THIS IS THE CHRONICLES OF EFREM: The Daily Buzz For Oct 2

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Brad Pitt Covers British GQ Magazine October 2014: “I Wouldn’t Say Marriage Is Just a Title”

He held out on tying the knot for years, and now Brad Pitt sounds like he’s glad he finally said “I Do” with longtime partner Angelina Jolie.

In his cover story for British GQ, the “Fight Club” star couldn’t say enough good things about his new life as a husband- “I wouldn't say [marriage is] just a title. There's more to it than that.”

Additionally, Brad addressed his pal George Clooney’s recent accusation that he’s “unreachable.” “Well, you know, George is extremely accessible. He’s one of our best representatives. He’s funny as sh*t. He’s a joy to be around. I guess maybe I’m more of a miserable b*stard. I’m a bit of a loner you know? I’m more quiet by nature. And coming from, you know, hillbilly country, I’m probably more reserved.”

And when it comes to selecting his work, Pitt doesn’t settle for mediocre projects. “I'm actually very snobbish about directors. I have to say no all the time. No is the most powerful word in our business. You've got to protect yourself. To leave home, it's got to be worth leaving. It's got to be worth it.”

“I’ve been slowing down for a while now. And slowly transitioning to other things. And, truthfully, I do want to spend more time with my kids before they’re grown up and gone.”

Nicki Minaj to Host 2014 MTV Europe Music Awards

Nicki Minaj is taking over the 2014 MTV Europe Music Awards. The “Anaconda” rapper will host this year’s show.

Not only will she take on hosting duties, she will also hit the stage for a performance. Queen Nicki shared the news on Instagram along with a promo photo of herself sitting in a throne and decked out in royal attire.

“So excited to announce that I will not only perform, but I have the honorable task of HOSTING this year’s MTV European Music Awards!!!!!!! AAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!” Nicki told her Barbz.

The rap diva is nominated in four categories including Best Female, Best Hip-Hop, Best Look, and Biggest Fans at the 20th annual show, which will air live from Glasgow, Scotland on November 9.

She recently scored her first No. 1 in the U.K. with “Bang Bang” featuring Jessie J and Ariana Grande.

On November 24, she will release her third album The PinkPrint.

George Clooney & Amal Alamuddin Show Off Wedding Photos!

They filled the historic Aman Canal Grande Venice with love and celebration as they tied the knot on Saturday (September 27) and now George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin are ready to let the world see their amazing ceremony.

Tuxedo and an Oscar de la Renta gown, respectively.

And when asked what it’s like to be married, Clooney told the magazine, “It feels pretty damn great!”

Meanwhile, George’s new mother-in-law Baria Alamuddin gushed, "George and Amal radiated love all night. The wedding was so unbelievably special, it was legendary. These three days – the friends, the families, the atmosphere, everything – will stay with me all the rest of my life."

During the wedding, Baria gave a short speech- "I said, 'George, we love you truly, deeply and sincerely. We enjoy your charm, your wit, intelligent conversation and generosity. You are simply perfect.' "

Giorgio Armani even chimed in- "It is a privilege and a pleasure for me to dress him for this occasion, in which he stars in the most important role: that of the groom.”

And George returned the compliment- "[Giorgio is] the class act of all class acts. He's been a good friend for many years and the night wouldn't be complete without him."

Secret Service Director Julia Pierson Resigns Amid White House Controversy

Julia Pierson has resigned as director of the Secret Service, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson said in a Wednesday statement.

In the statement, Johnson said he would appoint Joseph Clancy as interim acting director.

During a White House briefing, Press Secretary Josh Earnest said President Barack Obama had called Pierson to "express his appreciation for her service to the agency and the country."

"The president concluded that new leadership of that agency was required,” Earnest said.

In an interview with Bloomberg News following her resignation, Pierson described the decision as "painful."

“I think it’s in the best interest of the Secret Service and the American public if I step down,” Pierson said. “Congress has lost confidence in my ability to run the agency. The media has made it clear that this is what they expected. ... It’s painful to leave as the agency is reeling from a significant security breach."

Pierson came under fire after a number of Secret Service security breaches, including an armed man jumping over the White House fence and entering the executive mansion. According to reports in the Washington Post, the man dashed through the unlocked front door of the White House and into the East Room while armed with a knife. He reportedly overpowered a Secret Service agent near the main foyer before eventually being tackled by an off-duty agent who was leaving work for the day.

