THIS IS THE CHRONICLES OF EFREM: The Daily Buzz for Jan 28

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Beyonce & Jay Z Top BILLBOARD Power List

Beyonce & Jay Z are still riding high from their epic success in 2013. Bey changed all the rules with her secret yet record-breaking release of her visual album Beyonce. And Hov changed the rules of what makes platinum sales platinum with his Magna Garta Holy Grail album and collabo with Samsung.

So it's only right BILLBOARD recognizes them as the top of the Billboard Power 100 list.

“She took a high risk and was highly rewarded for it,” said Guy Oseary, who manages Madonna and U2. “I love what she did. Thank you, Beyoncé—it brings much-needed excitement and buzz to our industry.”

“Artists have always had the power but courage is in short supply. It’s just that the hip-hop generation believes in the possibilities,” said Jay Z’s longtime associate Lyor Cohen. “Jay and Beyoncé don’t listen to the noise—they make the noise.”

Congrats to the Carters! The full list is over at BILLBOARD and the issue is on stands now.

Oprah gears up for her milestone birthday as she celebrates early with a spinning class at SoulCycle

She may be old enough to qualify for a free bus pass, but Oprah Winfrey is preparing to ride into her 60s on an exercise bicycle, as this new video shows.

'I just had the best birthday experience ever at SoulCycle, ride baby ride!' Oprah said, in a video posted to her Instagram account today.

Oprah, who turns 60 on January 29, joined dozens of riders at a trendy SoulCycle class in West Hollywood, which is billed as 45-minutes of fat-burning cardio, and a full-body workout with choreography.

In the short video posted to her Instagram account, Oprah, wearing a bright yellow headband and surrounded by girlfriends, shouts to the camera: 'Ride baby ride!'

The 59-year-old media mogul has had a life long battle with her weight, and has tried countless methods to keep trim.

An insider told the MailOnline: 'Oprah was so happy, she had so much fun, it was her first time at Soul Cycle and she totally killed it.'

'It was to celebrate her 60th, so she came with all her friends. Oprah looks amazing for 60!'

Oprah was recently nominated for a best supporting actress award by the Screen Actors Guild for her work in Lee Daniels' The Butler. It was the former talk show host's first SAG nomination for her acting work.

The Butler is Oprah's third film outing as an actress. Other roles include 1998's Beloved and 1985's The Color Purple, which earned the former talk show host an Oscar nomination.

Oprah has also been recognized for her work by The Hollywood Reporter, who honored the TV magnate with the esteemed Sherry Lansing Leadership Award at the 22nd annual Women in Entertainment Breakfast at the Beverly Hills Hilton on December 11.

Yet the TV star wrote on her blog that her highest achievement was, 'never shutting my heart down. Even in my darkest moments—through sexual abuse, a pregnancy at 14, lies and betrayals—I remained faithful, hopeful, and open to seeing the best in people, regardless of whether they were showing me their worst. I stayed open to believing that no matter how hard the climb, there is always a way to let in a sliver of light to illuminate the path forward.'

She added: 'As I approach this milestone, the landmark of 60, with humility, supreme thanksgiving, and joy. Knowing for sure grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.'

Wale Writes A Letter Explaining His Social Media Hiatus

Not sure if you’ve paid attention to D.C. Rapper Wale’s Twitter page, or not, but he hasn’t tweeted anything since October 26th, 2013?

His fans have been asking him about his absence and he hasn’t fully given an explanation….until now. Through his Tumblr, EveryBlueMoon.com, he pens an open letter explaining what brought his Twitter hiatus and disappointment of the Hip Hop culture that constantly criticize his choice of music.

You can also read the letter below:

Where have I been?

Man, I been everywhere. Everyday trying to get a better understanding of myself and this crazy game I have given my life to.

What I’ve come to grips with is the fact that I am not superhuman, BUT super human. I think our culture has made it almost a prerequisite to be “too cool” or “swagged out” carrying a “nothing can phase me” image. It’s to the point that the ones who show they care, get attacked the most. Who ever thought we’d see a day when somebody used the word “poetic” as an insult? I certainly never thought that. “I can’t fuck wit Wale ‘ol poetic ass.” Really? These are the same people who probably have every Pac album embedded in their head. But, I digress. I took an absence from Twitter because I started to care tooooo much. I still don’t know the root of what makes me care THAT much, but I’m quite sure it started by wanting to lead people in a direction that wasn’t as cliché as some of my peers.

I’m no saint. I fuck with ratchet bitches. I say bitch. I bitch about things my damn self. But, I can honestly say, that I try to use my “human” traits as a means of relating to other humans. If I can bare my insecurities and flaws before you, maybe you won’t feel so insecure and flawed.

