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Buzz Picks: Faith Evans, Chris Brown, Angella Christie, Ice Cube, Lemar, Buick Enclave & more

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By Jawn Murray, BlackVoices.com

Just in time for the holidays, BV Buzz is offering you a second serving of the hottest must-haves. Whether yoKeep The Faith: A Memoiru are a superstar or just a celebrity in your head, these items are just the things anyone living the fabulous life needs.

ON BOOKSHELVES: R&B star Faith Evans' autobiography 'Keep The Faith: A Memoir' (Grand Central Publishing) reads like a hip-hop soap opera. Though its been more than a decade since her late husband, the Notorious B.I.G. was killed, the singer grieved for him for a long time. The singer details that experience and many other aspects of her career; even the most infamous beat down she delivered on her husband's mistress, rapper Lil' Kim. In the description of the memoir, Evans shared: "It's not easy putting your life out there for the masses. But I've decided I'll tell my own story. For Big. For my children. And for myself." Since TV shows are on re-runs and there is plenty of down time during the holidays, pick up this book and keep yourself occupied. / For details visit www.hachettebookgroup.com/books_9780446199506.htm.

This Christmas

ON DVD: Last year's best holiday release is available on DVD this year just in time to be the perfect stocking stuffer. 'This Christmas' has an all-star cast that includes Chris Brown, Loretta Devine, Idris Elba, Regina King, Delroy Lindo, Sharon Leal, Mekhi Phifer, Keith Robinson, Lauren London and Columbus Short. The movie, produced by Will Packer ('Stomp The Yard'/'The Gospel') is about a family that deals with one surprise after another. After dealing with the various emotional dramas facing the family, they're still able to come together and celebrate the spirit of Christmas just as a family should. The DVD features include cast commentaries King, Leal and London; deleted and extended scenes; and the movie video for Chris Brown's performance of Donny Hathaway's 'This Christmas.' / Check it out at www.sonypictures.com/homevideo/thischristmas.

First SundayON CD ALSO: Ice Cube and Tracy Morgan are a couple of crazy crooks in need of cash in David E. Talbert's 'First Sunday.' In a quest to get some fast cash, the two hold up a church choir rehearsal and the movie unfolds from there. Katt Williams, Rickey Smiley, Loretta Devine, Chi McBride and Malinda Williams also star. The DVD features deleted scenes with commentary from Talbert, a gag reel, outtakes and a behind-the-scenes segment. If that enough, buy it because my quote is on the cover. / Check it out at www.sonypictures.com/movies/firstsunday.

SHOES ON: I got the coolest pair of one of a kind Essential 1800 AF1's customized by GourmetKickz. These kicks are so fly that I almost don't want to wear them. In an effort to promote the 1800 Tequila "Design Your Bottle" campaigGourmetKickzn, Brian "Chef" Spar of GourmetKickz designed the sneakers based on artwork for the actual bottle. The partnership between 1800 Tequila and GourmetKickz is a match made in heaven and their sneaker creations look more like shoes worthy of being displayed in an art gallery versus being worn on one's feet. / For information on either company, go to www.1800Tequila.com and www.GourmetKickz.com.

AUDIO ON: So one of my best friends jokes me because the speakers on my laptop aren't that loud. Well, I don't have to worryiHome Audio about that anymore because iHome Audio has developed a wonderful portable audio device that I now love called Sound Beyond Size rechargeable mini speakers. In addition to enhancing the sounds of the audio from my laptop, the Sound Beyond Size mini speakers work in iPods, iPhones and with MP3 players. They features two amplified speakers with built-in rechargeable batteries, vacuum bass expansion, USB charging, and comes with a protective carrying case. I love it and you will too. / For more information, go to www.ihomeaudio.com.

ON CD: Gospel saxophonist Angella Christie is back with another stellar release. Her latest, 'The BreaAngella Christieth of Life,' features Christie's rendition of several powerful gospel hits including Richard Smallwood's 'Total Praise,' Martha Munizzi's 'Because of Who You Are,' Smokie Norful's 'I Need You Now' and The Williams Brother's 'I'm Still Here.' There are also her renditions of traditional numbers like 'We've Come This Far By Faith' and fresh material like 'Praise Jam.' 'The Breath of Life' captures the depth of Christie's ministry and you're sure to be moved by this music. / For more on Christie, go to www.AngellaChristie.com.

