HOT 97 Mornings with Mero

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Mornings With Mero crew reacts to the guilty verdict in the Tupac Shakur murder case and what it means after nearly 30 years of unanswered questions. The conversation also turns to Meek Mill’s viral comments about using AI, with the crew debating whether social media has hurt Meek’s public image despite his music and legacy. Plus, Mero gets into the struggle of adapting to technology, from supermarket apps and digital tickets to why he still needs to personally pick out his produce. Hip Hop Jeopardy puts callers to the test for a chance to win A Boogie tickets, while Group Therapy takes on the ongoing 50 Cent and Rick Ross beef and asks whether two grown hip-hop stars are taking their online feud too far.

Tom Hardy’s unexpected rap career has the Mornings With Mero crew debating which celebrities can actually spit, with Idris Elba, Allen Iverson and Omari Hardwick also getting brought into the conversation. The crew also reacts to Odell Beckham Jr. making his return, his impact on New York football and why OBJ remains one of the biggest names in the game. Plus, Mero explains why getting older has him choosing the crib over black-tie events, the crew gets into a heated political conversation involving Laura Loomer and Hassan Piker, and Hip Hop Jeopardy puts callers to the test for a chance to win tickets to see A Boogie. It’s another Friday packed with sports, hip-hop, culture, wild takes and plenty of laughs.

Jim Jones steps in as special guest host on Mornings With Mero for a wild Friday episode packed with stories, laughs, and classic hip-hop talk. Jim opens up about his early hustle, basketball dreams, living in Los Angeles, his first solo record “Certified Gangsters” getting played on Hot 97, and the legendary NYC club era that eventually had him on the radar of the infamous Hip-Hop Police. He also talks about his latest project The Landlord, working with Fabolous, Dave East and Mase, the unique brotherhood they’ve built, and why he wants Fabolous to drop some new music. Plus, Jim reflects on attending Jay-Z’s Yankee Stadium shows, his upcoming 9 A.M. Banger performance, and takes over Hip Hop Jeopardy, giving away tickets to see Chris Brown and Usher. Then things get completely out of pocket during the YouTube-exclusive Pause Game, where Jim has to rate some of the wildest bars in hip-hop history. From Biggie and Canibus to DMX and Big Pun, the crew delivers one of the funniest Magic Hours yet. Watch the full episode and catch the moments that had the whole studio and YouTube chat going crazy.

Mornings With Mero keeps the conversation going with the latest in hip-hop, entertainment, pop culture, sports, and everything happening around NYC. Mero, Mia Bell, Kaz, Shani Culture, and DJ Kast One bring their personalities, jokes, stories, and unfiltered opinions to the biggest conversations making noise. From music and celebrity culture to the headlines, viral moments, and topics everyone is talking about, the crew keeps the morning moving with plenty of laughs, debates, unexpected takes, and real conversation. Tune in to another episode of Mornings With Mero for a mix of culture, entertainment, and NYC energy.

Maino joins the crew as guest co-host for a wild Wednesday morning on Mornings With Mero. The conversation gets straight into relationships as the crew tackles the question: would you date someone who’s already dating other people? Maino weighs in with his take while the crew debates dating, commitment, honesty and whether you can really have rules when nobody is officially exclusive. With Maino bringing his own perspective and energy to the studio, the crew keeps the conversations going with plenty of opinions, jokes and classic HOT 97 energy. It’s another morning of relationship talk, hip-hop culture and New York conversations with the crew.

Mornings With Mero gets into a heated relationship conversation as Mero and the crew debate whether it’s okay to date someone who is also dating other people. The conversation centers on honesty, commitment, possessiveness and being upfront about your intentions. Mero explains that he doesn’t believe people own each other and says that if you’re not ready to fully commit, the other person should be free to do what they want as well. Callers from New Jersey, the Bronx and around New York City weigh in, with the conversation repeatedly coming back to one major point: honesty. Then it’s time for Hip Hop Jeopardy, with callers testing their knowledge of East Coast Hip Hop, R&B, culture and Southern Hip Hop. A caller from New Rochelle gets stumped by a question about a posse cut featuring Noreaga, Big Pun, The LOX, Cam’ron and Nature, while Gail from Queens correctly answers “Lovers & Friends” and wins tickets to see Usher and Chris Brown at MetLife Stadium. The show also gets into Wine Pon It Wednesday, with Shani Culture and Mero celebrating their Caribbean roots, discussing Haiti, the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, St. Croix, Labor Day and island food like Johnny Cakes, bakes and saltfish. Plus, plenty of jokes and classic Mornings With Mero energy throughout the show.

