"The X Factor" runner-up Chris Rene has debuted the video for the mid-tempo pop jam, "Young Homie," the first single of Rene's unnamed Post-X-Factor album. After nabbing third place (behind the champ Melanie Amaro and Josh Krajcik) for the inaugural season of the American X-Factor series with this original composition, the 29-year-old launched his professional singing career with the debut of his first music video. "It basically just depicts a really good day in Santa Cruz," Rene said.Originally performed on the show and used to blow away the judges during his audition, "Young Homie" is a celebration of the singer's turbulent life that helped catapult him into the national spotlight. "Chris Rene's unique voice and identity constantly communicate his heartfelt message of love, positivity, and an overcoming of personal adversities," said the song's producer JR Rotem. "You can't help but be inspired by his energy and touched by the genuine and natural quality of his voice."
"Me representing love through my music is the main thing for me," Rene says. "If the world is ever gonna get a chance to see Chris Rene and see what he's about, or see what's going on, this is the song that will capture that...this is me. This is what I like to do, what I love." Rene reintroduces himself to fans via his new clip that highlights his past struggles as he emphasizes a bright and successful future, as well as he reassures a group of tough-looking guys that they can turn around their lives, if they focus on positive things.
Directed by Jeremy Rall, the clip was filmed in Rene's hometown of Santa Cruz and beautifully depicts the people, the places and the streets that inspired him to pen the original record. We see Rene roaming the streets of his youth, bumping into some old friends and throwing up some mad peace signs. Later, Rene strolls through the town's record store, he pops by the skate park and finally ends his visit with a live performance for the entire town. The clip gives viewers a snapshot of the singer's hometown, the places and people he grew up with and the inspiration for the song.
Although the studio version of Young Homie lacks the rawness present in the audition version, it certainly maintains all of the hope and joy that is essentially Chris Rene: the man, the music, and the message. The video has the same simplicity and clarity found in his lyrics. His first album, Soul’d Out provides real insight into his struggles and regrets, but more importantly, his heart and belief in the power of positivity and love. If the upcoming album has half the power to turn a phrase and convey his message as succinctly as Soul’d Out , it will be a monster smash. I can hardly wait. Love Life.