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.

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

<p>Catch Mornings with Mero on HOT 97, Weekdays from 6am-10am</p>

HOT 97 Mornings with Mero

HOT 97 Mornings with Mero is a weekday morning radio show on New York's Hot 97 (6 a.m. to 10 a.m. EST), hosted by The Kid Mero (Joel Martinez) starting January 2026. The show features Mero's signature Bronx energy, comedic commentary, current events with a focus on New York City and hip-hop culture.  

<p><a href="https://hot97.com" data-ved="2ahUKEwi00rqp6cKSAxWJFFkFHQ8FKYoQgK4QegQIARAB" data-hveid="CAEQAQ" data-processed="true">HOT 97 Mornings with Mero</a>&nbsp;is a weekday morning radio show on New York's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rap-up.com/article/the-kid-mero-new-hot-97-morning-show-host" data-processed="true">Hot 97</a> (6 a.m. to 10 a.m. EST), hosted by The Kid Mero (Joel Martinez) starting January 2026. The show features Mero's signature Bronx energy, comedic commentary, current events with a focus on New York City and hip-hop culture.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

Mornings With Mero | Chef Quie on Building Harlem’s Fried Chicken Legacy | 9-10-26

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.

Mornings With Mero | Mero on Transactional Culture, Kaepernick vs. Jay-Z & Messy Monday | 9-14-26

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.

Mornings With Mero | The Mind of Dave East + It's FRY DAY! | 9-11-26

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.

Mornings With Mero | Chef Quie on Building Harlem’s Fried Chicken Legacy | 9-10-26

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