After the Sept. 19 incident, several other security blunders came to light. An armed, ex-convict was allowed in an elevator with Obama during a visit to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last month. And officers fumbled their response to a 2011 incident where a gunman fired at the White House residence.

On Tuesday, Pierson was grilled by members of the House Oversight Committee over the lapses. She said the recent intrusion was "unacceptable" and acknowledged the agency's failures in following security protocol.

"I take full responsibility," she said. "It will never happen again.”

A number of lawmakers on both sides of the aisle called on Pierson to resign following the hearing.

Read Johnson's full statement below:

Today Julia Pierson, the Director of the United States Secret Service, offered her resignation, and I accepted it. I salute her 30 years of distinguished service to the Secret Service and the Nation.

As an interim Acting Director of the Secret Service, I am appointing Joseph Clancy, formerly Special Agent in Charge of the Presidential Protective Division of the Secret Service. Mr. Clancy retired from the Secret Service in 2011. I appreciate his willingness to leave his position in the private sector on very short notice and return to public service for a period.

Today, I have also asked the Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, aided by this Department’s General Counsel, to assume control and direction of the ongoing inquiry by the Secret Service of the fence jumping incident at the White House on September 19. Deputy Secretary Mayorkas should complete that review and submit findings to me by November 1, 2014.

Finally, I have also determined that scrutiny by a distinguished panel of independent experts of the September 19 incident and related issues concerning the Secret Service is warranted. The Panelists will be named shortly. By December 15, 2014, this panel will submit to me its own assessment and recommendations concerning security of the White House compound. I will also invite the panel to submit to me recommendations for potential new directors of the Secret Service, to include recommendations of individuals who come from outside the Secret Service. I will also request that the panel advise me about whether it believes, given the series of recent events, there should be a review of broader issues concerning the Secret Service. The security of the White House compound should be the panel’s primary and immediate priority.

It is worth repeating that the Secret Service is one of the finest official protection services in the world, consisting of men and women who are highly trained and skilled professionals prepared to put their own lives on the line in a second’s notice for the people they protect. Last week, the Secret Service was responsible for the protection of the President as well as 140 visiting heads of state or government as they convened at the United Nations General Assembly in New York City. Likewise, in August the Secret Service handled the protection of 60 world leaders as they convened in Washington, D.C. for the African Summit. As usual, the Secret Service executed these highly complex and demanding assignments without incident. There is no other protection service in the world that could have done this

Please hire someone CREDIBLE to protect our President!

Rich Homie Quan’s Father Shot At Atlanta Barber Shop

Rich Homie Quan‘s father was shot multiple times on Monday morning, TMZ reports, and the rapper has been by his side at a hospital in Atlanta.

His dad, Corey Lamar, was in the barber shop he owns when a man, or possibly men entered and tried to rob the place. According to Quan’s rep, during the hold up they opened fire, and his dad (also his manager) was hit 4 times. He was rushed to a hospital and taken into surgery, and is said to be in critical condition, but expected to survive.

Police are investigating the shooting, and as of now they know the suspect fled the in a black Honda.

French Montana Divorces Wife Dean Kharbouch

French Montana has finally sealed the deal and is officially a single man...despite acting like one for a couple years now. He has reportedly divorced his wife Dean Kharbouch..So it looks like French Montana is finally a legally single man.

According to HollywoodLife.com, Bad Boy rapper French and his now ex-wife Dean Kharbouch settled their divorce on September 29th and reportedly it was an “amicable” split. They two, who share a son together, have been separated for a while and dating other people, so what took so long? It seems they could never officially go through legal proceedings due to French’s "busy schedule". And guess how much they settled for? A cool $2 million.

A source tells the publication, “He was in court on Monday and basically they wrapped up his divorce peacefully. They had been together for a long time and they were with each other when neither had money, they had so much in common. They settled peacefully in court in New Jersey … it’s all wrapped up.”

Hmph. There were rumors that French and Khloe have called it quits, but according to the same source, despite their split, they are still good friends and on “good terms”.

Brandy Breaks Down Her Self-Titled Debut Album 20 Years Later

Well this one will make you feel old, do you remember the first time you heard Brandy on the radio? Well its been 20 years since she released her debut album and she is breaking down the tracks for Billboard…

Billboard Reports: Like many of her fans 20 years later, Brandy can still remember the first time she heard her debut single “I Wanna Be Down” on the radio in the late summer of 1994.

