Mero, Mia Bell, Kaz, Shani Culture and DJ Kast One get into a packed morning of hot takes, jokes and real conversations. The crew breaks down Stephen A. Smith being called out over his comments about Black women and debates whether he needs to take accountability and “take his licks.” They also get into the different levels of an apology, old-school CD memories, classic R&B, and whether Essence got its list of the greatest R&B songs right.

The crew keeps the conversation moving from Stephen A. Smith and celebrity accountability to the nostalgia of buying CDs and discovering albums before streaming changed everything. They debate what makes an R&B song truly timeless, share some hilarious personal takes, and put another caller through the pressure of Hip Hop Jeopardy. It’s another unpredictable morning full of music, culture, comedy and plenty of opinions.

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 | Stephen A. Smith Called Out Over Comments About Black Women, Apologies Have Levels & R&B’s Greatest Hits | 08/18/26

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.

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 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.

Mornings with Mero | Inside the NY Latino Film Festival, Tory Lanez & Food Talk | 9-15-26 

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 | Stephen A. Smith Called Out Over Comments About Black Women, Apologies Have Levels & R&B’s Greatest Hits | 08/18/26

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