It’s Messy Mental Health Monday on Mornings With Mero! Mero, Mia Belle, Kaz, Shani Culture and DJ Kast One get into a real conversation about men’s mental health and the different ways men and women are treated when dealing with mental health struggles. Mero opens up about anxiety, ADHD and the pressure men can feel to keep pushing through instead of being given space to work through what they’re experiencing. The crew also discusses how mental health can affect the way the public views celebrities and whether men are given enough understanding when they struggle publicly. Kanye West becomes a major example of that conversation as the crew talks about his public behavior, mental health struggles and the importance of context while still holding people accountable for their actions. The show also brings the usual Monday energy with Hip Hop Jeopardy, where callers battle through East Coast Hip Hop, R&B, Southern Hip Hop and culture questions, including a caller winning tickets to see Chris Brown and Usher. Plus, plenty of jokes, opinions and unpredictable Mornings With Mero moments to kick off the week!

It’s FRIED-DAY on Mornings With Mero! Mero, Mia Belle, Kaz, Shani Culture and DJ Kast One kick off the Friday show with jokes, wild childhood stories, old-school games and another round of Hip Hop Jeopardy. The crew also talks about artists getting booed early in their careers, including Lauryn Hill’s legendary Apollo story, while Mero shares his own experiences dealing with hecklers. Plus, the show gets nostalgic about growing up with outdoor games, basketball, board games and finding ways to stay entertained before everything was available at your fingertips. Then Mia Belle breaks down the highly anticipated Joe vs. Donell Jones Verzuz, with the crew discussing Donell Jones’ catalog, his performance and bringing out 702, while Joe comes ready to compete with powerful vocals and surprise appearances from 50 Cent, Yayo and Uncle Murda. The crew debates the battle and gives Joe the edge while celebrating the return of R&B competition. Plus, Jordan’s final day as an intern, more old-school slang, Hip Hop Jeopardy and plenty of unpredictable Friday energy!

Mero, Mia Bell, Kaz, Shani Culture and the crew are back with another wild morning on Mornings With Mero. Mero kicks things off with a hilarious breakdown of why family vacations aren’t really vacations for parents, while the crew shares their own stories about road trips, kids, family reunions and trying to escape the chaos. The crew also gets into a study linking major music releases to an increase in car accidents and debates whether certain songs really make people drive differently. Plus, Hip Hop Jeopardy gives one lucky listener $100 to spend at Stop & Shop. Then, Oscar Napa, founder of legendary Uptown destination Locksmith, joins the show to talk about the restaurant’s NYC roots, its evolution, food, nightlife and the hospitality that keeps people coming back. Oscar also talks about Locksmith’s unforgettable Knicks playoff atmosphere, including Mamdani pulling up to watch the Knicks and experience the energy inside the Washington Heights staple.

Mero, Mia Bell, Kaz and Shani Culture get into the debate over gentle parenting, strict parenting and whether kids should be allowed to curse. The crew also breaks down surrogacy, adoption, foster care and some wild stories surrounding parenthood. Plus, they dive into 2K, microtransactions and gaming culture before putting listeners to the test with Hip Hop Jeopardy! for a chance to win $100. Then it’s Wine Pon It Wednesdays, with the crew celebrating their cultures and sharing hilarious stories about growing up as first-generation kids, traveling back to their family’s homelands, childhood summers, culture shock and what it means to feel connected to both New York and “back home.”

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.

LisaRaye is calling out Yung Miami, and the crew gets into the latest celebrity drama, internet reactions, and why some OGs have absolutely no problem saying what’s on their minds. Mero and the crew keep it raw as they break down the conversation and everything surrounding it. Mero also opens up about getting older and how your guilty pleasures get guiltier, from late-night cereal and fast food to realizing your body doesn’t recover like it used to. The crew also talks Russell Westbrook’s retirement, Lionel Richie throwing shots at Chris Brown, and legendary figures who eventually stopped filtering themselves. The conversation keeps moving through social media clapbacks, NYC politics, daycare costs, and Mero’s son’s basketball game as the crew jokes about Gen Alpha being allergic to the paint and obsessed with shooting threes. Then it’s time for Hip Hop Jeopardy, putting the Tri-State’s hip-hop knowledge to the test before the crew gets into the greatest hip-hop beats of all time.