“I remember being at Taco Bell, in the drive-thru, and hearing it on the radio, and I was like, ‘Oh my God, I’m on the radio!’” Brandy, now 35, recalls to Billboard. “Remember how DJs, they talk in the beginning and the song is playing a little bit? And then they’d say, ‘Here’s Brandy with a new song.’ It was like, ‘Thank you God, this is everything for me.’ And I was with my friends at Taco Bell. It felt like it belonged there.”

The single helped introduce the then-15-year-old’s self-titled debut Brandy (released Sept. 27, 1994) and herald its singer as the latest fresh face of R&B at a time when youth was just starting to rule the airwaves. Fellow 15-year-old Aaliyah’s Age Ain’t Nothin’ But A Number had just been released months prior, a 14-year-old upstart named Usher had just released his own self-titled debut in late August, pre-teen vocal trio Immature scored a top hit 10 with ballad “Never Lie” and a 13-year-old named Monica was waiting in the wings to release her debut Miss Thang the following summer.

But there was something special about Brandy, from its throwback, funk-soul production (led by then-21-year-old writer-producer Keith Crouch and R&B group Somethin’ For The People, best known for slow jam “My Love is The Shhh”) to the smoky, evocative vocals coming from its lead performer. Though Brandy grew up idolizing mezzo sopranos Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey, and even tried to score a record contract with Atlantic’s A&R director Darryl Williams at the age of 12 by auditioning with their songs, it took her a few years to embrace the subtle power of her own alto range.

“I remember always wanting to sing higher than I could. I accepted the fact that I was an alto and did what I could and tried to perfect that as much as I could,” she says. “I practiced everyday. I imagined each corner of my room being a little piece of an audience. It was just great to be that inspired and have that drive.”

Brandy took that newfound confidence into a second audition for Atlantic’s Williams, and the results sealed her fate.

“I went back to Darryl when I was 14 and I sang ‘Greatest Love Of All’ and ‘Vision Of Love’ for him and Sylvia Rhone,” Brandy says. “Of course, it was about 19 keys down from what Whitney and Mariah were singing, but I gave it my all and they signed me. And the rest was a moment. My dream.”

Brandy’s wide-eyed innocence and songs of first crushes and heartbreak connected almost instantly, and proved to be a major breakthrough for the singer. The album yielded her four top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, including three top 10s (“I Wanna Be Down,” “Brokenhearted” and “Baby”), and two No. 1s on the Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart. The album itself was certified double platinum and spent 89 weeks on the Billboard 200, and helped Brandy net two Grammy nominations the following year, including a nod for Best New Artist.

Brandy has released five full-lengths since her debut, and is in the early process of recording Album No. 7 (“I’m in the reinventing phase right now,” she says), but looking back 20 years later there still ain’t nothing like the first time.

Here, Brandy shares the stories of every song, from rushing a session to make a Magic Mountain play-date and working with a young Robin Thicke to her recent reunion with the ladies of the “I Wanna Be Down” remix and a new gospel rendition of a fan-favorite album cut.

1. “Movin On”

“I was inspired by Whitney Houston and [gospel group] the Clark Sisters, and trying to do everything they were doing — the runs, the range, everything. It was a soul song, and the end of that song really shows where I got my inspiration. It’s very Clark Sister-y.”

2. “Baby”

“I remember being in the studio with Keith and hearing this track, and I didn’t like it at first because I was afraid that I wasn’t old enough. But when I started to sing it, I was thinking about this guy I liked and it started to connect. That was fun. It was a cute baby crush, but I was able to pull from that feeling. Keith would say, ‘I mean for real, you can hear when you’re just trying to do vocals and it doesn’t have passion behind it. Just pull from your own life and you’ll connect more.’”

3. “Best Friend”

“That was about [my brother] Ray J. It was supposed to be a duet. That didn’t work out, but it started off that way. And it had that flute and everything, it was different. I love singing in my lowest register, that’s where I got a chance to play around with that. I loved ‘Best Friend’ because I got a chance to do my own backgrounds. I come from a church where I grew up singing a capella. So I love playing with different notes, and feeling that union with different harmonies and sounds. I love singing backgrounds more than I do lead. And this song was the first time I’d felt that feeling outside of the church.”

4. “I Wanna Be Down”

“I had to be convinced that this was the right first single, because I loved ‘Best Friend’ so much. And my lead was a challenge, because I had to do it twice. I stacked my lead to sound a little bit stronger. I loved the melody, but it took awhile for me to get why it needed to be the first connection with the fans… It felt so good hearing it on the radio that first time at Taco Bell. It felt like it belonged there.”