There came a point where people went out of their way to remind me that I’m missin my mark. Albeit, I made myself a target to slander and criticism. I think it became a trend to fuck with anybody that cared about people’s opinion. I’m not one of those people who make music for material things. I strive to make music for a public that appreciates raw emotion. And I will continue to.

I went through stages of frustration in my career with publications because of my own selfishness and sense of entitlement. I admit that. Nevertheless, I think if we calling a spade a spade, some media outlets be on they bullshit with me for reasons outside of music. But, my goal moving forward is to focus less on THEM and more on US. We all have goals and mine is simple. Empower the people. Empower MY fans and focus on MY fans and their energy . I don’t think it’s humanly possible for me to appease some of these outlets no matter what I create. It burns my soul to hear there’s no message tho. So knowin that I may have fell short of connecting with some of them, I’ve decided to use my energy on US. The guy with all the mixtapes. The guy who listens to every song twice because they know there’s things hidden in there. The girl who can’t wait to hear “Ambitious Girl 3” (Oh, it’s coming). The girl with the “Ambition” tattoo, who gets dressed to “Illest Bitch Alive” every morning . The ones who understood my frustration, hated my rant but understood it nevertheless . I may never be the biggest rapper in the world (still one of the best doe) but, I’ll be the most dedicated to my fans and it starts with this right here. This is rare. This is REAL. This is about us. This is about the music again. My ReRE -Dedication to greatness. What we got doesn’t happen often, nor with too many people. This is an rare occasion when a rare bond… Happens

Everybluemoon

-Folarin

So there…

Channing Tatum Looks For A Big Apple Abode

Searching for his home away from home while visiting the Big Apple, Channing Tatum went apartment hunting in the Upper East Side on Friday (January 24).

The "Magic Mike" star stepped out in a navy blue sweater, matching baseball cap, and jeans as he joined other New Yorkers out in the cold.

Recently, the 33-year-old actor's lovely wife and "Step Up" co-star Jenna Dewan-Tatum spoke to People about their dietary differences.

A vegan for years, she shared, "Sometimes I can drag him to my vegetarian/vegan restaurants—he politely eats, then promptly goes home and eats what he really wants!...Opposites attract!"

Air Jordan 10 "Powder Blue" [PHOTOS]

At this point, assume that Jordan Brand will pull out all of the stops for new releases. After years of rumors surrounding the never-before-retroed shoe, the Air Jordan 10 "Powder Blue" will release this year.

OG sneakerheads will recall the days these were called the "Charlotte Hornets," which released during Michael Jordan's first retirement. A white pebble leather upper with set off by a lining, midsole and sole that's black with powder blue accents.

Simple and clean, these are a highly coveted pair of kicks to say the least. Connoisseurs may have an opportunity to cop the Air Jordan 10 "Powder Blue" sooner than expected, as they're tentatively set to hit shelves on February 22.

Nicki Minaj BLASTS ESPN Magazine For Bad Re-Touching Job -- You Made My Forehead Too Long!

One would think Nicki Minaj would be grateful to be tapped to cover ESPN magazine with an NBA living legend like Kobe Bryant. But instead, she spent her time on IG complaining about a "bad re-touching" job done by the mag. She posted her own personal pics to combat the "long forehead" she claims the mag gave her.

I’m a not photoshop expert or anything--even though we can usually spot a majorly fake PS job a mile away--but we're thinking Nicki's personal "untouched" photos are looking pretty similar to the cover ESPN magazine went with as their final shot.

The pretty rapstress posted several of her own pics saying, "I love my personal un-retouched photos where my forehead doesn't mysteriously grow in length."

So check out the "untouched" photos below and decide for yourselves:

She did say she was honored to take part in this with Kobe. Maybe she's just a chick who's a perfectionist when it comes to her brand. We get it. And can't be mad at that..

MusiCares Person Of The Year Gala Honors Carole King

Supporting fellow artists in need, plenty of famous faces headed to the Los Angeles Convention Center for the 2014 MusiCares Person of the Year Gala on Friday (January 24).

Honoring the legendary Carole King, the evening began with a duet of "Hi-De-Ho" sung by LeAnn Rimes and Steven Tyler.

Later, Alicia Keys brought her soulful voice to (You Make Me Feel Like a) Natural Woman" and Lady Gaga gave her take on "You've Got a Friend."

Helping to raise more than $5.5 million for the organization, other attendees included Hilary Duff, Kristin Chenoweth, Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne, Victoria Justice, Kacey Musgraves, Sara Bareilles, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, and Ciara. Check out the photos from the pre-Grammy celebration below.

