in this day and age of lackluster sales and major corporate record labels not putting up the money to build up an artist's image and clout, artists especially independently have to do whatever it takes to build themselves up. Fik already has a decent buzz within and around the Bay Area and with his appearances on the last couple E-40 albums. Why not give away his first album for free, it builds a strong repoire with his fans and would be fans, although like many have said it is definitely quality enough that people would have supported it and went and bought it. Still hopefully this builds up the anticipation and support that much more for the next album.