Funk Flex Proclaims He “Built” Hot 97

Scorching 97’s longtime voice Funk Flex has as soon as once more reminded audiences why his title looms massive over New York radio. Throughout a fiery look on Aug. 30, the veteran DJ delivered a declaration that shortly went viral, doubling as each a boast and a historical past lesson.

“And I’ma preserve it a buck, too. That Scorching 97, I constructed that motherf***a,” Flex instructed the group, drawing roars of approval.

He mirrored on his earliest days on the station, recalling how Scorching 97 as soon as leaned closely on home and dance music. “Once I began there, there have been a bunch of DJs with humorous haircuts, enjoying home,” he mentioned.

Flex contrasted that period together with his personal humble beginnings, describing his 2 a.m. slot as soon as every week as the place to begin for a change that might ultimately cement Scorching 97 as hip-hop’s epicenter. His feedback underscored a recurring theme in his profession: legacy.

“So we simply need to be clear on the motion. New York Metropolis, and if you’re born and raised in f***in’ New York Metropolis, make some noise,” he continued, tying his rise to the broader story of hip-hop’s New York roots.

The second arrived amid inside adjustments on the station. DJ Enuff, a three-decade fixture, was lately let go as a part of a programming reshuffle. In an interview with TMZ, Enuff recommended Flex performed a task in his departure, remarking, “I don’t suppose Flex goes anyplace… I don’t deserve that from him.”

Flex shortly denied any involvement, telling listeners he would “by no means have something to do with anybody being fired.” On-air and on social media, he recommended that station administration—not him—made the choice, and accused unnamed figures of “snaking” Enuff whereas publicly showing to help him.

Scorching 97’s Ebro Darden later added that the shake-up stemmed from new possession and company restructuring, with employees adjustments a part of a broader technique.

Nonetheless, Flex’s viral remarks reminded the business of his outsize affect. Brash, unapologetic, and deeply tied to New York’s cultural DNA, the DJ continues to border himself as each a custodian of hip-hop’s legacy and a survivor in a shifting radio panorama.