Snoop Dogg's Weed Smoke Brings Australian Firefighters [PHOTOS]

Snoop Dogg was almost banned entry to the entire continent of Australia and he's already making is presence felt in the loudest way possible.

With actual "loud."

Local firefighters responded to a fire alarm at the Palazzo Versace in the Queensland Gold Coast area around 10 a.m. Upon arrival, the smiles and sighs of relief came quickly as it was discovered Snoop was just taking his daily dose of lean, green medicine.

It's Snoop Dogg. Would you expect anything less?

Reports TMZ:

Here's what went down ... cops say "smoke from an unidentified source" triggered a fire alarm around 10am ... and firefighters who happened to be in the hotel rushed up to the scene to investigate the situation.

Once the situation calmed down, Snoop actually took some Instagram pics with the responders ... and talked about how he always wanted to be a firefighter.

The legendary rapper is currently habitating Down Under as the headliner for the Big Day Out concert. A group of feminists petitioned his appearance on stage due to the controversial subject matter found in his music, but everybody loves Snoop Dogg even when he dont' love them h*es.

Doggs will be doggs but Snoop better set a better example as his son just may be a member of the current national champion Florida State's football team soon.

Trina Braxton’s Bar Chix Head West on The Bar Chix Tour Bus

In case you missed it “Trina Braxton” singer/Reality TV Star now adds CEO of Bar Chix Inc to her list of talents. We should have known when Trina Braxton got her bartending license it was to do bigger things than serve up some drinks.

We TV captured the launch of “Bar Chix” on Braxton Family Values and Trina hasn’t stopped yet. The latest news is the #BarChixTourBus has departed from Atlanta Georgia and is headed to the West Coast! Cute Bus…..LOL

NFL: Washington Redskin Sean Taylor’s Murderer Sentenced (Sentencing Details)

Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Dennis Murphy imposed the sentence on Eric Rivera, 23, one of five Fort Myers-area men charged with Taylor’s death after they broke into his house looking to steal cash. One has pleaded guilty and three others are still awaiting trial.

Rivera confessed to police on videotape that he shot Taylor after the NFL player confronted them at his bedroom door with a machete. In the confession, Rivera also said the group didn’t realize Taylor would be home with a knee injury instead of playing a Redskins game against Tampa Bay.

“He lost his life defending and protecting his family,” said Assistant State Attorney Reid Rubin in a closing statement. “They kicked the door in and they shot him and killed him, for no good reason.”

Testifying in his own defense last fall, Rivera claimed the confession was false and improperly coerced, and that someone else in the group shot Taylor with a 9mm handgun. A jury convicted him of second-degree murder and armed burglary. He was originally charged with first-degree murder but was ineligible for the death penalty because he was 17 at the time of the killing.

In a brief statement, Rivera told members of Taylor’s family he was sorry for the killing and that Taylor was “a good man.”

“I live with his death every day. I’m going to have to deal with the consequences,” he said.

Several Rivera family members pleaded for leniency, noting that Rivera was still a minor at the time and that he had never been in trouble with the law before. But Rubin said Rivera had committed perjury in his testimony and tried to influence the testimony of others in his case.

“He’s a sophisticated, manipulative criminal. There’s no good reason to believe he will change,” Rubin said.

Rivera could have gotten life behind bars. His lawyers are planning to appeal his conviction.

Taylor, a first-round pick by the Redskins in the 2004 draft, was a hard-hitting Pro Bowl safety who had previously starred at the University of Miami. He was shot during the November 2007 confrontation in the upper thigh, damaging his femoral artery and leading to massive blood loss. Taylor was 24 when he died.

His girlfriend at the time, Jackie Garcia Haley, and their then-18-month old daughter were in the room with Taylor when the confrontation occurred. Garcia Haley, in a statement read by Rubin, said Taylor’s death was difficult to bear — particularly for their daughter, also named Jackie.

“You only get one dad and hers is gone. It breaks my heart to pieces to go through each day and each milestone without him,” she said.

The gun was never found. Police said it was stuffed in a sock and thrown into the Everglades.

Several witnesses at Rivera’s trial testified that Taylor often kept large sums of cash in the house. One of the other men charged in the slaying, 25-year-old Jason Mitchell, attended a birthday party a few weeks earlier for Taylor’s half-sister, who testified Taylor gave her a purse containing $10,000.

The half-sister, Sasha Johnson, lived in Fort Myers and knew Rivera. In his testimony, Rivera said the group thought they could steal between $100,000 and $200,000 in cash by burglarizing Taylor’s house.

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