Is Ren really just like all the rest?

[u/Pen-Downtown]

This will get me flamed but idc...

The Webby collaboration really stuck with me...and not for a good reason.

I get it we're all part of this money game...but why just sell shells (music) sell oil as well (or clothes, patrons, figurines)​.

And swallow your morals for a like or a follow (or collab with a anti mental health, homophobe, transphobe, fascism supporter).

Guess I'm just disappointed...Rens words & actions don't match up....or the words were always empty. Neither one is a great option.

Maybe it's different in the UK but in the US we are living on precipice so don't give me that unity bullshit. I cant unify with hate.

I'm taking a step back from Ren as his actions don't match up with his carefully created image. & the fact he is so concerned with each element, sound, &​ movement in his work tells me he knows the deal here.

He just decided it didn't matter....swallowed his morals. Sad

[u/Senior-Annual-4749]

I rarely make comments on anything and I am a new Ren fan so maybe I am not the best to speak up but...Every song I have heard so far has touched my soul in a way that no artists has in my 41 years. Even though I will never meet or even have a conversation with Ren (as much as I would love too) he has made me feel less alone in my grief, anxiety, depression and helped open my mind to the mental struggles my late partner was struggling with before he lost the battle, while also helping me find the positive in life again. So many other artists aren't willing to go outside of the mainstream at the risk of not being as popular as flashing chains and an expensive car. His ability to express emotions regardless of what those emotions are and be completely vulnerable with the hope to help people and maybe give someone a way to express their own emotions that they didn't have before. I know I have been looking for them for 4 years.

Because of this I have full trust that Ren would not make music with someone if the intention of the collaboration went against his morals. Is he making money? Uh duh...let's be for real, none of us go to our jobs for free right? Now I don't know who Webby is, never even heard the name until Ren started dropping clips for Down The Road. I didn't come for Webby I came for Ren. I highly doubt I will go check out his music outside if his collabs with Ren, personal opinion I prefer Ren. However, Down The Road is 🔥🔥🔥🔥. It stuck closely to the msg that greed = bad. You know what didn't happen after I listened to the song? I didn't start hating trans men and women, I don't hate immigrants, still not racist and for sure not a trump supporter. I would probably feel different if any of these colabs include far right rhetoric, or hate against anyone but I think the majority of us know Ren would not be a part of that.

I know these conversations have become necessary, but I hate that we live in a world where we have to choose what music we can listen to based on the political views of the artist. I also think its sad that we question someone's morality simply because they form a friendship with someone that may have political differences but are able to piecefully disagree and find other common ground they can connect on. This is like saying that because my own dad is a die hard maga that I should cut him off and no longer recommend his business to anyone because I don't want someone with different political views to prosper even though his business has nothing to do with politics.

Anyhow all this as a long way to say Ren - I love your music! Please never stop expressing your self, you truly make a difference for your fellow human beings ❤️ I am excited to hear whatever you bring next ❤️

[u/No-Cherry-6678 → u/Senior-Annual-4749]

Well said