Mero and the crew are back with another wild morning, breaking down the realities of getting older and how your guilty pleasures get guiltier. From late-night cereal turning into a full-blown disaster to realizing the days of Taco Bell, White Castle, and reckless eating are officially behind you, Mero gets brutally honest about aging. The crew also gets into Russell Westbrook’s retirement, Lionel Richie taking a hilarious shot at Chris Brown, why legendary OGs eventually stop filtering themselves, and the unwritten rules of clapping back at people online. Plus, Mero talks parenting, basketball, Gen Alpha’s obsession with three-pointers, and why everybody suddenly thinks they’re nice on the driveway. Then it’s time for Hip Hop Jeopardy, where callers put their hip-hop knowledge to the test for a chance to win. Another chaotic, hilarious, and completely unfiltered morning with Mero and the crew.

Mero and the crew are back with another wild morning, breaking down the realities of getting older and how your guilty pleasures get guiltier. From late-night cereal turning into a full-blown disaster to realizing the days of Taco Bell, White Castle, and reckless eating are officially behind you, Mero gets brutally honest about aging. The crew also gets into Russell Westbrook’s retirement, Lionel Richie taking a hilarious shot at Chris Brown, why legendary OGs eventually stop filtering themselves, and the unwritten rules of clapping back at people online. Plus, Mero talks parenting, basketball, Gen Alpha’s obsession with three-pointers, and why everybody suddenly thinks they’re nice on the driveway. Then it’s time for Hip Hop Jeopardy, where callers put their hip-hop knowledge to the test for a chance to win. Another chaotic, hilarious, and completely unfiltered morning with Mero and the crew.

Mero and the crew are back with another wild morning, breaking down the realities of getting older and how your guilty pleasures get guiltier. From late-night cereal turning into a full-blown disaster to realizing the days of Taco Bell, White Castle, and reckless eating are officially behind you, Mero gets brutally honest about aging. The crew also gets into Russell Westbrook’s retirement, Lionel Richie taking a hilarious shot at Chris Brown, why legendary OGs eventually stop filtering themselves, and the unwritten rules of clapping back at people online. Plus, Mero talks parenting, basketball, Gen Alpha’s obsession with three-pointers, and why everybody suddenly thinks they’re nice on the driveway. Then it’s time for Hip Hop Jeopardy, where callers put their hip-hop knowledge to the test for a chance to win. Another chaotic, hilarious, and completely unfiltered morning with Mero and the crew.

Mero and the crew are back with another wild morning, breaking down the realities of getting older and how your guilty pleasures get guiltier. From late-night cereal turning into a full-blown disaster to realizing the days of Taco Bell, White Castle, and reckless eating are officially behind you, Mero gets brutally honest about aging. The crew also gets into Russell Westbrook’s retirement, Lionel Richie taking a hilarious shot at Chris Brown, why legendary OGs eventually stop filtering themselves, and the unwritten rules of clapping back at people online. Plus, Mero talks parenting, basketball, Gen Alpha’s obsession with three-pointers, and why everybody suddenly thinks they’re nice on the driveway. Then it’s time for Hip Hop Jeopardy, where callers put their hip-hop knowledge to the test for a chance to win. Another chaotic, hilarious, and completely unfiltered morning with Mero and the crew.

