Funkmaster Flex Stays at Hot 97, Shifts to New Prime-Time Slot After “Last Show” Announcement Sparks Industry Buzz
In a move that sent shockwaves through the hip-hop community, legendary DJ Funkmaster Flex announced on social media that his Labor Day broadcast would be his “last show on Hot 97” at his usual 7 PM slot. The declaration, made via an all-caps social media post on August 28, 2025, immediately ignited widespread speculation about his departure from the iconic New York City radio station after a remarkable 33-year tenure. However, further reporting quickly clarified that while an era was indeed ending, Flex was not leaving Hot 97 itself, but rather transitioning to a new, earlier prime-time slot.
The Announcement That Sent Shockwaves
Funkmaster Flex, born Aston George Taylor Jr., took to X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, August 28, 2025, to announce what many interpreted as his final broadcast on Hot 97. His message, delivered in his characteristic emphatic style, read: “THIS MONDAY LABOR DAY SEPTEMBER 1ST WITH BE MY LAST SHOW ON HOT97 AT 7PM! ALL THINGS COME TO AN END! END OF AN ERA THAT I ENJOYED VERY MUCH! I SUPER ENJOYED IT ALL! I WILL MAKE THE LAST SHOW A GREAT ONE! APPRECIATE EVERYONE WHO HAS SUPPORTED ME OVER THE YEARS!”. The announcement, amplified by his Instagram post where he teased his “next move will shock you,” led many fans and artists to believe his long-standing relationship with the station was concluding. Reactions poured in from hip-hop heavyweights like 50 Cent and Jadakiss, who expressed disbelief and nostalgia, with 50 Cent stating, “I can’t even process this… Funk Flex been #1 since I can remember”.
A Change of Time, Not Station
Contrary to initial fan and media interpretations, Funkmaster Flex was not leaving Hot 97. Reports from TMZ and other outlets swiftly confirmed that Flex’s announcement pertained to the specific time slot he had occupied for years, not his employment status at the station. Starting after Labor Day, Flex would move to an earlier slot, broadcasting weekdays from 5 PM to 10 PM. This adjustment marks a significant shift in the station’s programming, as Flex has been a fixture in the evening and late-night lineup since joining in 1992, becoming synonymous with the station’s urban music identity. His signature “bomb drop” sound effect, used to punctuate premieres of new music, has become an iconic marker in hip-hop radio history.
Three Decades of Influence: Flex’s Hot 97 Legacy
Funkmaster Flex’s career at Hot 97 began in 1992, a pivotal time when the station was transitioning from a pop and dance format to a dedicated hip-hop station. He hosted the station’s first dedicated hip-hop program, “Funkmaster Flex’s 60 Minutes of Funk,” quickly establishing himself as a dominant force in urban radio. Over his more than three decades, Flex has been instrumental in breaking new artists, premiering countless tracks, and providing a vital platform for the hip-hop music genre. His influence extends beyond the airwaves; he has released successful mixtapes, created television shows, and hosted popular car and bike shows, fusing hip-hop culture with automotive passion. In recognition of his profound impact, New York City Mayor Eric Adams recently presented Flex with the Key to the City, acknowledging his “three decades of influence on the airwaves” and his role in shaping the global reach of NYC’s hip-hop scene.
Hot 97: The Pulse of Hip-Hop
Founded in New York City, the birthplace of hip-hop, Hot 97 has long been a cornerstone of urban culture and music. Since its transformation into a full-fledged hip-hop station in the early 1990s, it has served as a critical launchpad for emerging artists and a consistent source of new music for listeners nationwide. Funkmaster Flex’s nearly 33-year presence has been central to this identity, making him one of the station’s most recognizable and enduring voices. His ability to adapt and remain relevant across multiple eras of hip-hop has cemented his status as a cultural institution.
The Ripple Effect: Schedule Shuffles and Departures
The significant schedule adjustments at Hot 97 triggered by Funkmaster Flex’s time slot change have also led to other on-air personnel shifts. Notably, veteran DJ Enuff, who had been a longtime staple at the station, was reportedly released from his contract as part of the revamped lineup. Other changes include Nessa Nitty moving to a new slot and an updated schedule for the morning show, “Ebro in the Morning”. These changes signal a new chapter for Hot 97’s programming, balancing the continuation of established voices with fresh configurations.
Artist and Fan Reactions
The initial announcement of Flex’s “last show” at 7 PM elicited a strong emotional response from the hip-hop community. Artists like Missy Elliott thanked him for breaking her records, while others like Jadakiss humorously declared the situation “doomed”. Timbaland and Swizz Beatz also shared their respect for the legendary DJ. Upon clarification that Flex was not leaving the station but merely changing hours, many expressed relief, though the impact of the broader schedule changes, particularly DJ Enuff’s departure, was also a significant point of discussion among listeners.
Conclusion
While Funkmaster Flex’s announcement initially suggested the end of an era for his presence on Hot 97, it has been clarified as a shift in his broadcast schedule. His continued role at the station, albeit at a new prime-time hour, ensures that his influence on hip-hop music and radio will persist. For over three decades, Flex has been more than just a DJ; he has been a tastemaker, a cultural historian, and an undeniable force in shaping the sound of urban music. As he settles into his new 5 PM to 10 PM slot, listeners can anticipate that his signature “bomb drops” and passionate advocacy for hip-hop will continue to resonate across the airwaves.
