Even if you don't like Atmosphere's music, you've gotta appreciate their dedication to fans. On Christmas Eve, they dropped the free, aptly-titled 13-track album, Strictly Leakage, online at www.rhymesayers.com/atmosphere. (Download it now, if you haven't already. They sent a reminder earlier today, in case folks forgot to grab it.)

As Slug states in the reminder, "It is free. You don't need to fill out a survey, or sign up for anything. It is not in stores, nor at any of the digital sales sites." Where's Fiddy and Jay-Z's fan appreciation at? All those millions and you can't give anything back?

Of course, Slug and Ant gotta eat, too. The album's a gift to fans to hold them over before the release of Sad Clown Bad Spring 12 in April, as if they didn't have a prolific year. They dropped three five-track EPs since August of 2007, for summer, fall and winter, respectively. Each release, like Strictly Leakage, has been surprisingly solid. Even if you're not a fan, you should give it a listen.

I never paid attention to those who wrote Atmosphere off as an "emo-hop" act. Slug writes about what he feels and makes it sound dope, fuck it. However, their last two full-lengths have been spotty; decent production but watered down rhymes (excuse me for being overanalytical, but, c'mon, dude spit the line "Fuck all of ya'll / Stop writing raps, and go play volleyball"). Strictly Leakage and their recent string of EPs seem to have brought the fun and creativity back. Ant even flips some recognizable old school beats, that is, if you're old enough to recognize 'em.

And while we're on the free shit tip, download Saul Williams' "The Inevitable Rise and Liberation of Niggy Tardust." I know, I know, we're slippin'...

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Zoneil Maharaj is the editor-in-chief of Oh Dang! He chills in his PJ's all day. Don't be mad at it.