Disco Beave!

I'd never heard of Disco Beave before DWG featured them on their Lung Butters mixCD. "From the Projects" was just one of those killer random rap cuts that made you think, damn, gotta add that to my want list! Turns out it was a three-song single from 1988 on a little label out of Delaware, and I wasn't the only guy with it on my list. Anyone after this sucker was going to have to sink a lot of time and big bucks into the effort.



But Dope Folks has hooked us up! Not only have they repressed and remastered the original single, they also included an earlier version of one of the songs that Beave had released as its own 12" in 1987. It's limited to 300 copies, of course, and comes in a sticker cover reproducing the original "From the Projects" picture cover. My pictured copy is a test pressing; but the regular release comes with the more traditional DF-style label.



So, if you missed Lung Butters, "Projects" is tough. Despite his name, Beave is far from disco rap; he owes a lot more to early Juice Crew. His drums lack the technical proficiency of Marley's, but that's the only department he comes up short in. His tracks are big and rugged, his delivery is energetic and murderous, and his DJ, Zim Zam, gets busy. This guy could've definitely made noise on New York radio if he'd gotten his records in the right hands back in the day (he does try shouting out Red Alert, Chuck Chillout "and the rest of my New York City boys," on one of his songs; but I guess that didn't do the trick).



"From the Projects" may be the tightest, but the other three tracks are all up to par. The first version of "I'm Servin'" is a tight, smooth but hard track using some classic samples and def rhymes. Then the 1988 version updates by putting some of Parliament's "Flashlight" to great use. And "Hall Of Fame" actually features a different MC: B Gets Busy, instead of the Beave. He's got a bit of a lighter flow, but he holds his own; and the having the MCs swap out gives some nice variety to the EP. Plus, since the song is an ode to Zim Zam, it gives him their DJ the biggest opportunity to go off. Yeah, they're more rudimentary 80s cuts than the kind of stuff we've become accustomed to since; but it works great on the record.



Discc Beave is a big scratch off our want lists, so I'm happy. And listen. I've been, and continue to be, a big fan, of all the cool 90s stuff the limited labels like Dope Folks and Chopped Herring have been putting out on a now regular(!) basis. But I'm extra excited to hear golden '87-'88 music like this. So all I have to say is: more like this please!

7-Year-Old Female MMA Fighter Strikes Grown Man Like a Champ

Watch as Allison Gonsier ruthlessly goes at her fully grown trainer in a relentless frontal assault that ends with the ref having to pull the seven-year-old off his unconscious body.

Seriously though, this girl has a bright future as a cage fighter if she sticks with it. The best part of the video has to be where Gonsier does a flying kick off the ring pylon.

It's Official, Boosie Will Be Released From Prison in February (@BOOSIEOFFICIAL)

As far as Lil Boosie's prison release date goes, there's been a lot of back and forth. Initially it was said that Boosie could be out of prison by August 2014. But then it was revealed that he could actually be released as early as February 16th. Now, according to a report by Miss Info, Boosie's official release date is set for February 13th.



Last week, Boosie's verified Twitter page tweeted "#COUNTDOWN" referencing Boosie's release. According to a NOLA article, Boosie has earned himself good behavior on the count of his completion of a substance abuse class and even earning his GED while behind bars.



"He has plans to go straight to the studio to begin working on an album as well as his tour," Boosie's brother told NOLA in December, before adding that he will begin touring in "late spring, early summer." The NOLA article also mentions that Lil Boosie could expect supervision on the outside well into 2018.



Lil Boosie is currently serving time for a third-offense marijuana possession charge and violation of probation.



Source: HipHopDX

Weather Channel Reporter Nails Videobomber Right in the Crotch

A videobomber who thought he was slick running up on the Weather Channel's Jim Cantore during a live broadcast painfully learned the error of his ways when Cantore delivered a quck knee to the man's balls.

"Obviously, here at the College of Charleston they are already having a good time," Cantore camly observed.

Check out the nut shot up top.

Janelle Monae Rocks VH1′s Super Bowl Blitz Concert

With just a few days until the 2014 Super Bowl, R&B superstar Janelle Monae brought a live jam session to the stage for VH1’s Super Bowl Blitz concert series on Tuesday (Jan. 28).

