Here’s a quick update with the latest from one of my favorite duos right now, Daru & Rena. The brother & sister producer/singer (respectively) duo have teamed up again for both a new video and a forthcoming EP.

Their new video, “iLuvYou,” is the lead single to the upcoming, Luv ’09 EP, coming out on the INnatesounds label. The clip was shot at AdiosBabylon in Brooklyn by Chip Monk Films – made up of Eagle Nebula (of the ePistrophik Peach Sound crew) and Protius (who both established artists themselves).

As another lead-up to the new EP, Daru & Rena have released yet another free download project, this time paying tribute to some of their favorite producers. Included in the Producers Luv Tribute EP are 9 tracks, with nods to Dilla, Pete Rock, Nicolay, 9th Wonder, ?uestlove & The Roots, and DJ Premier.

Thanks to Daru and the INnatesounds blog for both of these.

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.