Mero, Mia Bell, Kaz and the crew are back with another packed morning on Hot 97. Mero opens up about getting unexpected advice from his son, sparking a conversation about how wisdom can come from people younger than you. The crew shares their own experiences with younger family members giving them perspective and reminds listeners that you can learn something from anybody. The conversation takes a hilarious turn as the crew gets into cigarettes, New York bodegas, the rising price of a pack and Mero’s story about trying to find wraps at a Brooklyn bodega. Things get more serious when the crew learns on-air about the passing of Mecca Obe and takes a moment to remember his impact on New York’s culture, journalism and creative community. Mero and the crew then debate LeBron James, basketball fundamentals and what young players should be developing early, before expanding the conversation into soccer, youth development and the different paths athletes can take to build careers in sports. They also discuss the limited number of NBA roster spots, baseball salaries and just how difficult it is to make it professionally. Then it’s time for Hip Hop Jeopardy, as callers put their East Coast hip hop knowledge to the test for a chance to win. The crew runs through questions about Brooklyn rap history, Big Pun and Special Ed before celebrating another winner. Later, the show turns into a full-on sneaker debate after a viral graphic compares the footwear collections of some of the biggest ’90s sitcom stars: Martin Lawrence, Jerry Seinfeld, Dwayne Wayne and Will Smith. Mero and the crew break down who had the strongest collection, which sneakers have stood the test of time and which pairs are strictly products of their era. Plus, the crew talks the Dominican parade, their favorite Caribbean islands, an eclipse happening that night, the YouTube chat and plenty of the unpredictable conversations that make Mornings With Mero one of the wildest shows on Hot 97.

The Crew! Back with another round of Hip Hop Jeopardy, putting callers from Brooklyn, Long Island, Harlem and Washington Heights to the test. The crew runs through East Coast hip hop, R&B, culture and Southern hip hop with questions about Future, En Vogue, Leaders of the New School and Silk Sonic. After a few tough misses and plenty of jokes from the crew, a caller from Washington Heights gets the final question right and takes home a one-year Planet Fitness membership. Plus, Mero and the crew keep the morning moving with Hot 97 News, Flex and Nessa TV promos, Bridging Cultures, music and plenty of classic Hot 97 energy.

Mero, Mia Bell, Kaz, Shani Culture and DJ Kast One kick off Monday with Hip Hop Jeopardy, putting callers to the test with East Coast hip hop, R&B and Southern hip hop questions. The crew also debates whether it’s harder to find love after 35, with one caller suggesting arranged marriages for people over 30. Later, Mero and the crew discuss the Insecure 10-year anniversary celebrations and Amanda Seales being left out of the reunions, including her comments about having to be her own biggest cheerleader.

Mero, Mia Belle, Kaz, Shani Culture, and DJ Kast One are live for a Friday edition of Mornings With Mero. The crew debates spending real money in video games, plays Hip Hop Jeopardy for a Planet Fitness membership, swaps stories about events where nobody showed up, debates air fryers and fried salmon, reacts to Mero’s raccoon encounter, and breaks down Phoenix Flex’s AI controversy surrounding his hit “Rubbers.”

Mia Bell, Mero, Kaz, Shani Culture, and DJ Kast One are back for Power to the People Thursday. The crew debates whether MySpace should really make a comeback, checks out their wild social media algorithms, and plays Hip Hop Jeopardy for a chance to win a year-long Planet Fitness membership. Plus, Mouse Jones joins the show to talk about his journey in media, the importance of live entertainment, working with Tommy Davidson, and the return of Dead Ass Comedy to New York City.

Mia Bell takes over the Mind of Mia Bell and breaks down Trina’s comments about relationships, money, providing, and supporting your partner’s career. The crew debates 50/50 relationships, shared bank accounts, women being the breadwinners, and whether you’d be comfortable with your partner getting major attention in the public eye. Then it’s time for Hip Hop Jeopardy, with callers battling across East Coast Hip Hop, R&B, Culture, and Southern Hip Hop for a year-long Planet Fitness membership. Plus, Brooklyn and Puerto Rican boxing star Edgar Berlanga joins the show after his huge Madison Square Garden victory. Berlanga talks about getting knocked down and coming back stronger, representing New York and Puerto Rico, his championship ambitions, working with Zuffa Boxing, meeting Jay-Z, his growing presence in entertainment, his music, and his plans to expand into wrestling and other ventures.

Mero, Mia Bell, Kaz, Shani Culture and DJ Kast One kick off the morning with another round of Hip-Hop Jeopardy, putting callers to the test across East Coast hip-hop, Southern hip-hop, R&B and culture for a chance to win a one-year Planet Fitness membership. The crew then gets into a heated debate over Tony Yayo and Lil’ Bleek’s albums, comparing Thoughts of a Predicate Felon to Bleek’s catalog and discussing who would have the advantage in a potential Verzuz-style battle. Later, the crew breaks out some “group therapy” for Tyrese after he takes to Instagram asking fans for prayers while dealing with a difficult and overwhelming period in his life. Mero and the crew talk about mental health, having people you can rely on, checking in on your loved ones and knowing when to reach out for support.