If you’re familiar with Ms. Monae, she’s a phenomenal stage performer.

Last night, the ‘Electric Lady’ electrified the crowd at Lehman College in the Bronx, N.Y., with a high-energy set of her hits.

Backed by a full band, a string quartet, horn section and cheerleaders, Monae was moving and grooving onstage as if she was the second coming of James Brown.

Highlights of Monae’s set include renditions of funky joints like ‘Q.U.E.E.N.,’ ‘Electric Lady’ and ‘Dance Apocalyptic.’ She also performed her breakthrough single, ‘Tightrope.’

The 28-year-old singer was a dancing dynamo — from the moonwalk to the two-step to the funky chicken — she gave it up on the good foot.

If Bruno Mars’ halftime show this Sunday is the official party, then Monae’s concert was certainly the pre-party. It was a rocking good time.

You can peep Janelle Monae’s full concert here and watch some more footage below.

Next: J. Cole Kicks Off VH1's Super Bowl Blitz Concert Series

Watch Janelle Monae Perform ‘Electric Lady’ for VH1′s ‘Super Bowl Blitz’ Concert

Watch Janelle Monae Perform ‘Cold War’ for VH1′s ‘Super Bowl Blitz’ Concert

Watch Janelle Monae Perform ‘Tight Rope’ for VH1′s ‘Super Bowl Blitz’ Concert

Watch Janelle Monae Perform ‘Dance Apocalyptic’ for VH1′s ‘Super Bowl Blitz’ Concert

Young Thug Working With Kanye; Offered $1.5M for Record Deal (@YoungThugWorld @kanyewest)

Atlanta rapper Young Thug is blowing up. If you've been to the club or listened to urban radio recently you'd know his massive street song "Danny Glover" has taken off like a rocket. Thug's 2013 breakout mixtape "1017 Thug" on Gucci Mane's 1017 Brick Squad record label received rave critical acclaim and appeared on many top ten lists. In addition, "Danny Glover" has been cosigned by major mainstream artists like Drake and Kanye West. But the Kanye cosign isn't merely for "Danny Glover" as Young Thug told Complex in an interview, he's also currently working with the Chicago rapper/producer.



"I mean, I went to his house and we did a couple of songs," Young Thug said during an interview with Complex. "The fact that I was [making songs] so fast amazed him too, because he doesn't see a lot of people who rap like that. I don't really rap with a lot of people [because] everyone raps the same way. When I first heard he wanted to know who I was and do songs, I was smiling ear to ear like a clown."



And though Young Thug is working with Kanye West, Thug revealed he's "a big fan of everything that" Kanye has done as an artist. But despite admiring Kanye, he still supports Lil Wayne, and hopes to work with him above anyone else.



"Yeah. Because he has 10-15 years in the game on top and the fact that he knows he can lean back and retire and he still doesn't," he said. "I hope Wayne is listening, I want to get in the studio with Wayne more than anybody in the world. I'll get in the studio with Wayne before Michael Jackson right now so I hope he listening."



As mentioned, Young Thug is signed to Gucci Mane's 1017 Brick Squad label but Thug is also rumored to be getting love from other labels. It has been rumored Future's Freebandz imprint is interested in the 21-year-old. "It's not happening yet, I don't know if it's gonna happen," Thug said. "Future said he wants to give me $1.5 million so you know how that goes. It just hasn't happened yet."



Source: Complex

Check Out the Sexy Pro Bowl Streaker Who Did It for Family

Fitness model Katrina Torres had the crowd going wild after she ran onto the field late in the fourth quarter of Sunday's Pro Bowl game. It turns out the 23-year-old resident of Kahaluu, Hawaii, did it for a good cause -- her disabled cousin who couldn't attend the game.

Torres told local affiliate KHON2 News that her bold act was done in tribute to her cousin Gary, who was paralyzed in a motorcycle accident two years ago. She explained that his dream was to go to the Pro Bowl, but the trip from his home in New Mexico would have been too difficult.

She said Gary was watching the game back home and loved it.

"He can't talk but he was just smiling a lot and just like, fist pumping," she said. "As soon as he saw me jump his face just lit up and he was fist pumping and stuff. That just made it so worth it for me."

