Farley got his start in the music industry in 1981 as a one of the original members of the Hot Mix 5, a DJ team at WBMX-FM 102.7 FM, Oak Park, Chicago (original members of Kenny "Jammin" Jason, Mickey "Mixin" Oliver, Scott "Smokin" Silz, Farely "Funkin" Keith and Ralphi "Rockin" Rosario). He was a guest DJ at The Warehouse nightclub, and was a resident DJ at The Playground, which later became The Candy Store and later La Mirage. Farley began recording in 1983 with his debut single "Aw Shucks"