Funkmaster Flex Biography

The American hip hop DJ known as DJ Funkmaster Flex was born Aston George Taylor, Jr. in 1968 in the Bronx area of New York City. That he would grow up to become a world-famous DJ is little surprise, since Aston’s father was a sound system professional and also a DJ. By the time young Aston was a teenager, he was already DJ-ing at local clubs and bars, and after convincing NY’s Hot 97 to begin airing his performances, he rose to prominence and earned attention from major record labels.

DJ Funkmaster Flex began releasing a series of mixtapes, 60 Minutes of Funk, which earned him significant attention and gold status in sales. The album The Tunnel came next in 1999, featuring contributions by such notable musicians as Eminem, LL Cool J, Dr. Drew, and Snoop Dogg. Another mixtape, The Mix Tape, Vol. IV, arrived in 2000, followed by Car Show Tour in 2005. Notable singles from Funkmaster Flex’s mixtapes and albums include: “Here We Go” (featuring Khadejia and The Product G&B); “We in Here” (featuring Ruff Ryders); “Ill Bomb” (featuring LL Cool J); “Confrontation” (featuring Mary J. Blige); “Goodlife” (featuring Ja Rule and Faith Evans); and “My Lifestyle” (featuring Jadakiss and Remy Ma.)

In recent years, Funkmaster Flex has become well known for his television appearances, most notably on shows such as Yo! MTV Raps. In 2003, he launched his own series, Ride with Funkmaster Flex, which explores the subculture of cars in hip-hop. After the success of the show, Flex launched the ESPN series Ride with Funkmaster Flex, which features interviews with athletes in which they discuss their classic and custom cars.

DJ Funkmaster Flex continues to host his radio program on Hot 97. He recently released his latest work, Who You Made At? Me Or Yourself? in 2003.