If you're still looking for a present for that special music lover, you're not alone. The good news is, there's still time and still plenty of good stuff out there to give as gifts, some of which you might not even have thought of, like DVDs, holiday albums and even books. So with a few gift ideas for you, here's the About.com 2008 Holiday Gift Guide for R&B Fans.
Keep the Faith: A Memoir (Book), Faith Evans
This tell-all book by Faith Evans came out in August 2008 via Grand Central Publishing. It's a must-read for anyone wanting to know the inside dirt about her dealings with several public figures, including her late husband, rapper the Notorious BIG, his rival, Tupac Shakur and music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs. She even admits cheating on Biggie with other men - but not with Tupac.
The Way I See It (CD), Raphael Saadiq
The Way I See It is basically Raphael Saadiq's love letter to the R&B and Soul music of the 1950s, '60s and early '70s, specifically the gritty Motown and Stax Records styles. The album's 13 tracks are all-new songs, but have a very vintage, throwback sound to them. The album, released in the U.S. on Sept. 16, 2008, is easily one of 2008's best.
The Adventures of Mimi (DVD), Mariah Carey
There are singers and then there are singers. And on her latest concert DVD, Mariah Carey once again proves why she's one of the best-selling and most talented female vocalists of all time. The Adventures of Mimi, which was recorded during a performance in Anaheim, California, is a very solid showcase of Mariah's phenomenal singing talent.
I Want to Take You Higher: The Life & Times of Sly & the Family Stone (Book)
This book was released by Backbeat Books in October 2008 by San Francisco-based writer Jeff Kaliss. It traces the entire history of the frontman and his backing band. It's considered the definitive story of Sly's life and times.
I'll Be Home for Christmas (CD), Brian McKnight
Brian McKnight's latest holiday release, I'll Be Home for Christmas, which was released in the U.S. on Oct. 7, 2008, isn't his first Christmas album, but it's undoubtedly one of the best that's come out in a long while. It's romantic, charming, fun, occasionally whimsical and most of all, spiritual.
Yes We Can: Voices of a Grassroots Movement (CD), Various Artists
Yes We Can: Voices of a Grassroots Movement, is a compilation featuring new and previously released message-oriented/feel-good songs by a range of artists, including R&B acts Stevie Wonder, Jill Scott and John Legend. Until now, it had only been available though barackobama.com, but on Nov. 11, 2008 a collector's edition of the CD was released to traditional outlets like Best Buy and Amazon.com. It's a must-own for Obama fans.
