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HOT 97 Mornings with Mero

HOT 97

Catch Mornings with Mero on HOT 97, Weekdays from 6am-10am

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Yesterday · 47 min
9. 29.26 Jim Jones Addresses Lox vs Dipset Drama + Best Rapper Fashion Line
Miabelle holds it down with Kaz as Jim Jones steps in to help keep the morning moving while Mero takes the day off. The conversation covers relationships, breakups and the idea of people changing after they leave a relationship, along with a tragic Midtown bicycle accident and a deeper look at New York City’s e-bike and scooter culture. Music takes center stage with a look at Stevie Wonder and the release of previously unreleased material connected to the legendary Songs in the Key of Life era. Jim Jones also talks about his early working years before music, sharing some of the jobs and experiences that helped shape his path. The discussion also touches on the current job market and the challenges people are facing while looking for work. Then it’s time for Trauma Bond Tuesday, where listeners call in with the songs that carried them through heartbreak, betrayal and difficult relationships. From Alicia Keys and Lauryn Hill to Al Green and Keyshia Cole, the episode breaks down the ultimate heartbreak anthems and the memories attached to them. A full morning of music, New York culture, relationships, real-life stories and conversation on Hot 97. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 · E125
Monday · 48 min
9.24.26 Issa Rae Calls Out Hollywood, Mamdani's Influencer Heat
It's Power to the People Thursday on Mornings with Mero. The Kid Mero, MiaBelle, Kaz, Shani Kulture and DJ Kast One start with a City Council bill to add speed bumps, medians and barriers in residential neighborhoods. Issa Rae's viral Variety Power of Women's speech about rich white men running Hollywood, which lands right before the Paramount and Warner Bros. merger. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Monday · 52 min
9.16.26 NYC Dropping the Regents, Guns in Schools, Drake's FOMO
The crew talks about guns found in city high schools and the tragic deaths of two Rutgers grads at Spring Street. They also back Macklemore as Ed Sheeran's tour falls apart and break down Drake's FOMO short film. Then the Hot Topic sets off a Caribbean rice war, with Haiti, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and Trinidad all calling in. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Monday · 46 min
9.28.26 Celebrity Co-Host Jim Jones REACTS Why Are Rap Crews Falling Apart?
MiaBelle keeps the chair warm with Celebrity Co-host Jim Jones for a Messy Monday. Kaz, Shani Kulture, producer J-Rod and Rainey on cameras are all in the building. The crew gets through the nor'easter, theories about the Brooklyn sewer climbers, and a Delta flight from Barcelona that filled with smoke. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Friday · 51 min
9.25.26 Fry Your Opps, Quitting Your Job in NYC & UN Protests in NYC
On this Friday edition of Mornings with Mero, Mero, MiaBelle, Kaz, Shani Kulture, and DJ Kast One get the Tri-State ready for the weekend with blunt workplace talk, major New York headlines, pop-culture news, and the return of the Friday “Fry Your Opps” Hot Topic. The crew kicks off with a conversation about quitting jobs, two-week notices, workplace burnout, and knowing when it is time to walk away. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
September 23 · 40 min
9.23.26 AOC’s Next Move, DoorDash Payback & Cross-Culture Dating
The crew discusses Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s political future, Mahershala Ali’s stalled Blade reboot, and the reality of creative projects that get developed, funded, and never make it to the public. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
September 22 · 51 min
9.22.26 Kimora Lee, DJ Khaled’s Drake Snub & Trauma Bonding Tuesday
The crew recaps Monday Night Lights at Hidden Tiger, where fans, friends, and special guests came out for football, drinks, and classic Mornings with Mero energy. MiaBelle breaks down the widespread airport disruption that affected major Northeast airports after an air-traffic-control data circuit failed and a construction-related cable cut impacted the backup system. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
September 22 · 48 min
Mornings with Mero | Bronx vs. Brooklyn, Drake’s Next Move & Converse Under Fire | 9-21-26
