When you think of the architects behind New York’s booming hip-hop scene, few names resonate louder than Funkmaster Flex. Born Aston George Taylor Jr. to Jamaican parents, Flex is more than just a DJ — he’s a cultural force who helped shape the sound of modern hip-hop, brought Caribbean energy to the American airwaves, and built a brand that still influences music, media, and fashion today.
From Jamaica to the Bronx: Caribbean Roots, New York Flavor
Funkmaster Flex’s heritage runs deep. As the son of a Jamaican sound system DJ, he grew up surrounded by the pulse of reggae, dancehall, and dub — genres rooted in bass-heavy rhythms and powerful storytelling. That influence translated effortlessly into hip-hop, especially in New York City, where Caribbean culture helped shape the early movement.
Funkmaster Flex’s father, DJ Aston George Taylor Sr., was a sound system DJ from Jamaica. He was involved in the early reggae scene and brought that musical tradition with him to the Bronx, New York. That influence had a huge impact on Flex’s development and love for music.
In several interviews, Funkmaster Flex has spoken about his father being a DJ and how he would watch him spin records at events and build speaker systems — just like the sound system culture popular in Jamaica. That early exposure played a major role in shaping Flex’s understanding of rhythm, crowd control, and the art of DJing.
Flex began spinning records in the 1980s, catching attention with his commanding voice, rhythmic blends, and street credibility. It wasn’t long before his name started to ring bells at parties, clubs, and eventually radio.
Hot 97 & WBLS: The Voice of the Streets
Flex became a household name through his iconic radio shows on Hot 97 and later WBLS. At Hot 97, he transformed late-night radio into a battleground for breaking new music, premiering unreleased tracks and delivering his signature bomb drops — a stamp of approval that could make or break a record.
Known for his epic freestyles, Flex created a platform where artists like The LOX, Jay-Z, Nas, and newer generations like Pop Smoke and A Boogie wit da Hoodie would showcase their lyrical firepower. His show didn’t just entertain — it documented the culture in real-time.
At WBLS, Flex expanded his range, tapping into the station’s legacy of soul, R&B, and Caribbean vibes. It was another nod to his Jamaican roots and his understanding of how Black music is deeply interconnected.
A Businessman With Vision
Beyond the turntables, Flex is a savvy businessman. He founded Big Dog Pitbulls, a DJ crew and brand that mentored rising talent. He launched InFlexWeTrust.com, one of the first urban blogs to combine news, music leaks, and cultural commentary in real time — a precursor to today’s music news landscape.
He’s also a car enthusiast and entrepreneur. His custom car shows brought hip-hop and car culture together in ways no one else was doing. With major sponsors and celebrity guests, the events drew thousands and became a blueprint for artist-led lifestyle branding.
Flex also played a role in corporate partnerships and branding deals — something not many DJs were thinking about at the time. From sneaker collaborations to tech endorsements, he saw early on that hip-hop was a global business.
Legacy: The DJ As Cultural Powerhouse
Funkmaster Flex isn’t just a DJ — he’s a tastemaker, a gatekeeper, a storyteller, and a bridge between generations. His influence goes beyond his technical skills behind the decks. He helped define what it means to be a hip-hop DJ in a modern world — blending street credibility with media savvy, business sense, and cultural awareness.
With a legacy that spans decades, Flex continues to evolve, mentor, and amplify voices from the streets of the Bronx to the world stage. His Jamaican roots gave him a foundation in rhythm and resilience — and that’s exactly what he brought to the culture: a beat that never stops, and a voice that still echoes across generations.
Funkmaster Flex: The Multi-Faceted Maestro of Hip-Hop
From spinning records to starring in video games, Funkmaster Flex has become an undeniable force in the hip-hop world. Let’s dive deep into the life of this iconic DJ, rapper, record producer, and host.
The Early Days
Born Aston George Taylor Jr. on August 5, 1968, in the Bronx, New York City, Flex’s roots trace back to Jamaican immigrant parents. Growing up in a religious household, he got his first taste of DJing at local nightclubs at 16. With a DJ father, music was in his blood.
Rise in the Radio Realm
Flex’s radio journey began alongside Chuck Chillout at WRKS 98.7 Kiss-FM. In 1992, he joined Hot 97, transforming it into New York’s first pop station prominently featuring rap. His signature “bomb drop” sound effect and unforgettable mixes continue to influence Hot 97, with his shows syndicated nationally.
Digital Domination with InFlexWeTrust.com
In 2010, Flex launched InFlexWeTrust.com, a treasure trove for fans featuring exclusive audio, video, and MP3s of artist freestyles, along with entertainment news.
Taking Over the Television Scene
Flex has made his mark on TV, hosting MTV’s ‘Funk Flex Full Throttle’ and appearing on VH1’s ‘This Is Hot 97.’
The Grand Car Show Tour
An aficionado of custom cars, Flex promotes his annual “Funkmaster Flex Custom Car & Bike Show Tour,” featuring top-tier artists and a mix of car competitions, talent searches, sneaker battles, and DJ face-offs.
Video Game Ventures
Flex has lent his voice to video games like ‘Quest for the Code’ and ‘Grand Theft Auto.’ He’s also featured in ‘Def Jam Vendetta’ and ‘NBA 2K18.’
Top Articles
Salute to the legend, the icon, the voice of the city — Funkmaster Flex.
