The 6th man is that player that comes off the bench and makes a big contribution to the game - some of my favorite players have been 6th men - Jerry Stackhouse being the biggest one. That explains the name - it doesn't explain why it relates to FMF and truth is it doesn't. It's the sixth edition of the column - hope to reach 106 one day - and basically the 6th man came to mind when I started writing this. If you want me to actually do som thinking I'll you to consider me the 6th man of your budget - helping you score something for free especially during crucial times!

Dume41 - "Lotus Throne" - http://samsquad.com/music/downloads/lotusthrone.mp3

This Seattle native has been hustling and grinding for a while now. His latest album "God Save the King" got a positive review and was featured in this week's update. "Lost Throne" is the lead single from the album is available for free download. Check it out and support independent hip-hop if you like it.

Clinton Sparks feat. Clipse & Pharrell - Still Got It 4 Cheap - http://www.sendspace.com/pro/jq6c2l

Yes, I know - the got it 4 cheap thing got played out a while ago, but apparently Clinton Sparks doesn't care - this track is from his self-produced mixtape that is soon to be released and is available for free. Clipse are as always dope!

DJ Rondevu - The Depression - http://www.zshare.net/download/522010618dd515d0/

Yeah, I know y'all want full length stuff too - the man Rondevu claims this is one of the best mixtapes of the year and looking at the tracklisting I gotta agree - nothing but that real rap on here - well except that Neyo track at the end - what's up with that?:

1. INTRO – PRODUCED BY DJ RONDEVU & DJ GOCE
2. THAT'S GANGSTA – STYLES P, BUN B & SEAN KINGSTON $
3. MY LIFE – LIL WAYNE & LUDACRIS $
4. MISUNDERSTOOD – LUDACRIS & JAY-Z $
5. LIFES A BITCH 2009 – NAS & AZ $
6. HOOD SHIT – TERMANOLOGY & PRODIGY
7. EMERITUS – SCARFACE
8. THE ART OF DISRESEKINAZATION – HELTAH SKELTAH
9. WADDUP G'Z – PRODIGY & PUSHA-T OF THE CLIPSE $
10. R-A-W - THE GAME $
11. G-CODE – TRAE
12. GOT THAT – PRODIGY, UN PACINO & SCOTT CANE
13. THE FINANCIAL FORECAST
14. THE TRUTH – FREEWAY & JAY-Z $
15. AM I CRAZY? – PRODIGY, UN PACINO & HOGG BRANDO
16. INTERVIEW WITH THAT PALIN BITCH
17. BARS OF FURY – THE GAME & STYLES P $
18. THING OF THE PAST – JADAKISS & JAY-Z $
19. STEP UP – BALANCE, REMO DA RAPSTAR AND GARCIA
20. HOWEVER DO YOU WANT IT – MAINO
21. CAN U FEEL IT? – DAS EFX (PRODUCED BY DJ RONDEVU)
22. SHOUTOUTS & INFO
23. TOMORROW'S ANOTHER DAY – COLLIE BUDDZ $
24. CLOSER – NEYO $

Lupe Fiasco - Coast 2 Coast Mixtape #58 - http://www.coast2coastmixtapes.com/mixtapes/mixtapedetail.aspx?mixtapeid=141

Man these Coast 2 Coast guys are up to 58 - this time they got Lupe to host but it's not all exclusvie Lupe tracks. Matter of fact I couldn't find ONE Lupe track on the tape! But they do have a nice mix of tracks from all coasts on this one and advertise the new Lupend CD.

Freeway - Month of Madness - http://thefreewaychange.com/blog/

The Philly emcee known as Freeway is hustling in a MAJOR WAY this month. He declared Decemeber his month of madness and that means he's been giving away free joints like crazy - 5 free tracks are up already and expect his blog to be updated during the whole month!

Jay-Z v. Coldplay - Viva La Hova - http://www.vivalahova.com/

I'd been meaning to post this one for a while now - former RapReviews contributer Matt Tomer produced some tracks on this remix mash-up and he said they were pretty dope! Check it out.