else. The perfect blend of the beat, the cadences, the switch ups and the poetry of the lyrics - just an awesome way to start the album. The best thing? this is one of the 2 tracks that he wrote this year (MG3 being the other one) ... which means his trajectory is simply astonishing.
This was so good I should have had to pay for it. Amazing as always Knox and Ren!!
Don't think I'd ever understand some of Rens references without you incredible breakdowns, genius levels knox, thank you ❤
He also says forensic as For Ren Sick, which is amazing
Your commentary is outrageously insightful. Are you really reacting on the spot because you don’t miss a thing. Like Ren, you are in a class all by yourself. Thank You
@knoxHill I've to compliment you as being the one with the most extensive ans interesting breakdowns of Ren's songs from a language and layer perspective and also from a poetic and technical perspective. Rap has never been that interesting for me but you have made it. And your authentic presentation is a joy to watch. Keep it up!
Also you missed: "At sixes and sevens" is an English idiom used to describe a condition of confusion or disarray. Wikipedia
It’s an absolute pleasure to watch your mind race, trying (quite successfully) to keep up with Ren’s mind. Your intelligence shines through.
Thank you.
Artist like Ren has never come around he is the most underated music artist out there absolutely amazing cant wait for the journey we are so lucky to experience this
You are so handsome and so eloquent with words I love your reacts to....... . With your explanations Ren became one of my favourite singers. Your english is even for not nativ speakers good to understand with this you make me understand Ren.
Hi Knox, you know the tv monitor in the hospital that shows your heart rate, and the line graph. The line is still for a minute, then it blips (that's hope), your break-down is my heart rate, racing. Doesn't quite measure up. Unplugged...Peace😌❤☝️🤓
I love Knox& Ren , 2 of the best guys out there ❤
40 seconds and I am already laughing...:"rough transition". 😂 Knox is the best. Day made, thank you!!
You blow my mind how you know about every reference let alone catch them and so knowledgeable about random things like seraphim, John Lennon story, 6&7 to make 13, for example
Hey Knox, you’ve really got me thinking about the numbers six and seven, and what they represent.
Like you say, add them together and we get thirteen and all that brings, but if you multiply six and seven we get forty-two.
Life, the universe and everything?
Ren has it all covered!
This is an awesome reaction video. You get right into Ren’s lyrics. Awesome!
❤️🔥🫶 Album of the year... hands down! 💞💐
This is so 🔥 It's really relatable of course, but just so raw. One thing you can't take away from Ren is his talent, but his ability to be vulnerable and show other's that it's more than ok to show the dark parts of you.
I love so much how you're talking about your feeling of tracks creations; : And about your friend REN and especially with "SEVEN SINS" ! That's it's for me his Master Piece
Ren is a genius. Glad it doesn’t go over your head. So many of these reaction videos go right over their heads
This track is 🔥🔥the layers, the strings, the lyrics. A great opening to the album. Great reaction.
Wow. I love your reaction... definitely my favorite to date! OMG your comments on Ren's back story connect a lot of dots for me.
Thank you, Knox for taking me along for this amazing ride!
"What in the Saruman, white hand, frodo baggins bars is going down Renolds"😂😂❤️ love love love that!
REN has taken over the number 1 spot in the UK charts! We can make a difference and help independent artist make it to the top of the charts!!!! Way to go to us and REN!!!!!
Man, you don't miss a thing!! How are you so knowledgable?!!!
Ahhh! The Master masters the Master - Loooooove it!! Your impressive & knowledgable break downs have helped your & Ren’s fans understand & appreciate his journey….to #1 (this is destined, feel it in my bones) Let’s gooooo “Renolds” 😝
Love it. Both the construction and the deconstruction of the song. And the meeting of minds. Looking forward to your new song tomorrow.
Knox, I love that you are such a student of language and history. It puts your reactions a step above.
You always do such a great and thorough breakdown. I appreciate it so much. I love this Ren track..so good!
'ForRENsick' I enjoyed that. And, this is one of my fav songs from the album for sure.