“It was an epic moment, as scary as it was, 20 years later because it’s a different time. It took me back to the time when were on the set. I didn’t record with the ladies in the studio, so I saw them at the video set, so seeing them again it felt like were back at the video shoot with the white background. It felt like I was 15 again. I’m this kid, performing with people that I respect and admire and look up to. I relived that moment that we were all on set was starstruck to meet all of them. I had no idea what their verses meant, what they were saying. To share that with the new generation and the old-school generation, we were all there as one. It was awesome. I can’t wait for people to see it — just from the pictures people are freaking out. It feels really good to feel that connection again.

5. “I Dedicate (Part I)”

“I was upset! Because I wanted ‘I Dedicate’ to be a full song and they broke it up. After the album came out, that’s what the fans they were saying, ‘Why can’t ‘I Dedicate’ be a full song?’ I don’t know, I think that was a little bit of a mistake it should have been a full song.”

6. “Brokenhearted”

“The original version, I was actually on my way to Magic Mountain with some friends, and I’m like, ‘Yo I don’t wanna come to the studio. I just wanna be a kid today.’ And Keith was like, ‘No you gotta come to the studio we’re in a time crunch. We gotta get this done.’ So, I go in and because I wanna go to Magic Mountain so badly, I’m tellin’ myself, “‘Look, you gonna have to do this in one or two takes because we gotta get to this amusement park!’ I was in there for about an hour or two. But I actually like the album version better than the remix vocally, I was really focused on getting the right vocals so I could get to where I need to go.”

On the Soulpower Remix, which featured a duet with Wanya Morris of Boyz II Men, whom she briefly dated as well.

“Boyz II Men was my favorite, Wanya was one of my favorite singers, and we talked about doing a duet and I’m like, ‘Oh my God, we have this track for ‘Brokenhearted Remix,’ get on this. This is the one.’ We went in and we did it and it was a different vibe; I was a little more vulnerable on the track with Wanya. He’s a beast of a vocalist so I had to really come with it.”

7. “I’m Yours”

“Damon Thomas produced ‘I’m Yours.’ I loved the melody, I felt like it sounded like a huge ballad at that time. I’m not trying to put it on the same level of the ‘Greatest Love Of All’ or anything, but it sounded like that kind of song for me. And Damon Thomas was a great vocal producer because he pushed me. I was trying to do my best and give it my all, especially then because I had everything to prove.”

8. “Sunny Day”

“‘Sunny Day’ was one of those songs where I had to push myself because it was so high for me, but I loved the beat, I loved how it just felt like a hip-hop track with R&B melodies and R&B verses. And I loved performing it. I remember performing it at a fair, that was a great moment, sunshine, it was outside, we did fun choreography. I remember it like it was yesterday, but I don’t think I’ve performed it since that day.”

9. “As Long As You’re Here”

“I took five or six stabs at that song. I didn’t nail it the first couple of times, so I had to go in and really try to get through that whole fear thing. My nerves were real bad.”

10. “Always On My Mind”

“That was one of my favorite songs on the album, it was one of my favorite moments it was backgrounds it was lead like a heavenly melody to that song. In fact, I just did a song with this amazing gospel group that Kirk Franklin produces and manages, The Walls Group. They’re these unbelievable kids and the information they have vocally is insane. We did a song called ‘God On My Mind’ and they took a bit of ‘Always On My Mind’ and we kind of re-did it — it was amazing to see that song live on.”

11. “I Dedicate (Part II)”

“I’m trying to remember if it ever was a full song… No, it wasn’t because I recorded it at three different times and three different moments. If it was it would already be on iTunes for ya.”

12. “Love Is On My Side”

“Come on Robin Thicke! Another Damon Thomas production. It was vocally challenging. I needed to give everything to that song. I was a little bit intimidated because it was so musical and had drums and organs, it was a lot going on, I had to push myself to give it what it deserved. To see Robin doing well now, and still being able to do his thing and write his own songs, it’s so amazing. He was 17, writing way back when, we had some great times as artists.”

13. “Give Me You”

“This feels like a past life. It’s kind of awkward talking about yourself. But ‘Give Me You,’ that was another gospel approach, with the call and response.”

14. “I Dedicate (Part III)”

“We need another 15 to 20 anniversary to review the other ones, Full Moon, Never Say Never… I got so many stories for you, child.”

Atlanta Exes Celebrates Season 1 Finale at Bougalou Lounge!

