Radio DJ and hip hop gatekeeper Funkmaster Flex announced that he will be concluding his iconic Hot 97 show, which has been airing since 1992. Announced through X on August 28, the New York DJ announced that he will air his final show on September 1. On Instagram, he shared his announcement with his "favorite pic" of him with the late rapper King Von.  

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Over the last 30 years, Funkmaster Flex has played a leading role in the culture, hosting the designated hip hop program on Hot 97 and being the first pop radio station in New York to showcase rap. Funk Flex became one of rap’s most emblematic figures – for better or for worse – hosting freestyle sessions and dropping explosive sound effects on particularly impressive songs.

In 2011, he infamously premiered Kanye West and Jay-Z's single "Otis", replaying it 25 times, dropping 63 bombs, and belting quotables: "New York City, you listen to me! If you’re near a convenience store right now... go into the store right now and put your hand in the cash register for no reason! Their money is your money as of right now!"

While it is unlikely that Funk Flex is retiring from the rap game entirely, fans are still sad to see one of hip hop's most beloved shows come to an end. On Instagram, 50 Cent says, "I can't even process this... but Funk Flex has been #1 since I can remember." After three decades on the airwaves, fans are eager to see what Flex has in store next.