If you’re into electronic music, you need to check out DJ Funk Puppy. This ten-year-old (who goes by Richard Tyler Greene III in his day-to-day life) is a talented DJ, a lover of Gravity Falls: Journal 3 and karate, a lover of Sub Focus, and the co-founder of a DJ and electronic music collective called SCIFIGHTER in California. Given that his dad, the other co-founder, worked as a stage lighter and interacted with artists such as Skrillex and Valentino Khan, it makes sense that Funk Puppy has such a deep passion for the industry that he’s building a name for himself in. Oh yeah – and he also has arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC), a condition which causes multiple joint contractures affecting two or more areas of the body. 

Of course, Funk Puppy never let his AMC get in the way of his true passion: making music and bringing a smile to others. He does acknowledge that AMC can sometimes make performing more difficult. At the same time, he sees it as somewhat of a strength. Because of his AMC, he has to be more creative. When issues arise, he can come up with innovative solutions. 

Moving forward, Funk Puppy hopes that he can inspire others – young and old – to pursue their dreams. And his own dream? Playing bigger shows and becoming even more immersed in the industry that he loves. After seeing him spin, we know he’s on his way!

About Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC)

In arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC), multiple joint contractures form in the body prior to birth. Contractures occur when a joint becomes permanently fixed in a bent or straightened position. These may affect joint function, mobility, and range of motion; contractures may also cause muscle atrophy. AMC itself is considered a physical symptom of many different medical conditions, such as muscular dystrophy or trisomy 18. Causes can include genetic/inherited disorders, abnormal muscle development, inadequate uterine space for the developing baby, immature tendons, joints, bones, and joint linings, or a malformed central nervous system and spinal cord. Symptoms and characteristics associated with AMC can (but do not always) include:

• Limited or absent joint movements
• Underdeveloped muscles of affected limbs
• Sloped shoulders rotated towards the center of the body
• Soft tissue webbing around affected joints
• Curled wrists and fingers
• Dislocated hips
• Abnormally slender and fragile long bones of the ams, legs, and cleft palate
• Undescended testicles
• Central nervous system abnormalities