yeah i realized that once i saw that video and learned that this version differs from Norns. There was a good 2 hours of frustration before that lightbulb came on. 
what I had initially hoped for was to play MLR like all the instagram and youtube videos ive been watching this past year, but that is clearly going to require a norns.
so for now im in a good spot. I may map a midi controller to my version of mlr, or I may move on for now and try MGC from @IcaroFerre
regardless, I learned a bunch of things today, and that is Rad. thanks to everyone for the help!