Mental health professional here. Sometimes this job becomes too much to bear and I question why I do what I do but hearing from people like Ren remind me why I do what I do and renew my resolve to carry out my job and help people.

Joe saved Ren's life. And now Ren keeps on giving his own life to everyone else. You ARE changing the world Ren. I hope you can see it. ❤❤

I may not believe in the Divine, but if anyone has a Divine Purpose, it's you. Thank you.

That ''I was about a minute too late...'' has killed me.
I was also about a minute too late for someone. I send you a hug, Ren.

Ren - thank you, thank you, thank you!  I knew about this story, but it still hit hard, I had a friend commit suicide 40 years ago, I've made peace with it, so I know you will too.  The part that I struggled with was your uncomfortableness with sharing too much of yourself, Ren, you given us so much, so much already, if you were to stop now, we would be grateful for what we got, but I know that's not in you to do that, but please give yourself permission to share only what you are comfortable with, you had us at "Hi Ren", so there is nothing we, and I know I speak for all RENegades, wouldn't do to support you, love you, and care for you.  You are our Angel, and you are my hero.  Sending your heart a warm hug.  Please, be well.

I’m 35. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s at 27. Lost a wife and unborn child 7 months later. Your lyrics/words spoken encapsulates every emotion I can no longer express. Thank you for that.

The Ren Effect


It’s his bottle of light
That fills empty cups
It’s his melody that touches our souls
It’s the words that hit home
For the scared and alone
That leads them past the fiery coals
It’s a glimmer of hope
A pause in the scope
That allows us a moment to feel
To connect in a sense
Under no false pretense
To the sounds with a vast loved appeal
It’s his journey embarked
That we feel apart
Watching him grow and transform
In front of our eyes
His music revives
And shields us from the eye of the storm
From mainstream to obscure
His message is pure
He sings, and the audience hears
His guitar is his wand
That tightens the bond
To the things that we all hold most dear
And it’s artists like him
That keep us filled to the brim
With joy that they’re sharing their gift
With something to say
In a meaningful way
Through performances that shouldn’t be missed
He implements ideas
That brings crowds to tears
When evoking emotional tones
Or he’s quick with a pun
In lighthearted fun
Using beats that he made on his own
He’s a writer, producer
A linguistic abuser
Using rhymes that are multi-complex
His schemes are unreal
He’s got skill; the real deal
And he’s not shy to show you or flex
He’s a force on the scene
Far from routine
He’s got a voice that needs to be heard
He’s got an ear for his pitch
That’s melodic and rich
And he’s got talent that’s borderline absurd

“For Joe” hits different after hearing that story

The way I see it, Joe saved Ren so that Ren could go on and make a difference for so many.  Joe is absolutely an angel. ❤

Joe was your angel, and you are our angel.

Joe's story hits me so. fucking. hard. Colton made the permanent decision. I was there. Saw him walking, determined. I called his name, but he ignored it. I thought maybe he was going for a walk, headphones in. Maybe he was meeting someone. After a few minutes he walked up to a tree, and fired four shots into it. One into himself. Leaving six shells on the ground. 5 bullet shells, and one, the shell of a man I looked up to. Thank you, Ren, and community for providing a space to share this. Irl people don't want to hear it.

I'm 51 years old. My wee brother hung himself from a tree 50 metres from his house when I was 19 and he was 17. Ye never get over it. Its with you for life. The aftermath is for life. The immediate aftermath is hell on earth.  I just found you last night and ive been going through your work since. You sir, are a master at describing life. One of the most unique talents ive came across in my life

I've said many times over, since I first saw Hi Ren, that Ren has given us something we have never seen before.  And he keeps doing that over and over again.  I have also commented many times that each and every twitch stream and little instagram update and retake and message from Ren is really him giving himself to us.  Giving his time and his energy to us.  He admitted that here, and I'm just glad he recognizes it.  He has given us so very much of himself.  I'm very grateful and thankful!

The world needs more men like you, Ren

Thank you for so brutally exposing yourself and your story to help shine a light on all those who are missing, and all those we've lost. I hope that people respect your privacy as much as they respect your openness.

i'm crying man. it's so f..cking true emotions in your words, in your song! you are true man, thank you!

Ren (Chinese: 仁, meaning "co-humanity" or "humaneness") is a Confucian virtue meaning the good quality of a virtuous human when reaching for higher ideals or when being altruistic. Ren is exemplified by functional, instinctual, parental feelings and intentions of encouragement and protection for their children. It is considered the outward expression of Confucian ideals.

This made me cry so hard. Thinking of the people I’ve lost, mum.. dad etc. love u REN, a real human, please don’t sell your soul.

Please know this…I believe your divine purpose intuition was a sign. I don’t say that lightly. I’m not particularly religious, I’m not creative, I’m 20 years older and was never the fan girl type. All I know is when ppl tell you how much you’ve helped them they aren’t exaggerating. I battle childhood trauma, depression and anxiety every day. Over a year ago life did a 180 and really fell apart. Somehow, right then, I found Hi Ren. Yes you’re extremely talented and your music speaks to so many, but you’re also passionate, open, empathetic, humble and know how to relate to others without judging because you’ve been there too. So thank you. For your art and your understanding ❤

I hope Ren realizes he already has changed the world (yet I know he has more to do). This 50-something woman in Maryland is grateful for his contribution to humanity; everything from here is just gravy. His musical talent is other-worldly, but he is also an amazing philosopher. I am so sorry for all he’s gone through and I am humbled by the man it produced.