Fresh Kept Secrets will be an on-going series on here where I’ll present to you some of my favorite artists who are currently residing just under the average head’s radar, in an attempt to shine some much-needed light their way. This is in no way intended to reflect a lack of accomplishment or promotional efforts in their career thus far. As with all artists featured on Fresh Selects, if you like what you hear please spread the word (just give credit where its due)!
One of my favorite new artists of late has been producer & singer duo, Daru & Rena (respectively). Produced by beatmaker/drummer, Daru Jones, whose distinctive style is known for blurring the lines between sampled & live vocals, as well as breaking the boundaries of sample-based production by utilizing everything from traditional gospel hymns to classic & recent hip-hop joints for his beats. So with that said, it’s no surprise that when he links up with longtime collaborator, Rena, they continue to blur the lines by fusing hip-hop & soul with their shared gospel background, with the outcome being a refreshingly unique sound.
They’ve released one of their most recent albums together, Feel The Love, as a free download on their MySpace pages (linked above) along with a gang of other free projects from Daru & his whole Rusic crew. You can preview some of my favorites from the album below and then get the full download at the bottom of the post.
Daru & Rena “Take Your Hand”
Daru & Rena “Spirit pt 2″ (feat. Tone Trezure)
Daru & Rena “Turn It On”
© 2008 KNNY FRSH. All rights reserved.
daru is that dude. you know he fucks with ozier? i’d like to see a performance of them two.
d
….pause. :)
yeah i saw him on Daru’s page – thats dope.
maybe we should get him out here for Neckbrace
Heat!!!! Thanks for this
Peace Folks! Yo, Daru is my homeboy! Much love to him & his movement… It’s dope, it’s ill, and soooo next level!!! Get with it – support this dude and his vision! ;)
keep it up babe! cant wait to play with you on oct 1
Been puttin’ people on to this for a MINUTE now. The last joint w/ the Common / D’Angelo “Geto Heaven” chop is so crazy. Daru Jones is the truth.
Daru is RIDICULOUS. Who do you know still f*cks with an Akai S20 to bang out beats??