Torres said she escaped arrest after none other than Deion Sanders came to her rescue.

Check out the story up top, and be sure to peep the pics of Torres flaunting that bod.

Pharoahe Monch Is on a Lyrical Warpath on 'Bad MF'

Chris McGrath, Getty Images

Rapper Pharoahe Monch is one of the most respected lyricists in the game. Much like the title of his new single, the New York rhymer is a ‘Bad MF’ on the mic.

The song, produced by Lee Stone, features Monch as a maniac on the warpath, annihilating MCs in his wake.

“They mad ’cause they can’t stop me / ‘Cause I said, ‘F— swag’ I got moxie / Lyrical ecstasy, I got that Oxy / Contin poppin,’ they can’t carbon copy or mock me,” he raps. He then adds, “It’s not a game / I’m not a rook / Y’all know the name / Y’all love the look.”

Monch is currently working on his fourth solo album, ‘PTSD’ (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), due in April. On the LP, Monch narrates a story of an indie artist waging a war against the strangleholds of the music industry machine. The collection boasts guest appearances from Black Thought, Talib Kweli and more.

Listen to Pharoahe Monch’s ‘Bad MF’

Future Is Tipsy on 'Drunk in Love' Remix

Mike Windle, Getty Images

After Beyonce and Jay Z‘s ‘Drunk in Love’ performance at the 2014 Grammy Awards, the song has received massive attention — both good and bad. Now Auto-Tune crooner Future adds his take on the track with a new remix.

The southern rhymer promises not to “judge” and is excited about the “comfort level” of a lady that’s not his — she’s trying to creep. As a result, he’s ready to get tipsy for the night. “I’m pouring that drink on top of you / Then I’ma sip it all off of you / Sip, sip sip, sip,” he delivers.

Future continues on with the X-rated details. This is one song that’s not meant for the kiddies.

Before the track comes to an end, he shouts out his sophomore LP, ‘Honest.’ The project has yet to receive a release date, but not for long. Future announced that both the cover art and a date for the album will be unveiled next week.

Listen to Future’s ‘Drunk in Love’ Remix

Pharrell Goes 'Hatty' in New Video

Just when you thought Pharrell‘s infamous hat worn at the 2014 Grammy Awards was yesterday’s news, the interwebs have proven you wrong. His ‘Happy’ video receives a mountie makeover with a surprising new star: his hat.

Brought to our screens by I am Other, Pharrell’s cultural YouTube channel promoting creativity and culture, the 31-second video, entitled ‘Hatty,’ shows a clip of the singer strolling down a hall like in the original version. But this time, his unique brown hat has been magnified to cover half of his body. The people behind this new clip seamlessly make the hat dance just as he does.

“We couldn’t help ourselves! Congratulations to our boss, Pharrell Williams, and #PharrellsHat on their 2014 Grammy awards. Get #HATTY…,” the caption for the YouTube video reads.

So if you’re feeling the drag of the mid-week slump, take a moment to watch the video above and get “hatty.”

T.I. Addresses Rumors of Divorce From Tiny

Araya Diaz, Getty Images

Couples have their issues and argue, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re calling it quits and breaking up. This is the case for T.I. and his wife, Tiny. Despite rumors of parting ways after three years of marriage, they’re not separating.

According to TMZ, the two had an argument about walking the red carpet during the 2014 Grammy Awards on Sunday night (Jan. 26). Tiny wanted to show off her attire in front of the cameras and watch the show while T.I. was over it and didn’t want to attend. In the end, husband and wife essentially did their own thing, which lead to sightings of the two at separate parties — sparking the breakup rumors.

T.I. told TMZ they attended different events as a way to prove which one would have more fun. By the time it was morning, they reconciled.

And if you don’t believe it, T.I. posted this on Instagram last night (Jan. 28).

“Hell yeah… And shall remain solid. Thru & thru….Always!!!! God is great!!!! So I’m gon always be good. No matter how many lies are told. No matter how many stories are told & sold . I AM errrthing I say I AM. Head of MY FAMILY & Leader of MY TEAM!!!!Never gotta think twice bout how I’m doin….. #BetterthanU #trust #Facts #FamilyHustleorDie #hustlegangovererrrrthang,” he wrote.

