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Meek Mill, Jay-Z, and Michael Rubin united to form the REFORM Alliance. The trio linked up to fight for criminal justice reform throughout the United States, each motivated by their own personal relationships to the justice system in the United States. The REFORM Alliance has already scored major wins for criminal justice reform in states like Virginia, where they helped alter the archaic probation laws.

The most recent W for the criminal justice organization the passing of SB 105 in Georgia, which eases up the state’s probation system. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed the legislation into law earlier this week in the state after passing by a 169-2 overwhelming majority vote amongst legislature. REFORM Alliance was one of many nonprofits that advocated for the passing of the bill. 

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“Thank you to @GovKemp and our coalition partners for helping us GIVE LIFE BACK to thousands of Georgians this week!” wrote the organization on social media before tagging other nonprofits involved in helping pass the bill.

“This is a momentous victory for the citizens of Georgia, considering that their state has more people on probation than any other in the country,” Meek and Rubin said in a press release regarding the bill. “We applaud the legislature’s commitment to addressing this matter and we’re thrilled that it will enable thousands of Georgians to leave probation and re-enter society in a safe and productive manner. We are proud of the role that the REFORM Alliance played in championing these important changes.”

According to stats from the organization, 1 in every 48 Georgians are currently under community supervision with around 40% of those residents serving decade-plus probation sentences. The reformed law will create a pathway for early termination of felony probation after three years should they meet certain requirements. 

“SB 105 is a bipartisan, evidence-based reform that will safely reduce the prison population, save taxpayer dollars and allow resources to be redirected towards true public safety priorities,” said REFORM Alliance CEO Robert Rooks. “It is a sensible and essential step toward ensuring a probation system that gives Georgians a meaningful second chance and an opportunity for real redemption.”

Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for The Reform Alliance

The law will become effective July 1st. 

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Kevin Durant has played against a lot of talented individuals during his time in the NBA. At various points throughout his career, Durant has been looked at as one of the best players in the entire NBA and with two NBA titles under his belt, there is no doubt he knows what it takes to be a champion.

Durant also his very own podcast called “The ETCs” and on his most recent episode, he delivered a ton of praise to Luka Doncic after the two played against each other. Durant admitted that Luka is one of the hardest players to defend and that he is always deceiving people in terms of his athletic abilities.

“His pace is so incredible to me..he act like he dont have no athleticism and he can’t get around you..he be trying to trick people…you gotta be on point with that dude,” Durant explained.

Doncic has a Rookie of the Year award under his belt and when LeBron and KD retire, Luka is expected to be one of the faces of the league. When this happens, Luka has the potential to become a league MVP and the Mavericks will certainly be lucky to have him. If you’re receiving high praise from KD, it’s probably because you’re one of the best on the court.

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Kanye West is known for owning some luxurious and rare artifacts of clothing and art. In fact, it was reported earlier this week that the feds are requesting that Kim Kardashian forfeit a stolen Roman sculpture that Kanye West apparently gifted her. All of that to say, Kanye West has luxurious taste in things that your average person could not acquire in their lifetime.

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While Goyard bags appreciate in value, it looks like the seller of a rare 1-of-1 backpack that was once owned by Kanye West has banked upwards of $55K. Per Complex, high-fashion reseller Justin Reed just launched his latest capsule which includes items from the incredibly rare Drake x Chrome Hearts collab, as well as Kanye West’s ‘Robot Face’ Goyard Backpack that the rap extraordinaire copped at 2010 Paris Fashion week.

“While Kanye West and his girlfriend, Amber Rose, were in Paris during the 2010 Paris Fashion Week, West picked up his 1 of 1 ‘Robot Face’ Goyard Backpack that he designed,” reads the description, along with photos of the bag. “The 1 of 1 Goyard backpack is just one of the many limited edition pieces that West has accumulated in his closet.”

The item is described as being in “excellent overall” condition with a few “minor marks” inside. No word on who ended up buying the backpack but it’ll certainly be worth much more in the future. 

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Game of Thrones concluded its eight-year run on HBO in 2019. The insatiably popular television series based on the bestselling book series by George R.R. Martin went on to win the most Primetime Emmy Awards by a drama series of all time. The series attracted record viewership for the network and has a very broad and active international fan base. 

Named as one of the best television series of all time, the final season of the series notably received significant backlash for its reduced length and what many considered a disappointing conclusion. Luckily for fans, an upcoming prequel to the series titled House of the Dragon is set to arrive sometime in 2022. In the meantime, HBO has just offered the first look at what to expect in the series. 

