Countless hip-hop fans across New York City and beyond tuned in for a historic moment as Funkmaster Flex, born Aston Taylor Jr., signed off from his influential show on Hot 97 for the final time, concluding an unprecedented 33-year run that transformed urban radio.
The departure marks the end of an era for a pioneer who began his career as a local DJ in New York clubs before joining the station in 1992, when he launched Hot 97’s first dedicated hip-hop program during a time when the station primarily featured pop and dance music.
Flex’s groundbreaking approach to radio revolutionized the medium through his energetic style, signature sound effects—most importantly the “bomb drop”—and willingness to play new tracks repeatedly to build momentum.
His influence extended beyond broadcasting techniques; he created a platform where emerging artists could debut their music to a wide audience, helping establish Hot 97 as the epicenter of hip-hop culture in New York and beyond.
Throughout his tenure, Flex demonstrated remarkable adaptability, maintaining relevance across three decades of hip-hop’s evolution while mentoring talents like Angie Martinez who would become influential voices in their own right.
His impact transcended radio as he leveraged his brand to create television shows like “Fast Machines with Funkmaster Flex” and “Funk Flex Full Throttle,” along with the popular Funkmaster Flex Custom Car & Bike Show Tour that fused hip-hop with automotive culture.
The DJ’s entrepreneurial ventures, including lifestyle expos featuring sneaker battles and DJ contests, further cemented his status as a cultural institution.
His willingness to broadcast live club performances during his early years helped shift Hot 97’s programming toward urban music, a transformation that would ultimately define the station’s identity for generations.
In 2010, Flex expanded his media footprint by launching InFlexWeTrust.com, a news website that became an essential digital hub for hip-hop enthusiasts seeking exclusive content and artist freestyles.
Known for his powerful delivery and authentic New York personality, Flex’s famous tagline “Funk Flex! Drop a bomb on it!” became an iconic catchphrase that energized listeners and signaled the arrival of exclusive music premieres.
Beyond his radio career, Flex created multiple income streams through merchandise sales, licensing his brand, and developing custom content for digital platforms, setting an example for artists in the evolving music industry.
His legendary premieres of exclusive tracks embodied the strategic editorial playlists approach that today’s artists use to build momentum and create buzz around new releases.
As Flex’s nationally syndicated voice goes silent on Hot 97’s airwaves, his legacy remains intact through the countless artists he introduced to mainstream audiences and the broadcasting techniques he pioneered that continue to influence urban radio formats nationwide.