On this September 21 episode of Mornings with Mero, Mero, Mia Belle, Kaz, Shani Kulture, and DJ Kast One bring the Tri-State their signature mix of New York debate, hip-hop news, comedy, and culture. In “The Mind of Mero,” Mero makes the case that Bronx and Brooklyn residents rarely cross borough lines without a serious reason, sparking a hilarious conversation about New York identity, gentrification, borough pride, and the places people will—or will not—travel for. The crew also reacts to Ed Sheeran addressing Macklemore’s removal from his tour, then breaks down reports of an alleged unfinished Pusha T project leak, Drake’s place in hip-hop, and the search for the next true crossover superstar. Plus, they spotlight Converse after the brand apologized and removed an ad that drew criticism for troubling visual imagery. The episode includes Hip Hop Jeopardy, Chris Brown and Usher ticket giveaways, listener call-ins, frozen-food nostalgia, and the fast, funny Tri-State talk that powers Mornings with Mero. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
September 22 · 45 min
Mornings with Mero | Mero on Parenting, Money Moves & Building a Black Wellness Movement | 9-18-26
On this Friday edition of Mornings with Mero, Mero, Mia Belle, Kaz, Shani Kulture, and DJ Kast One bring the Tri-State a high-energy mix of entertainment, culture, money talk, and wellness. The crew reacts to Michael B. Jordan’s plan to step back after a major run of acting and directing work, then dives into the conversation around Colin Kaepernick’s new book and his account of the NFL, Jay-Z, and the legacy of his protest. In “The Mind of Mero,” Mero gets candid about parenting, saving for college, and whether the traditional college path will look different for the next generation. The show also features Hip Hop Jeopardy and Bryson Tiller ticket giveaways, plus a powerful Voices From the Towns conversation with Nike trainer and House of Zeus founder Zeus Epolite. Zeus previews the House Party Wellness Festival, a Black-centered celebration of fitness, music, mental health, community, and Black-owned vendors. He explains how the event brings culture into wellness through R&B yoga, empowerment Pilates, live-choir training, therapy and breathwork resources, competition, and community connection. The crew also talks training discipline, body confidence, and the impact of creating a fitness space that feels authentic to New York culture. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
September 17 · 54 min
Mornings with Mero | Mero on Real-World Skills, Drake’s FOMO & Chingy’s Family Drama | 9-15-26
On this episode of Mornings with Mero, Mero, Mia Belle, Kaz, Shani Kulture, and DJ Kast One bring the Tri-State a lively mix of music, culture, parenting, and real talk. The crew discusses Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s tour after his onstage comments about Palestine, exploring the role of artists, venues, and public pressure in cultural conversations. In “The Mind of Mero,” Mero makes the case for bringing back essential real-world skills—from changing a tire and jump-starting a car to handling basic home repairs and tying your shoes. The conversation expands into technology, emergency preparedness, and what it takes to stay ready in a world that increasingly depends on apps and AI. The team also breaks down Drake’s FOMO visual project, the changing importance of music videos, and whether a modern version of 106 & Park could work today. In Group Therapy, they react to the public conversation between Chingy and his son Isaiah Russell about fatherhood, accountability, and rebuilding family relationships. The episode also features Hip Hop Jeopardy, Bryson Tiller ticket giveaways, and the crew’s signature New York humor. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
September 17 · 54 min
Mornings with Mero | Inside the NY Latino Film Festival, Tory Lanez & Food Talk | 9-15-26
On this episode of Mornings with Mero, Mero, Mia Belle, Kaz, Shani Kulture, and DJ Kast One bring the Tri-State a lively mix of hip-hop, culture, food, and community conversation. The crew welcomes Calixto Chinchilla, founder of the New York Latino Film Festival, to discuss the importance of Latino storytelling, independent film, and creating space for new voices in entertainment. Elsewhere, Mero and the team react to the Ed Sheeran and Macklemore tour controversy, debate the culture’s complicated relationship with Tory Lanez and his planned listening-event tour, and unpack Coi Leray’s comments about her past issue with Latto. In the “Mind of Mero,” Mero delivers a hilarious reflection on being hungry, food cravings, Dominican pastelitos, and why nobody should grocery shop without eating first. The crew rounds out the show with Hip Hop Jeopardy, chances to win Victoria Monét tickets, and the fast, funny, distinctly New York banter listeners expect from Mornings with Mero. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
September 14 · 47 min
Mornings With Mero | Mero on Transactional Culture, Kaepernick vs. Jay-Z & Messy Monday | 9-14-26