Kendrick Lamar Responds to 2014 Grammys Snub, Gives Props to Macklemore

Kendrick Lamar, Getty Images

Hip-hop heads were stunned when Macklemore swept the rap categories and beat out Kendrick Lamar for Best Rap Album at the 2014 Grammy Awards. Many people, including Macklemore, himself, felt that Lamar was robbed of the honor. Now K.Dot has responds to the controversy surrounding the Seattle rapper’s Grammy wins.

In an interview with XXL Magazine, the Compton rhymer saluted Macklemore and credited his work ethic — not his race — as the reason why him and collaborator Ryan Lewis won.

“It’s well deserved; he did what he did, man,” he told the publication. “He went out there and hustled and grinded. Everything happens for a reason; the universe comes back around, that’s how it go.”

As XXL suggests, Lamar isn’t the first rapper to be snubbed by the Grammys. Hip-hop icons Nas and Snoop Dogg have been denied a Grammy multiple of times.

Nevertheless, the ‘Control’ rapper would like to see the Grammys put hip-hop on center stage since it’s such a dominant force in music.

“I definitely feel like they should always have more of the culture up in there, for sure, because we definitely stand out just like any other genre,” said Lamar. “We part of the world. We part of the movement.”

“So I think any awards, including the Grammys, should always push for more hip-hop because it’s music as a whole, it’s not just splitting different regions,” he continues. “Everything moves as far as sound and vibrations, and that’s how it goes. And we are a part of that.”

What do you think? Was Kendrick Lamar snubbed at the Grammys? Tell us in the comments below.

Watch Dom Kennedy Bring Out Kendrick Lamar for ‘Backseat (Freestyle)’

Exclusive! Bun B: Sneaker Collection and Crown Jewels (@BunBtrillOG)

Swoosh! Top 15 Nike NBA All-Star Sneakers (@Nike)

High Stakes: Twitter Divided on Hollow vs. Loaded Lux Battle (@HollowDaDonLOM @iAmLoadedLux)

UW Battle League's High Stakes was a huge success as the first ever Pay-Per-View rap battle event streamed in HD real-time brought out many hungry fans from all over to witness the historic competition. And the fans left Elizabeth, NJ's Club Envy getting their money's worth with four competitive matches on the bill all worthy of repeated viewing and heavy discussion.



The hype going into tonight's main event card (Loaded Lux up against Hollow Da Don) was justified when the two heavyweights went at it pound for pound, bar for bar. It was a rap battle that will undoubtedly go down in history. And though both had a terrific match, only one man can come out victorious. According to the Twittersphere, it looks like the battle has divided many battle rap fans.



Check out some of the reactions to the Loaded Lux/Hollow Da Don UW High Stakes main event bout in the slide above.



If you watched the event, who do you have as the winner? Loaded Lux or Hollow Da Don? Comment below!

Fans React to Beyonce's Epic Nip Slip During Grammy Performance (@beyonce)

While Beyonce and Jay Z wowed fans at the 2014 Grammy Awards with a stunning performance of "Drunk in Love," the Queen also suffered the first wardrobe malfunction of the night -- and it was a big one.

During the performance, Bey's left nipple decided to come out from her tight black bra and say hello.

Fans on Twitter wasted no time on weighing in on the nip slip, and you can check out a censored version of the pic above as well as some reactions.

Questionable T.I. Instagram Post Sparks Tiny Divorce Rumor (@ti @TinyMajorMama)

T.I. posted a questionable Instagram post on Saturday with Tiny following suit, posting a cryptic image to her Instagram as well that reads "It ain't nothin' to cut dat bi**h off". The internet went crazy, speculating that there may be some trouble in T.I. and Tiny's marriage.



Check out what T.I. and Tiny posted to their Instagram and you decide whether they hint at any strain in their relationship or everyone is merely going wild on some far-fetched speculations.



