By now it's no noteworthy event when a young band gives away free music online to garner attention. In fact, for many it's the de facto way to get signed to a label, attract the attention of a booking agent, and build up a fan base. But what about when the person giving away the music is already one of the most famous musicians in the world? Odd, yes--but especially so when the musician in question is Kanye West.

West recently started an event called G.O.O.D Fridays--a play off his record label G.O.O.D Music. Every Friday West releases one new song on Twitter for free. Gratis. At no cost to his fans, haters or those miraculously still ambivalent. Most of the songs feature contributions from his buddies--Jay-Z, Raekwon or Swizz Beatz--and one even featured a sample of Justin Beiber's vocals, but everything's been quality so far.

'Ye has been a little fuzzy on the details, but the only definite rule seems to be free music every Friday until the end of the year. Apparently a lot of the tracks are from the Jay-Z/Kanye collaboration "Watch the Throne," but with fifteen weeks left until New Year's Eve, I'd say he'll probably start pulling out whatever tracks he's got left. You can read more about West's Character Approved status here, and sample one of his free songs here.

[Image: HYPETRAK]