Kid Mero takes over morning slot at Hot 97

The Kid Mero began hosting the marquee morning show on New York’s hip-hop station Hot 97, stepping into the a.m. slot previously occupied by “Ebro in the Morning.”

The podcast star from the Bronx, born Joel Martinez and known for his work on “Bodega Boys,” “Desus & Mero” and other shows, arrived at the station as both a credibility boost and a risk for Hot 97. His hiring was described in the article as a savvy move amid competition with Power 105.1; the station, owned by Mediaco Holding Inc. since 2019, greeted him in a spartan studio that still displays artifacts like a Jay‑Z placard and Ebro Darden’s plaque. Colleagues and veterans such as Funkmaster Flex acknowledged a sense of change at the station.

Mero spent his first day learning the routines and limits of terrestrial radio — including a visible reminder that segments must be PG‑13 — and tested banter with callers and prerecorded congratulatory messages. He has said he will lean into Hot 97’s traditions as he shapes the show’s personality; conversations before his hiring touched on his political stances, and how political discussion will play out on the new program remains an open question. He told callers the show will air weekdays from 6 to 10 a.m.

Key Topics

Culture, Kid Mero, Joel Martinez, Ebro Darden, Mediaco Holding, Bronx