Source: AllHipHop

Happy Birthday Oprah, Turns 60 Years Old (@Oprah)

Jay Z Gifts J. Cole With His Original Roc-A-Fella Chain in NYC (@jcolenc @S_C_)

J. Cole's "What Dreams May Come" tour rolled through NYC on Tuesday (Jan. 28), and he brought out Jay Z, who performed "Public Service Announcement" to a rowdy crowd. It just so happened to be J. Cole's birthday, so Hov came baring a huge gift.

"It's his birthday, but he giving out gifts. So I think it's only right that you get a gift. That on your neck is my original Roc chain and it's yours."

Cole responded by saying, "This is unreal," and asked Jay for one more gift, performing "F*ckWithMeYouKnowIGotIt."

No Love: The Internet Calls for Macklemore to Retire From Music (@macklemore)

The Macklemore backlash is strong. The Seattle rapper has received a considerable amount of tongue-lashing especially in recent weeks. In VladTV exclusives, Lord Jamar has stated his disapproval of Macklemore, who he believes is pushing a "gay agenda" and social media is in particular critical of the "Thrift Shop" emcee. Twitter went at Macklemore for winning "Best Hip-Hop Album" at the AMA, then they disagreed with his Grammy wins, and now they're calling for the rapper to retire from music.



Twitter users were very vocal about Macklemore sweeping the Grammy rap category and specifically over the favored Kendrick Lamar. Users on Twitter feel Macklemore should step down and allow room for other rappers to get a shine. One user wrote "Hope Macklemore retire from rap and start teaching yoga like Max B lawyer." While another user wrote "the hole u dug urself in is as big as ur mouth. it's time to retire @macklemore".



Check out the comments Twitter users have made when calling for Macklemore's retirement. And do you agree with a call for his retirement? Chime in below.



Source: Twitter

Kanye Settles Assault Case, Pays 18-Year-Old $250,000 (@kanyewest)

Earlier in the month, Kanye West was investigated by police for allegedly assaulting an 18-year-old man at a chiropractor's office in Beverly Hills. Now, Kanye is settling, paying the man more than $250,000, TMZ reports.



Kanye allegedly attacked the man after the 18-year-old screamed at Kim Kardashian: "F**k you bi**h. Just trying to help you. Shut up ni**er lover, stupid sl*t."



TMZ reports that the 18-year-old man will not go forward with criminal prosecution, and the D.A. has yet to decide whether or not to charge Kanye with battery.



Source: TMZ

Moesha Actor Receives No Jail Time for Beating Girlfriend (@MarcusPaulk)

Looks like former Moesha star Marcus Paulk will avoid jail time following a domestic violence incident in August 2013, during which he allegedly punched his girlfriend in the stomach.



According to TMZ Marcus Paulk has made a plea deal with prosecutors, in which he pleads no contest to one charge of battery in exchange for four others being dropped and no jail time. He will also have to enroll in a year long domestic violence treatment program and stay at least a hundred yards away from his ex.



Marcus Paulk starred on Brandy's sitcom from 1996 to 2001 and has appeared on the big screen in films like Red Tails and Roll Bounce.



Source: TMZ

The Future Is Now: Guy's Robotic Hand Has Amazing Powers

A tattoo shop owner posted this wild video to YouTube of a customer showing off his new robotic hand.

"One of our customers came into our shop today and showed us his new robotic hand. He lost his hand last April in a car accident. This is pretty new technology and the first that I have seen like it in person. It was really awesome to witness this monumental type of technology in person."

The hand can grip things, sping 360 degrees, and most importantly, flip the bird.

It's fantastic that this kind of technology is available for everyday folks to help live a normal life again.

Video of Avonte Oquendo Running Out Open School Door Surfaces

A new video that shows Avonte Oquendo, the 14-year-old autistic boy whose disappearance led to a city-wide manhunt that finally ended sadly this month, running out of his Long Island City school has surfaced.



The video shows the doors remaining open for half-an-hour after an adult opened it as they exited. The door was opened on October 4th, at 12:07 P.M. and Avonte can be seen exiting at 12:38. Only three minutes later, a school safety officer closes the door. The footage has never been seen publicly until now.



Last week, Avonte's mother filed a suit against the Department of Education to release important document relating to Avonte's escape from his school. The DOE has so far refused to give up the documents, citing privacy concerns.



Source: NY1