On the September 14 edition of Mornings with Mero, Mero, Mia Belle, Kaz, Shani Kulture, and DJ Kast One kick off Messy Monday with New York news, hip-hop culture, sports, and big listener energy. Mia Belle and Kaz recap their Fashion Week and Battle of Jollof weekend, including Ghana’s win, Nigeria’s basketball victory, and a halftime performance from Wale. The crew discusses a Black NYPD lieutenant’s lawsuit alleging racial disparities in overtime assignments, Colin Kaepernick’s response to Jay-Z, and the debate around accountability, business, and the NFL. They also break down Lil Durk’s legal update, AI warnings about the future of the internet, and a very messy new chapter in the Papoose and Remy Ma saga. In “The Mind of Mero,” Mero reflects on how apps, subscriptions, dating, gaming, and even language-learning have turned everyday life into a transaction. The episode also features a wild Messy Monday caller segment, Hip Hop Jeopardy, a discussion about Jasmine Crockett’s onstage moment at the Chris Brown and Usher show, and a final Heat Check on a student suspended for bringing coffee to school. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
September 14 · 48 min
Mornings With Mero | The Mind of Dave East + It's FRY DAY! | 9-11-26
On this special edition of Mornings with Mero, Mero, Mia Belle, Kaz, Shani Kulture, and DJ Kast One welcome Harlem’s own Dave East as guest co-host. Dave steps into “The Mind of Dave East” to talk Spanish Harlem food favorites, the qualities he values in a woman, his basketball path, and why he ultimately chose music over a potential overseas basketball career. The conversation continues with Dave sharing the hit record he wishes he had made, his desire to collaborate with Tupac, and his thoughts on the culture of clout and oversharing. The crew also debates whether rappers who move into podcasting should keep releasing music, sparked by Uncle Murda’s comments, and reflects on the legacy of artists who successfully balance both lanes. Plus, Mero and the team bring their usual laughs with Hip Hop Jeopardy, listener giveaways, and an off-the-cuff snack debate covering Little Debbie classics, honey buns, peanut butter, candy, and childhood favorites. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
September 14 · 48 min
Mornings With Mero | Chef Quie on Building Harlem’s Fried Chicken Legacy | 9-10-26
On this episode of Mornings with Mero, Mero, Mia Belle, Kaz, Shani Kulture, and DJ Kast One bring the Tri-State a lively mix of music, news, relationship talk, technology, and hometown pride. The crew reacts to Megan Thee Stallion opening up about finding herself after her relationship with Klay Thompson, then dives into the benefits—and environmental questions—around using AI and new technology responsibly. The conversation continues with a debate over the new generation of smartphones, the high cost of upgrading, and the gap between iPhone and Android culture. Mero and the team also keep listeners engaged with Hip Hop Jeopardy and Bryson Tiller ticket giveaways. The episode’s centerpiece is a powerful Voices From the Towns conversation with Chef Qu of Charles Pan-Fried Chicken. Chef Qu shares the Harlem legacy of Chef Charles Gabriel, the restaurant’s recognition as the world’s best fried chicken in London, its expansion from Harlem to international pop-ups, and the mission to serve the community through youth cooking programs, free meals, and neighborhood outreach. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
September 14 · 57 min
Mornings With Mero | Mero on Modern Access, 9/11 Air-Quality Records & Stevie Wonder | 9-9-26
On this episode of Mornings with Mero, Mero, Mia Belle, Kaz, Shani Kulture, and DJ Kast One bring the Tri-State a full morning of news, music, jokes, and real New York conversation. The crew discusses the release of 9/11-era air-quality records and what the new information could mean for people affected by toxic exposure, then celebrates Stevie Wonder’s upcoming New York performance honoring Songs in the Key of Life. Mero and the team also unpack the school-bus shortage facing New York families, especially students with disabilities, and debate Cardi B’s dating advice about first-date etiquette. In the “Mind of Mero,” Mero reflects on how constant texting, read receipts, and modern technology have changed people’s access to one another. The episode also features listener call-ins about when accents come out, Hip Hop Jeopardy, a wild recap of DJ Kast One’s driving experience in the Dominican Republic, and a closing conversation on satire, South Park, and the news cycle. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
September 12 · 48 min
Mornings With Mero | Mero on Parenting & Technology, the Kanye Accountability Debate, and Fat Joe’s Identity Conversation | 9-8-26
