New York’s iconic hip-hop radio personality Funkmaster Flex has announced what he’s calling his “final” 7 p.m. show on Hot 97—but loyal listeners needn’t worry. Flex isn’t retiring; he’s simply moving to a new timeslot.
When Funkmaster Flex took to the airwaves of Hot 97 this week to deliver what he described as his last broadcast in the 7 p.m. slot, fans braced for the end of an era. For more than two decades, Flex’s high-energy evenings have set the tone for New York City’s hip-hop scene, introducing listeners to exclusive freestyles, breaking new tracks, and hosting superstar interviews that have become legendary. Yet, as adrenaline-pumping as the announcement sounded, Flex’s “final” 7 p.m. show is anything but a sign-off. Instead, it’s a strategic reshuffle that promises fresh hours for his signature style.
Flex—born Aston George Taylor Jr.—made the announcement live on air Wednesday, with his trademark gravelly voice delivering a bittersweet monologue. “I grew up with you every night at 7,” he said. “Tonight closes that chapter, but it’s not goodbye. We’re just turning the page to 5 p.m.” The reaction was immediate: social media flooded with fan tributes, promotional clips hit Instagram, and #FlexFinalShow trended briefly in New York. Yet behind the tears and nostalgia lay the reality of evolving listener habits and radio dynamics.
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Radio executives at Hot 97 have confirmed that starting next Monday, Flex will helm the 5 p.m.–8 p.m. slot, shifting the station’s afternoon drive time to his control. Station management hopes that moving Flex to the earlier window will capture commuters on their homeward routes, bolstering ratings in a fiercely competitive time bracket. “Funkmaster Flex is synonymous with prime-time energy,” said Hot 97 Program Director Maya Rodriguez. “We believe this move will maximize his impact and serve listeners at a new hour when they need it most.”
For Flex, the decision was as much about adapting to today’s listening patterns as honoring his legacy. The DJ has watched audiences fragment across traditional radio, streaming apps, podcasts, and social media platforms. “People aren’t just tuning in at night anymore,” he explained in a station press statement. “They want their music, their culture, their stories on the go. I’m meeting them there now—5 p.m. on the dot.”
Longtime fans may recall previous milestones in Flex’s career: his first mix show debut in the early ’90s, the launch of his Highway to Flex mixtape series, and his viral Hot 97 freestyles that have catapulted emerging talent to stardom. His move from nights to afternoons follows in the footsteps of other radio legends who have shifted schedules to keep pace with shifting audience rhythms. Industry insiders note that afternoon drive time remains one of radio’s most coveted windows due to higher advertising rates and engaged listenership.
Listeners can expect more of Flex’s hallmarks in his new slot: world premiere tracks, artist interviews, street news, and his unfiltered takes on the latest in hip-hop, R&B, and urban culture. To celebrate the relaunch, Hot 97 is planning a special three-day countdown event featuring guest appearances from superstar artists and surprise pop-up broadcasts around the city. Flex teased that the first 5 p.m. show will include an exclusive freestyle session “you won’t believe.”
While the “final” 7 p.m. show served as an emotional checkpoint—complete with a montage of past broadcast highlights and messages from music icons—the mood on air was far from somber. Flex closed the broadcast by declaring, “The party’s just moved upstairs. See you at 5.” The optimism resonated with listeners, who clung to the promise that their favorite DJ’s voice would continue to soundtrack city life.
As Hot 97 undergoes this prime-time realignment, other hosts will fill the now-vacant 7 p.m.–10 p.m. slot. Station insiders suggest that a younger on-air talent, known for fresh sounds and social media savvy, may take the evening helm. This change underscores Hot 97’s commitment to evolving with its audience—balancing the heritage of Flex’s established brand with the dynamism of emerging voices.
In an era when media consumption habits are in flux, Funkmaster Flex’s transition from “night owl” to “rush-hour” DJ illustrates that reinvention can coexist with longevity. While the countdown to his last 7 p.m. broadcast may have felt like an ending, it’s really the overture to a new chapter. For New York City’s hip-hop faithful, the beat goes on—just a little earlier.