The lovely lades of VH1′s Atlanta Exes celebrated their season finale and a night on the town with the girl at Atlanta’s Bougalou Lounge. The ladies have so much to celebrate which includes finding their own unique voices, having fun, and one even got a man in her life.

Check out the details below.

VH1′s Atlanta Exes ended their first season with an explosive BANG. The ladies enjoyed the season finale, enjoyed a ladies night out, and reflect on their new path in life. The Last episode shows the continuing beef between Sheree Buchanan and Tamika Foster Raymond. Torrei Hart confronts Monica the friend who seems to always be in the mix of drama. Monyetta Shaw decides to redecorate and remove the portraits of her ex-fiance and she that adorn her bedroom wall. Christina Johnson decides to start a new relationship with the gentlemen Sheree introduced her to earlier in the season. It’s amazing to see the ladies shine in the respective lanes. More Pics below

Nice..Pics Freddy O

Jermaine Dupri SUES Former Friend Who TRASHED His Hummer And Lived In His Home RENT-FREE...For 4 Years!

Jermaine Dupri is going through another breakup. It's been a rough year for the So So Def founder. Although he and his So So Def label celebrated their 20th anniversary last year, 2014 hasn't been so pleasant. First, he was the executive producer of Mariah Carey's flop album "The Elusive Chanteuse", and then he watched their musical partnership crumble.

Now, he's going through another split - with former friend, Taddrick Mingo. And their friendship raises a few eyebrows. During their friendship, Jermaine reportedly gave Taddrick a free place to live, a free car, free studio time and several other gifts.

Let's break this all the way down:

-- free recording studio time

-- 4 years free rent in a 2 bedroom condo

-- use of the Hummer

-- free computer

-- referrals to get studio work

Taddrick now thanks Jermaine...by filing a lawsuit claiming he was Jermaine's assistant who never got paid! Jermaine fired back with his own lawsuit, claiming Taddrick was never his assistant and he lost money on the Hummer he had to sell (after Tadd trashed it).

We will have to watch this lawsuit play out, but if Jermaine has any openings for new "friends", can we sign up for the list? And who takes care of a grown man/friend who is not an employee or family for four years?

Hmph....

Peter Rosenberg & Charlamagne Tha God Exchange Words On Twitter (Tweets)

Radio personalities Peter Rosenberg and Charlamagne Tha God, exchanged words on Twitter Tuesday afternoon after Rosenberg decided to share details of Amber Rose and Wiz Khalifa’s marital troubles.

Reports Vlad: Tuesday morning, Rosenberg shared with his listeners the reasoning behind the Amer and Wiz split. According to the story from Rosenberg, Amber caught Wiz cheating with twins, Jass and Ness in their bedroom.

Charlemagne who stars in MTV’s Guy Code shared his thoughts on Rosenberg’s actions on Twitter.

“When a married man airs out another married man about cheating trust me the shoe will be on the other foot one day. Mind your business,” he tweeted.

He also retweeted similar thoughts from his fans.

Rosenberg stood by his comments and states that he was looking out for his friend Amber, and didn’t diss Wiz in the process.

“Lol at guys telling me I should follow guy code..so guy code means ur loyal to MEN on principle? Over women you’re close with? That’s insane!!” he tweeted.

He also called out Charlamagne for his comments.

“@cthagod lol life lessons from a morally corrupt lowlife … Go back to kissing corporate ass and not contributing to hip hop…”
And now the Tweets!

LOL!

Footwear for Him: Maison Martin Margiela Color Block Hi-Top Sneakers

Multicolour calf leather colour block hi-top sneakers from Maison Martin Margiela featuring a round toe, a lace-up front fastening, a perforated detail, a geometric paneled design, a padded ankle and a flat rubber sole.

And now…the price: $700

Beyonce Woke Up Like Dis On The Cover Of Her 2015 Calendar: See The Ultimate Stocking Stuffer

Christmas is just around the corner. Ok, that was an evil way to start a post but it’s true and you should probably try to get ahead of the curve by buying stuff now. On that front, you could do a lot worse than Beyonce’s 2015 calendar. Who wouldn’t wake up to Queen Bey’s face every day — even if the pictures have been largely recycled from her iTunes-slaughtering visual album?

I honestly feel like I’ve seen all these snaps before. Take the cover (above). The 33-year-old looks like she just woke up — looking ***flawless, obviously — but wasn’t it used previously? The back cover (after the jump) also arrived online and it shows examples of the other pics used in the calendar and they are largely taken from her Beyonce photo shoot. Not that I’m complaining. Join me in ordering several.