The Kid Mero Takes the Reins at Hot 97, Ushering in a New Era of NYC Radio
Hot 97 announced on Monday, January 12, that The Kid Mero will be the new host of its morning show, stepping into the role following the departure of Ebro in the Morning in December.
The transition will be swift, with Mornings With Mero slated to debut on Tuesday, January 13, broadcasting live Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Eastern Time. The appointment signals a meaningful shift for the iconic New York City radio station, known for its deep roots in hip-hop culture.
In an proclamation clip,Mero declared his commitment to listeners,stating,“I will be with y’all faithfully every monday through Friday from six to 10,you know what I mean. The most consistent voice in your life.†He playfully added, “More consistent than your parents, which is crazy to say as a radio host because you might have good parents, but if you got bad parents, I’m your daddy now. Mornings With Merobaby, lock in.â€
Mero further emphasized the significance of the possibility in a press statement,noting,“Hot 97 is the station—it’s been the voice of NYC hip-hop and culture for decades.I grew up listening to Hot 97, so to get the morning slot here isn’t just a job—it’s a responsibility to continue that legacy while bringing it into this next era of media. We’re gonna laugh, we’re gonna get into it, but it’s always gonna be real, and a real good time!â€
Industry figures quickly voiced their support for the move.Funk Flex offered his approval in a comment, writing, “We all family! We rolling.†NBA Hall-of-Famer Carmelo Anthony,along with artists Nems and Cousin Stizz,also publicly acknowledged the announcement.
mero’s profile has steadily risen since his time co-hosting Desus & Mero from 2016 to 2022, following the duo’s split. He currently co-hosts 7PM in Brooklyn alongside Carmelo anthony and Kazeem Famuyide.
According to Kudjo Sogadzi, evp of content & growth at MediaCo, “Hot 97 has always been about representing the culture of New York, and Mero is New York.†Sogadzi continued,“He’s authentic,hilarious,fearless,and deeply connected to the community. Hot 97 Mornings with Mero is going to set the tone for the city every morning and create must-listen moments for our audience.â€
The end of Ebro in the Morning came in December after a 13-year run, led by Ebro Darden alongside co-hosts Peter Rosenberg and Laura Stylez.
The station’s programming will continue with DJ Drewski on air from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by Nessa from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Funk Flex taking over for the 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. slot. With Mero at the helm of the morning show, Hot 97 is poised to maintain its position as a vital voice in New York City’s vibrant cultural landscape.
