In an era where music often feels overly polished, predictable, and algorithmically engineered, Hi Ren by Ren is a gut-punch of raw emotion, storytelling, and artistry. This track, released in 2022, is more than just a song—it’s a nine-minute journey into the depths of mental health struggles, self-doubt, and artistic triumph. It’s rare for a single performance to feel this vulnerable, theatrical, and powerful all at once.
The song’s structure is unconventional, almost like a dramatic monologue set to music. Ren, armed with only an acoustic guitar and his voice, delivers a gripping performance that plays out like a psychological battle between two opposing voices in his mind. He sits in a hospital gown, playing in a dark, empty room—instantly setting the stage for something deeply personal.
The lyrics embody an internal dialogue, with Ren shifting between a sinister, self-sabotaging persona and his real, struggling self. The performance is so intense and theatrical that it feels like watching a Shakespearean tragedy unfold in real time.
Ren’s vocal delivery is manic, urgent, and unrelenting. He seamlessly switches between aggressive, almost villainous taunts and desperate, sorrowful pleas. The contrast between his voices—one dark and mocking, the other vulnerable and exhausted—creates a haunting dynamic that mirrors the internal battles faced by those dealing with mental illness.
His ability to control his voice, shifting between whispering, screaming, and rapid-fire rapping, makes the song feel alive. There’s no auto-tune, no flashy production—just pure, unfiltered emotion.
The songwriting in Hi Ren is nothing short of poetic. It’s brutally honest, sometimes uncomfortably so, but that’s what makes it so effective. Ren doesn’t sugarcoat his struggles with mental illness, self-doubt, or the uphill battle he’s faced in the music industry. Lines like:
"You think that I’m the reason that I'm feeling so deranged?
Well, I’m about to break your fucking heart and say I blame the blame!"
hit with a weight that’s hard to shake. The wordplay, the rhythm, and the way he builds intensity through repetition make the song feel like an escalating war between himself and his inner demons.
At its core, Hi Ren is carried by a single acoustic guitar, yet it never feels empty. The frantic, Spanish-style fingerpicking adds an eerie, almost hypnotic quality to the track, mirroring the chaos of his mind. As the song progresses, the pace quickens, and the tension builds, creating an unsettling, cinematic effect.
It’s a testament to Ren’s skill as a musician that he can create such a dynamic and emotionally charged experience with nothing but a guitar and his voice.
Beyond its musical brilliance, Hi Ren serves as a statement of resilience. Ren, who has battled Lyme disease for years, channels his pain and struggles into his music, refusing to be silenced. The song’s climax—where he breaks free from the dark voice that’s been tormenting him—is cathartic, not just for him but for anyone who has ever fought against their own mind.
The final lines are a message of hope:
"I’ve seen the light, I’m going to rise like a phoenix out of these flames."
It’s a powerful reminder that no matter how dark things get, there is always a way forward.
Hi Ren is not an easy listen—it’s intense, emotionally raw, and challenges the listener in ways most songs don’t. But that’s exactly what makes it so special. Ren has crafted something deeply personal yet universally relatable, a song that doesn’t just ask for your attention but demands it.
In a world where music often feels disposable, Hi Ren is the kind of track that lingers long after the final note has been played. A masterpiece in storytelling, emotion, and raw talent.