ON IMPORT: London-bred soul singer Lemar has released his fourth CD in Europe, though the singer is unknLemarown here in the U.S. The singer rose to stardom in the U.K. after competing on BBC's ' Fame Academy' show. Though he didn't win, his fate on the U.K. reality series is very much like that of 'American Idol's' Chris Daughtry and Clay Aiken – he's the one who became a superstar. Lemar recorded various songs for 'The Reason' in Los Angeles and Miami with producers like Soulshock & Karlin (Whitney Houston/Usher) and Salaam Remi (The Fugees/Toni Braxton). If you like Seal and Ne-Yo, you'll love this disc. Songs like 'Heartbreaker,' 'Mayday,' 'Not What You Say,' 'Wait Forever' and 'Black Tide' are standouts. / For more on Lemar visit www.lemar-online.com.

ON WHEELS: In two separate cities I test drove the 2008 Buick Enclave and I must say, this crossover SUV may be worth the government bailout of General Motors alone. In both Washington, DC and Nashville I spent four days in the Buick's luxury SUV and I must say that this vehicle, designed by Michael Burton, may be the best thing that Buick has rolled out in years. From afar, the Enclave looks like the standard crossover SUV. Up close, you recognize the exterior beauty and the sleek craftsmanship of this spacious and affordable automobile. Whether you're a single person who always has a lot of luggage anBuick Enclaved bags or a family dredging the idea of buying a minivan, the Enclave really adapts to your needs. The SUV can tow up to 4,500 pounds and easily has room for about seven (maybe eight) adult passengers. The 2008 model came in two trims, the CX and CXL. Though a rather large crossover SUV, it maneuvers easily in city traffic and coasts like an eagle on the highways. Every 2008 Buick Enclave comes with antilock disc brakes, a tire-pressure monitor, stability control (with anti-rollover logic), front-seat side airbags and three-row side curtain airbags. Rear parking sensors are optional (they you'll want them), and vehicles equipped with the navigational systems have a rearview camera. OnStar is standard as well. Enclave costs less than all of its rival vehicles and its price range of $35,000 to $45,000 seems like a steal with all of its options. / For more info, visit www.Buick.com/Enclave.

DESERT ON: Hey, why count calories during the holidays? You won't want to with the Mini Bundt Cake Gift Collection. ThOrange-Almond cake with Patron Citronage Extrae collection contains three flavors of spirits-infused Mini Bundt Cakes for Two in flavors like Orange-Almond cake with Patron Citronage Extra); Dark Chocolate-Rum Raisin with Pyrat XO Reserve Rum; and Mocha Double Chocolate Chunk with Patron XO Cafe Tequila Coffee Liqueur. Even those who don't drink will find these deserts delectable. Beyond the pure enjoyment of these irresistible cakes, shipped in sophisticated black boxes, the Great Spirits Baking Company is donating $3 to Share Our Strength for every Gift Collection purchased and will make a $1 donation for each individual Mini Bundt Cake purchased. / Order yours at www.thegreatspiritsbakingcompany.com.

ON HOLIDAY : If Kwanzaa is your celebration of choice dThe Black Candleuring the Christmas season, then you'll love the new DVD called 'The Black Candle.' The DVD, which is written and directed by M.K. Asante and narrated by reknowned poet Maya Angelou, explores the holiday which is celebrated from December 26th and January 1st by over 40 million black folks around the world that pause to honor their African heritage. 'The Black Candle' features interviews with folks like rapper Chuck D and pro football Hall of Famer Jim Brown, in addition jazz great Nnenna Freelon's performance of 'Lift Every Voice and Sing," which Asante fuses with gospel legend Shirley Caesar's powerful rendition. This independent release is aimed at people interested in exploring the roots of Kwanzaa or teaching others about its meaning. / For details visit www.theblackcandle.com.

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