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Meek Mill & Jay-Z’s REFORM Alliance Catches Major Victory

They’ve been putting in long hours as they’ve worked diligently to help change the criminal justice system, and now those involved with REFORM Alliance are celebrating a monumental victory. It’s reported that Meek Mill, Jay-Z, and Michael Rubin’s brainchild has aided in a new California bill being signed into law with the help of Governor Gavin Newsom. TMZ reports that AB 1950 will make a smoother pathway for former Californians to leave their pasts behind them now that the probation system has been amended.

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A few of @REFORM’s founding partners @VanJones68, @michaelrubin, @MeekMill & #RobertKraft have a special message for our community. Thank you @GavinNewsom for signing #AB1950. This is just the beginning. This is how we #fightdifferent. @teamroc
A post shared by REFORM Alliance (@reform) on Sep 30, 2020 at 6:40pm PDT

Under the new law, it’s reported that “adult probation sentences to a maximum of 1 year for misdemeanor, and 2 years for felony offenses.” The theory is that with shorter probationary periods, the less likely it is for someone to violate their probation. “This is exactly why we created REFORM — to change laws and create a smarter criminal justice system focused on rehabilitation and redemption all while keeping communities safe,” said Rubin. “We’re grateful for Governor Newsom and Assemblywoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove’s commitment to making such meaningful change in California and we hope it sets a necessary precedent for state leaders across the country.”

On the REFORM Alliance Instagram page, the organization wrote, “MAJOR REFORM VICTORY! California enacts #AB1950. This bill will help put hundreds of thousands of Californians on probation in positions to succeed and exit the criminal justice system for good. Thank you @GavinNewsom!”

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Artist Spotlight

Billy Chuck Da Goat finds his flow on new release “Vibez”

Billy Chuck Da Goat’s latest release, “Vibez,” has a laid-back, hypnotic bounce that makes it easy to listen to without ever feeling empty. It makes a place where calmness and quiet confidence come together.

“Vibez” was made on purpose, but it also sounds simple. Billy Chuck’s smooth delivery flows through the production without rushing or pushing anything. Instead, he lets the rhythm breathe, allowing people to get into the song at their own pace. This laid-back energy is the best part of the song, nothing feels forced, which is exactly what it’s trying to do.

The track changes to fit whatever you need it for, like a late-night drive, a focused workout, or a way to unwind after a long day. It has a quiet edge of confidence, it’s not loud or bragging, but it’s steady and sure of itself.

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François Marius and Bérénice creates a tender acoustic pop confession with “Billie Jean”

François Marius’ latest release, “Billie Jean (Acoustic Version),” cuts to the quick and lets raw emotion take over. What you get, ultimately, is a personal pop experience that feels closer to a secret than to either a spoken-word show or a performance. The initial soft strum of an acoustic guitar creates a mood that is soft, sweet, and quietly interesting. It’s a full-throated, backbones-out piece, and every note is screaming its potential. It’s simple but riveting, and it proves that sometimes less is more.

François Marius and Bérénice’s voices sound right together, their voicings intermingle so naturally that they seem accidental or spontaneous, harmonies that emerge from nowhere. The way they speak to one another is very, I mean, they really love each other. That even makes the track seem like a conversation about feelings.

The two artists are clearly close. Romance and Eros are not just ideas, and they inhabit every note that lingers and every minuscule shift in tonality. The harmonies soar effortlessly over the acoustic foundation, a blend of sweetness and strength. It’s a sign of strength and also of a willingness to be hurt.

“Billie Jean (Acoustic Version)” is stripped of any fancy production or theatrical effects, it wins you over with its frankness and forthrightness. Sandy François Marius’s impersonation is fresh and real, endowed with depth and softness thanks to Bérénice’s presence, which definitely makes everything more perfect. This acoustic performance serves as a stark reminder of the elements that do connect people: the singer, his guitar, and a story from the heart.

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