The oversaturation in hip hop today has made it increasingly difficult for artists to have a major breakthrough. Some will get a game-changing co-sign like when Drake called Lil Bibby and Lil Herb “the future,” while others will secure a No. 1 hit à la Trinidad James with his beat-knocking “All Gold Everything” that led to his million dollar Def Jam deal. Since both of those situations are pretty rare, most artists try to generate a legitimate buzz by releasing a free body of work prior to an major-label album campaign. It’s been that way for a while now, but in today’s market, providing free listening material is just as important to an artist’s success as it’s ever been.

With that being said, 2013 was certainly a year to remember for the freeleases (or the “fralbums”). Some of the popular freebies include Lil Wayne’s Dedication 5, Pusha T’s Wrath Of Caine, Nipsey’s groundbreaking offering, Crenshaw (you could’ve purchased it if your wallet’s big enough), Yo Gotti’s November 19th cut and plenty others. While those popular projects are worthy of our undivided attention, I’d like to take the time to introduce you to an additional 10 free projects that you may or may not have missed out on this year. With artists such as Logic, Audio Push, Casey Veggies, Vic Mensa and more, this list is sure to provide you with some smooth audial remedy.

– Jason Holzman

1. Audio Push – C.A.Y.A. (Come As You Are)

After signing to Hit-Boy’s label Hits Since ’87 in 2012, the exciting West Coast dwellers known as Audio Push have since shined on many radars. They released their highly anticipated project Come As You Are in September, which featured Lil Wayne, T.I., Joey Bada$$ and Wale and naturally offered production from their boss Hit-Boy. With their lead single “Shine” running the airwaves, and the success of C.A.Y.A., expect big things from Audio Push in the months ahead. Download/Stream 

2. Vic Mensa – INNATETAPE

Chicago’s own Vic Mensa dropped off his dope project INNATETAPE at the end of September. This 14-track piece includes features and production from Chance The Rapper, Ab-Soul, Hit-Boy, Michael Uzowuru, DJ Dahi, Boi-1da, and more. On top of releasing this project, Vic joined J. Cole on his “What Dreams May Come” Tour for selected dates in September and October this year. We posted this project on the site when it first came out, but for our mainstream listeners, it may have gone unnoticed. I foresee a big 2014 for the young spitter. Download/Stream

3. Dizzy Wright – The Golden Age

Reigning from Sin City, 2013 XXL Freshmen Dizzy Wright dropped off his project The Golden Age back in August. The tape featured the likes of Joey Bada$$, Logic and most notably Wyclef. Dizzy performed Baltimore for his Golden Age Tour and thoroughly impressed the crowd with his passionate execution of each track. Personally, this tape has been in rotation ever since. Download/Stream

4. PartyNextDoor – PARTYNEXTDOOR

After a Drake co-sign and eventually signing to the OVO imprint, PartyNextDoor dropped off his self-titled free album back in July. If you’re in need of a “pre-game” playlist for your next house party, these 10 bangers are just what you need. The only feature on the project hails from Drizzy, while PND croons across the EP in its entirety. At the rate that the OVO camp is moving, don’t be surprised if PartyNextDoor becomes even more of a fan favorite in 2014. Download/Stream

5. Logic – Young Sinatra: Welcome To Forever

Maryland’s own Logic has had a great year thus far. He was named one of the XXL Freshmen of 2013, signed a deal with Def Jam through No I.D., toured the country with Kid Cudi, Big Sean, and Tyler, The Creator, and for purposes of this post, dropped an awesome new project back in May. The fourth installment to his Young Sinatra series included 20 complete tracks and featured Kid Ink, Jhené Aiko, Trinidad James, Dizzy Wright, and labelmate Jon Bellion, who penned Eminem’s Rihanna-assisted cut, “The Monster.” Production was handled by Don Cannon, C-Sick, 6ix and No I.D. If you don’t know Logic by now, you’re miles behind. Download/Stream

6. Problem – The Separation

Linking up with DJ Drama, newcomer Problem strived to create The Separation between him and the rest of the industry with his new project. Literally. Securing several notable features such as Wiz Khalifa, Snoop, Wale, The Game and Chris Brown, it’s clear that the Compton MC is on his way to making some well-deserved noise. Download/Stream

7. The Underachievers – Indigoism

If you haven’t heard of the young lyricists known as The Underachievers then you’re in for a treat. AK & Dash, the New York emcees that make up the fierce duo, signed with Flying Lotus’ label Brainfeeder in September of 2012 and dropped off Indigoism in February of this year. This 17-track project shows the energy and determination these young cats entail and with NY hip hop in question, maybe The Underachievers can fill the much needed void. Download/Stream

8. Snow Tha Product – Good Nights & Bad Mornings 2: The Hangover

If you’re looking for aggression, sex appeal and dope lyrics overall, Snow Tha Product’s sequel to Good Nights & Bad Mornings is should be spinning right now. The West Coast femcee dropped this heater in October and proved to any doubters that she can battle with the best of ’em. GNBM 2: The Hangover features Tech N9ne, Cyhi Da Prince, Trae Tha Truth and other unsuspected rappers. Snow will be a household name in 2014. Don’t believe me, just watch. Download/Stream

9. Casey Veggies – Life Changes

Repping the Left Coast, Casey Veggies started off 2013 with a bang. His cohesive yet criminally slept-on project Life Changes is the perfect playlist for any long car ride. Notable tracks include the inspiring “Young Winners,” the head-nodder “Faces” and my personal favorite “She In My Car” featuring Dom Kennedy. Don’t sleep on this one,and watch Casey shine in 2014. Download/Stream

10. Chamillionaire – Reignfall EP

Houston legend Chamillionaire and his EP Reignfall may curb fans’ anxiousness until his third studio album Poison sees the light of day. Cham released this 7-track project in July, which features Scarface and Killer Mike on the same track while the H-town hit maker handles the rest. Replay value is high here, and if Reignfall is any indication of what to expect from Poison, 2014 might be Cham’s comeback year. Purchase/Stream