Now this is how you end the year.

An unfinished version of Kanye West’s long-awaited music video for “Monster” has finally leaked. And it is really, really fucked up.

There are lots of dead and/or deranged-looking models (some staring lifelessly at nothing, some presumably hanging from nooses, while others are eating human flesh), two Nicki Minaj’s (one a leather and lace-clad dominatrix, the other a pink-wigged prisoner), and coolness galore from the dapper-looking Jay-Z and a lounging, cigar-smoking Rick Ross. Directed by the legendary Hype Williams, this video will at least make your jaw drop, and maybe give you a few nightmares. Check it out here.

In other news, M.I.A. has released a brand new mixtape to ring in the New Year. Brilliantly titled Vicki Leekx, this free offering from the Sri Lankan tastemaker is sure to please anyone who was slightly disappointed by the difficult listen that was MAYA. Vicki Leekx is a nonstop party from beginning to end, and includes both outtakes from the recording of MAYA, as well as some previously unreleased tracks. Featuring production from Diplo, Rusko, Danjahands and Blaqstarr, this is a must hear, and it’s free. Download M.I.A.’s new mixtape here.

And in case you didn’t know, Lauryn Hill might be coming to a city near you.

I know I wasn’t the only one pissed when Lauryn Hill linked up with the Rock The Bells tour, making stops in New York, DC, San Francisco and LA, and totally bypassing everyone else! Well Ms. Hill announced a set of tour dates of her own this past week, and by the looks of things I’d say she might actually follow through with these performances (as opposed to cancelling them at the last minute).

The first of these dates took place this past Tuesday. And according to Spin Magazine, aside from taking the stage a full three hours after the scheduled start time for the performance (9pm), Hill is reported to have put on quite an amazing show. Check out Spin’s write-up on the show for some clips of her performance, and check out L-Boogie’s upcoming tour dates below.

Lauryn Hill Tour Dates:

1/1, New York, NY (Bowery Ballroom)
1/3, New York, NY (The Blue Note)
1/4, New York, NY (The Blue Note)
1/5, New York, NY (The Blue Note)
1/8, Charlotte, NC (Amos’ Southend)
1/9, Asheville, NC (The Orange Peel)
1/12, Charleston, SC (The Music Farm)
1/14, Atlanta, GA (The Centerstage)
1/16, St. Louis, MO (The Pageant)
1/18, Minneapolis, MN (First Avenue)
1/20, Chicago, IL (House of Blues)
1/22, Toronto, ON (Sound Academy)
1/23, Montreal, QC (Metropolis)
1/29, Atlantic City, NJ (House of Blues)
2/1, New York, NY (Highline Ballroom)
2/4, Montclair, NJ (The Wellmont Theatre)
3/19, Miami, FL (Jazz in the Gardens Festival)
3/20, Miami, FL (Jazz in the Gardens Festival)

Well that’s it for 2010. 2011 is shaping up to be another fantastic year for music, so be sure to check back at BlackYouthProject.com for the latest on the hottest albums and craziest stories in the world of popular music.

Have a safe and happy New Year!