Funkmaster Flex

New York DJ Funkmaster Flex has been making moves for years -- producing hits, spinning at parties, working the radio, and hyping the crowd at famed club The Tunnel. He began his career with the group Deuces Wild and worked as an assistant for the legendary DJ Chuck Chillout before securing his own spot in the 1990s. He eventually moved on to HOT97, the most powerful commercial hip-hop station in the city, and became a tastemaker of sorts, introducing listeners to major hits before they blew up. He produced a few singles, and in 1995 began his highly successful 60 Minutes of Funk compilations on Loud Records. The albums were a virtual who's who of NYC hip-hop, featuring exclusive joints and numerous freestyles from the likes of Wu-Tang, Jay-Z, Mobb Deep and many more. In 1999 he and Big Kap released The Tunnel, another all-star collection of solid bangers that contained a classic freestyle by Biggie and Tupac from 1993. In addition to his radio and club gigs, Funk Flex is also CEO of his own label, Franchise Records.