Funkmaster flex biography
Funkmaster Flex
- Real Name
- Aston George Taylor, Jr.
- Alias Name
- Funk Flex / Flex
- Date of Birth
- Jan. 1, 1970 - Age 55
- Hometown
- The Bronx, New York City
- Label
- indie
- Social
Artist Bio
| Funkmaster Flex | |
|---|---|
Birth name | Aston George Taylor Jr. |
Born | August 5, 1968 (1968-08-05) (age 56) |
Genre | Hip hop |
Occupation(s) | DJ, rapper, record producer, actor, radio host |
Years active | 1987-present |
Label | Nervous Records (1993) |
Associated acts | Big Kap, The Flip Squad, Nine, Fat Joe, Biz Markie, KRS-One, Big Pun |
Aston George Taylor Jr. (born August 5, 1968), better known by his stage name Funkmaster Flex, is an American DJ, rapper, record producer, actor and host on New York City's Hot 97 radio station. In 1992, he became host of the first hip hop radio show on Hot 97 in New York, which was a pop radio station at the time. He is well known for his signature "bomb drop" sound effect over records.
During the mid-1990s, Flex signed to Loud Records and released a series of mixtapes entitled 60 Minutes of Funk. All four mixtapes in the series were certified gold by the RIAA in the US.
Discography[]
Albums[]
- 1995: The Mix Tape, Volume 1
- 1997: The Mix Tape, Volume II
- 1998: The Mix Tape, Volume III
- 1999: The Tunnel (with Big Kap)
- 2000: The Mix Tape, Volume IV
- 2005: Car Show Tour
Funkmaster Flex
Funkmaster Flex, born Aston George Taylor Jr. on August 5, 1967, in The Bronx, New York, is a legendary DJ, radio personality, and hip-hop icon. Widely recognized as one of the pioneers of modern DJing and a key figure in the development of hip-hop culture, Flex's influence extends far beyond the turntables. Growing up in the birthplace of hip-hop, The Bronx, Flex developed a deep love for music at an early age. Flex's unparalleled ability to blend, scratch, and manipulate records quickly gained his attention and established his reputation as a formidable force in the DJ world. Flex's breakthrough came in the early 1990s when he became a prominent figure on New York City's iconic radio station, Hot 97. Hosting his own show, "Funkmaster Flex's 60 Minutes of Funk," he showcased his unparalleled mixing skills, exclusive interviews, and premieres of new music. Beyond his radio career, Flex's impact on the music industry is undeniable. He released several highly successful mixtapes, including the critically acclaimed "The Mix Tape, Vol. 1" in 1995, which featured exclusive freestyles and collaborations from some of the biggest names in hip-hop. Flex's mixtapes became essential listening for fans and served as a launching pad for many aspiring artists. Flex's contributions to the hip-hop community extend beyond his DJing prowess. He has played a significant role in breaking new artists, introducing the world to talent such as 50 Cent, Big Pun, and DMX through his radio show and mixtapes. Funkmaster Flex's groundbreaking contributions to DJing, radio, and the hip-hop industry have left an indelible mark. His innovative techniques, dedication to breaking new talent, and unwavering love for the art form have made him an iconic figure and a true pioneer in the realm of hip-hop and DJ culture.
Funkmaster Flex
American DJ and radio host (born 1968)
Musical artist
Aston George Taylor Jr. (born August 5, 1967), professionally known as Funkmaster Flex, is an American DJ, rapper, record producer, and host on New York City's Hot 97 radio station. In 1992, he became host of the first hip hop radio show on Hot 97 in New York, which was a pop radio station at the time.
Early life
Aston Taylor Jr. was born in the Bronx borough of New York City to Jamaican immigrant parents. His father, DJ Aston George Taylor Sr., was a sound system professional. He was raised in a strict, religious household. At the age of 16, he began DJing at local nightclubs.
Radio career
By the age of 19, Flex began working with fellow Bronx native Chuck Chillout for WRKS 98.7 Kiss-FM in New York. He later left KISS, and spent a brief period at 107.5 WBLS-FM. In the early 1990s, Flex made club appearances at many of Vito Bruno's operated nightclubs. Bruno later convinced Joel Salkowitz, a regional vice president of Hot 97, to begin airing live broadcasts from clubs where he was performing. When they realized the resurgence of hip hop was coming fast from its decline in the eighties, they increased the hours of this urban radio programming.
Due to the success of that programming, in the spring of 1992 Funkmaster Flex began mixing and hosting his own show, a specialized rap program on Hot 97. With this, Hot 97 became the first pop station in New York to showcase rap. Flex has been with Hot 97 ever since, and currently airs nationally through syndication during weeknights and weekends.
He is well known for his signature "bomb drop" sound effect over records. On July 20, 2011, Kanye West & Jay-Z's "Otis" premiered on Flex's Hot 97 radio show. Despite the song itself lasting under 3 minutes, it took over 22 minutes for Flex to go through from sta