Melancholy personified or in this case musicfied. Casey Kasem’s AT40 ranked this song as the fifth most popular song of the 1970′s. Released in 1972 it spent several weeks at #1 on The Billboard Chart and was and is a staple of the “Soft” or “Light” Rock branding.

“Alone Again” was the centerpiece of the landmark copyright case Grand Upright Music, Ltd. v. Warner Bros. Records Inc. which focused on the unauthorized use of a sample from “Alone Again (Naturally)” by rapper Biz Markie. The decision in the case effectively ended the “Golden Era” and “Wild, Wild, West” of sampling as well as the negative effect on the recording career of Biz Markie.

This one I couldn’t resist. The 1968 original written by Gamble and Huff and of course the 1989 remake by the Biz and yes this 2002 update from Mario. Three generations of music.

Ok, east coast classic hip hop fans, DJ Phaze has a treat for you this week. If this one doesn’t bless your ears, then we’ll have to revoke your ‘I am Hip Hop’ card. The perfect companion for your daily commute, workout or block party…. This one is fire!! Check the tracklist after the break.

Diggin’ In the Crates 80′s & 90′s Hip-Hop by GrownFolksMusic

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Check out legendary DJ and hip-hop journalist Bobbito on CNN Latino’s In America. Used to love his ill Soundcheck Vibe column!

Sneakerheads will appreciate one of his classic “It’s The Shoes” episodes f/Biz Markie after the break.

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For all the youngsters that think that Heineken just has a really cool commercial, respect the Biz, for the Hip Hop pioneer that he is.

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