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JAY-Z Offers To Pay Fees For Those Protesting Police-Shooting Of Alvin Cole

A 17-year-old African-American male, Alvin Cole was shot to death by police in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, in February of this year. The individual who shot Cole, Joseph Mensah, is an African-American police officer who has fatally shot two other people in the last five years.

After Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm confirmed on Wednesday that he would not file charges against Mensah, (a decision which was consistent with his past disinclination to charge Mensah over the other two deaths) police clashed with peaceful protestors. Several protestors, including Cole’s mother and two sisters, were arrested.

This prompted rapper JAY-Z to offer financial coverage of any legal fees/fines incurred by the arrested protestors. This was announced through Team ROC, JAY-Z’s social justice branch of his broader ROC Nation Company.

Chris McGrath/Getty Images

The conflict arises as Chisholm claims that Mensah, who reportedly observed Cole holding an unloaded firearm while on his knees, acted in self-defense when he fatally shot Cole in the Mayfair Mall parking lot.

Team ROC additionally responded with the demand that Mensah is relieved of his duties at the Police Department and be legally prosecuted, with Wisconsin Governor, Tony Evers hiring a special prosecutor for the case.

Protest attendance is estimated to have exceeded 100 people, with all participants marching onto the I-94 freeway during rush hour.

A Facebook live-stream shown from within the Cole family car during the protests depicts officers threatening use-of-force upon Cole’s mother, Tracy Cole.

Said the mother, “I can’t believe y’all did this to me. Y’all killed my son,” followed by repeated cries of “I can’t breathe,” to which an officer responded, “Well, that’s too bad.”

[via]

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Joelle Charan’s “Forgive Me,” a Soulful Orchestra of Redemption

Joelle Charan’s latest creation, “Forgive Me,” is a soul-jazz masterpiece that transcends boundaries, weaving together a tapestry of modern soul and Jazz orchestral horns with enchanting musical influences that are deeply emotional. This single is a heartfelt reflection of a daughter’s yearning for forgiveness. The result is a symphonic fairytale that tugs at your heartstrings, combining modern pop with the timeless elegance of orchestral and Indian instrumentation.

Drawing from the depths of her mixed heritage and spiritual beliefs, Joelle Charan pours her heart and soul into this track. The song’s genesis in the aftermath of a poignant argument, set against the backdrop of New York City, adds a layer of raw authenticity to its lyrics. The smooth-jazz verses are a soothing balm, while the choruses’ layered vocal and instrumental harmonies evoke a sense of catharsis.

Joelle’s smooth-jazz verses effortlessly lead you into a world of introspection, while the choruses, adorned with intricate vocal and instrumental harmonies, take you on an experimental odyssey. The outro, embraced by French horns, adds a touch of old-world charm to the modern Manhattan backdrop that inspired this composition.

Influenced by the likes of Laura Mvula, Norah Jones, and Alicia Keys, Joelle Charan’s vocal prowess shines brightly. Her ability to blend soulful vocals with jazz-infused melodies is captivating. “Forgive Me” is not just a song; it’s a journey through the depths of emotion, a musical experience that will resonate deeply with anyone who has felt the weight of regret and the need for absolution.

As Joelle Charan returns to the U.K. and Europe for live performances, “Forgive Me” is bound to stand out in her repertoire, a testament to her musical talent and artistic growth. It’s a must-listen for those who appreciate the exquisite fusion of captivating rhythms and emotive storytelling. Joelle Charan’s “Forgive Me” song is a soulful track that offers healing and elevates the soul. It’s a great addition to any jazz or soul playlist, inspired by Charan’s musical journey from Amsterdam. Truly an artist to watch!

CLICK HERE TO STREAM Joelle Charan’s “Forgive Me“ on Spotify.

CONNECT WITH Joelle Charan | Instagram | Facebook |

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Industry Veteran and Legend – Aria – Teams Up With Renowned World Artists For Rhythmic Single Smile

Mariano Schiavolini, aka “Aria“, is a leading representative of international world music, and collaborates with other major artists in the genre such as the Soweto Gospel Choir, Peter Gabriel, and the group of Miriam Makeba. Now, recruits a tour de force of global talent for his latest single Smile. Released August 14th of this year, the infectious single is characterised by its strong rhythms, global influences, and masterfully intricate composition.

Smile’s driving force is its undeniable rhythm influenced strongly by South and Central American musical styles, namely rumba and cha cha. However, jazz and RnB influences elevate the song with its positive vocals and message, and instrumentation such as that of American bassist Joseph Patrick, bassist for Steward Copeland of the Police.

Smile’s arrangement is in a way a testament to Aria’s decades spanning legacy in the music industry. With over 120 tracks making up the song (with most contemporary songs only reaching 50), Smile was recorded with older analogue set-ups that retain the individual frequencies of each instrument with more fidelity than their modern counterparts at this complex layering. In doing so, it demonstrates the mastery that comes with having been in the industry for so long now, such is the case with Aria.

The single and its accompanying music video continue in Aria’s trend of global collaboration. As viewers will see, the video brings together the smiles of those from all backgrounds, who interpret the dance of Smile with spontaneous and unique gestures. Behind the scenes, English author Nicolette Turner penned the lyrics which were sung by vocalist Ariel Jones, who also interpreted the song in Portuguese after contributing the lyrics in her native tongue. Smile’s Portuguese version is to be released in the South American market.

Prior to Smile, Aria’s successes have included charting in his native Italy and abroad, rotation on BBC Radio, millions of streams and views on his songs and videos, and charitable drives to help causes close to the artist’s heart. These causes include defending human rights, saving near extinct animals, and fighting apartheid, to name a few.

Smile is a song of universal brotherhood that hopes to bring people of all walks and creeds together through dance. The single is available across all platforms now.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/7gk7om5XNA2sfXvXPq1H2x
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6lco834ehS7Dtha6bS7AUy

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vf_HFi_4KOI
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AriaTheComposer

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/smile-single/1700688680
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/aria/1618070725

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ariathecomposer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariathecomposer/?hl=en