On this edition of Mornings with Mero, Mero, Mia Belle, Kaz, DJ Kast One, and Shani Kulture bring the Tri-State a high-energy mix of hip-hop conversation, headlines, listener interaction, and unfiltered cultural debate. The crew talks technology and parenting as Mero shares how he stayed connected for his children’s first day of school, then breaks down the conversations surrounding Kanye West, Kid Cudi, Peter Rosenberg, accountability, public controversy, and redemption. The show also explores celebrity news and media business, including Mark Curry’s concerns about compensation and credits tied to a major music documentary. In Group Therapy, the team discusses Fat Joe, Mark Lamont Hill, identity, language, and the responsibility that comes with using derogatory terms. Plus, listeners get a chance to win during Hip Hop Jeopardy, along with the humor, debate, and unmistakable New York energy that make Mornings with Mero must-watch HOT 97 TV. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
September 12 · 51 min
Mornings With Mero | Jim Jones Talks Women, The Knicks’ Championship Run & New York Culture | 8-27-26
Mia Belle holds down Mornings with Mero alongside Kaz and DJ Kast One, with Harlem’s own Jim Jones joining as special guest co-host for a lively morning of headlines, hip-hop, culture, and Tri-State call-ins. Jim weighs in on social-media addiction, celebrity safety, dating debates, fatherhood, AI in music, his longevity in hip-hop, and the next phase of his creative ventures. The crew also brings listeners into the conversation with the “Heat Check,” Hip Hop Jeopardy, and classic New York energy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
September 9 · 1 hr 3 min
Mornings With Mero | Analilia Mejia Talks Congress, Hip Hop Jeopardy & A Boogie Tickets | 9-4-26
Mero, Mia Belle, Kaz and Shani Culture get into football season, the idea of having your own space as you get older, and the ongoing conversation around athletes and performance-enhancing drugs. The crew breaks down some of the biggest names and controversies in sports history, from Barry Bonds and Alex Rodriguez to LeBron James and other athletes connected to PED discussions. Then it’s time for Hip Hop Jeopardy, with callers going head-to-head across East Coast Hip Hop, R&B, Southern Hip Hop and culture for a chance to win tickets to see A Boogie at UBS Arena. The show also welcomes U.S. Representative Analilia Mejia of New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District for a wide-ranging conversation about her background in organizing, her path into Congress, youth engagement, the economy, housing, healthcare, immigration, ICE and her approach to connecting with voters. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
September 9 · 56 min
Mornings With Mero | Vlad TV Beef, Hip Hop Jeopardy & Battle of Jollof | 9-3-26
The crew dives into the latest Vlad TV controversy as N.O.R.E. calls in to speak on his issues with Vlad and his frustrations surrounding the way Black culture and hip hop are represented and monetized. The conversation gets heated as they break down accusations of culture vulture behavior, the use of the N-word, hip hop beef and the ongoing debate over who gets to profit from and participate in the culture. The crew also compares Vlad’s place in hip hop media to other artists and personalities who have faced similar conversations about authenticity and cultural connection. Then it’s time for Hip Hop Jeopardy, with A Boogie tickets up for grabs as callers put their music knowledge to the test. The crew also welcomes the organizers behind Battle of Jollof to talk about the Nigeria vs. Ghana rivalry, African culture, food, basketball, fashion and the growing global impact of the event. They break down what fans can expect when Battle of Jollof comes to Brooklyn on September 12 at the Major R. Owens facility in Crown Heights. Plus, more conversations, jokes, hot takes and NYC energy throughout the morning with the HOT 97 crew. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
September 9 · 48 min
Tupac Murder Verdict, Supermarket Apps, 2K & 50 Cent vs. Rick Ross | 9-2-26
Mero and the crew get into the latest developments in the Tupac Shakur murder case after Duane “Keffe D” Davis was found guilty, sparking a conversation about closure, guilty consciences and whether the case could finally bring answers to one of hip-hop’s biggest mysteries. The crew also debates the rise of supermarket and shopping apps, ordering groceries online, the struggle of getting the right produce, and how technology is changing everyday life. Plus, they talk 2K, PC gaming, Penn State’s bizarre Venmo story, Hip Hop Jeopardy, and New York’s signature sound. The crew later gets into the ongoing 50 Cent and Rick Ross feud during Group Therapy, questioning whether two grown men with major careers and empires should still be going back and forth online — or if the beef is simply good business and entertainment. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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