HBO released the photos of the series earlier this week showing off the new characters fans will encounter once the show finally debuts. Beginning production back in April, this series will be based on Martin’s book Fire & Blood. 

The new series is going to be set 300 years or so before the events of the original show, focusing on the House of Targaryen. The storyline centers around Daenerys Targaryen’s ancestors Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and Prince Daemon Targaryen, members of the Targaryen House that rules over Westeros. 

Emma D’Arcy and Matt Smith portray the Targaryen royals and are pictured in some of the released images. Steve Toussaint is pictured in another photo in his role as the experienced sailor and fighter Lord Corlys Velaryon also known as ‘The Sea Snake’. The last image presents the character Alice Hightower, played by Olivia Cooke and acknowledged by the author as “the most comely woman in the Seven Kingdoms.” 

Rhys Ifans will play her father Otto Hightower. House of the Dragon is set to be released sometime in 2022.

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Over the last few weeks, the Los Angeles Lakers have been struggling to maintain their place in the Western Conference and now, it seems like they will have to take part in a play-in round just to have a shot at the postseason. Injuries have truly hurt this team and they could use any help they could get.

Well, Isaiah Thomas has bounced around the league over the last few years and even signed a 10-day contract with the New Orleans Pelicans a few weeks ago. He has since been released and, once again, he is looking for a willing team. Having already played for the Lakers in the past, Thomas is now jonesing for a contract, and it just so happens that Quinn Cook is as well.

“Man I could help them Lakers boys during this time,” Thomas said before telling Cook “You know what it is, you’ve proven that year after year. Stay ready. We back on real soon.”

At this point in the season, it doesn’t look like the Lakers are going to make a move like this anytime soon, however, it’s good to see Thomas hungrier than ever. Hopefully, he will be able to get a chance to come back next season.

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The world of hip-hop was overwhelmed by rumors that TDE and J. Cole were dropping new music a week from each other. Naturally, fans speculated that we’d be receiving some new music from Kendrick Lamar before J. Cole but ultimately, that was wishful thinking. J. Cole is, however, readying a new album which is due out next weekend titled, The Off-Season. On Friday, he unleashed the first “single” off of the project, “Interlude” which was only necessary to add to this week’s Fire Emoji playlist. 

Kendrick might not be dropping any time soon but fans did rejoice at the return of Isaiah Rashad. It’s been nearly five years since Isaiah Rashad released his last album The Sun’s Tirade. “Lay Wit Ya” connects the TDE rapper with Memphis up-and-comer Duke Deuce for an energetic trap banger.

Ottawa’s own Night Lovell just came through with his new project, Just Say You Don’t Care on Friday. It was only right that we included some new heat from that project. “Ten Wishes” is on steady rotation on our side. 

Other additions on this week’s Fire Emoji playlist includes new music from Tee Grizzley, Pressa, Pooh Shiesty, Gucci Mane, and more.

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Xscape and SWV are slated to hit the stage for tonight’s Verzuz showdown. The sweethearts of 90s R&B will face off at 8 pm, going song for song and sharing a slew of their biggest hits. Keep reading to find out how you can tune in for the memorable battle. 

Xscape’s LaTocha Scott recently spoke about the upcoming appearance, sharing, “It’s happening. It’s happening now. May 8th. Y’all better check it out!” All members of Xscape are expected to participate tonight including Tameka “Tiny” Harris, unlike some other past groups that have appeared.

“Everybody’s been asking about it. So, when they’re asking, we’re ready,” said Scott. “We’re never going down from a battle.  We’re ready for it. It’s great for the culture.”

As for SWV, the girl group’s official Instagram page has been posting throwback footage of the group, “Happy Mother’s Day Weekend! We are celebrating tonight at [Verzuz TV],” wrote the group. The battle between the ladies of R&B follows the Easter weekend match between The Isley Brothers and Earth, Wind & Fire followed by the 4/20 Redman and Method Man match.

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To check out tonight’s Verzuz, tune into the official Verzuz Instagram account to watch it live. You can also stream the battle with Triller or the FITE app.  

Swizz Beatz and Timbaland are the mastermind’s behind the incredibly popular musical battle series crafted from the desire for new and exciting entertainment while being in quarantine. It has come a long way since being strictly available for viewing on Instagram live. 

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