Mero, Mia Bell, Kaz, Shani Culture and DJ Kast One kick off the morning with stories about an organized kid fight, Hip Hop Jeopardy, Drake and YG rumors, J. Cole and Dreamville, and Jim Jones’ thoughts on kitten heels in the club.

Mero, Mia Bell, Kaz, Shani Culture and DJ Kast One close out the week with another packed morning of jokes, music, culture and real talk. Mero gets into the end of summer and gearing up for youth football season, the crew debates the latest Marvel and Spider-Man buzz, and they take a trip down memory lane discussing legendary DJ drops and producer tags. Hip Hop Jeopardy brings the competition as callers battle for Ken Carson tickets, before the crew gets into what it really takes to build a career in radio — including the slow grind, staying motivated and knowing when not to play yourself. Plus, they react to Rick Ross’ disappointing first-week album numbers and debate whether artists should worry about sales or simply focus on making good music. Tune in and kick off your weekend with the crew on Hot97.

Mero, Mia Bell, Kaz, Shani Culture and DJ Kast One are back with another morning of nonstop energy, jokes and conversation. The crew breaks down the latest BET Experience moments, including the standout tributes and performances, before teasing a conversation about Ray J and his health. Then it’s straight into the Magic Hour with Hip Hop Jeopardy, wild caller moments, music talk and plenty of chaos. Tap in for the full episode and catch everything that went down on Hot97.

Mero opens up about a petty move that backfired after he drank his wife’s tequila while she was away — leading to a hilarious debate with Mia Bell, Kaz, and the crew about relationships, arguments, apologies, and knowing when to simply let somebody be mad. The crew also breaks down the difference between wanting solutions and just needing to vent. Then it’s time for Hip Hop Jeopardy, as callers battle it out across East Coast hip hop, R&B, culture, and Southern hip hop for a chance to win tickets to see Ken Carson. Expect jokes, wild answers, heated debates, and plenty of classic Mornings With Mero energy with Mero, Mia Bell, Kaz, Shani Culture, and DJ Kast One.

Mero, Mia Bell, Kaz, Shani Culture, and DJ Kast One break down the wildest moments from Summer Jam with Nems in the building. The crew talks backstage chaos, Young Miami throwing real cash into the crowd, DaBaby and Fetty Wap’s performances, G Herbo, French Montana, and the biggest moments of the night. Nems also reflects on making his first Summer Jam main-stage appearance and performing “Glock Talk” from his new album.

Mero, Mia Bell, Kaz, Shani Culture, and DJ Kast One break down everything from Summer Jam, with Nems joining the crew to recap his first main-stage performance, backstage stories, Young Miami throwing real cash into the crowd, The Baby’s high-energy set, Fetty Wap’s return, Jersey showing out, and the biggest Summer Jam moments.

7.24.26 — Mornings With Mero is back with Mero, Mia Bell, Kaz, Shani Culture and DJ Kast One covering the biggest stories, wildest moments and conversations from the morning. The show talks about YG being detained by police in connection with a search warrant related to the death of Draco the Ruler, personal experiences with unexpected police stops, and how policing has changed since the ’90s. The Magic Hour gets into Staten Island, expensive tolls, congestion pricing, public transportation, “regrettable cheeks,” and reactions to The Game and YG’s Verzuz matchup. Plus, Hip Hop Jeopardy returns with callers competing for Summer Jam tickets, featuring questions about East Coast hip hop and some of the biggest names performing at Summer Jam 2026. The show also talks about getting ready for Summer Jam, what the hosts are wearing, who they’re most excited to see, and the anticipation surrounding the big night in New Jersey.

Mero, Mia Bell, Kaz, Shani Culture, and DJ Kast One break down the news of Snoop Dogg’s upcoming biopic and debate who could play hip-hop’s biggest legends on the big screen. The crew shares their picks for artists who deserve their own movies, including Fat Joe and his legendary stories throughout hip-hop history. Plus, Mero gives his thoughts on the proper way to ask for favors, why people should get straight to the point, and how to handle hearing “no.” The team also plays Hip Hop Jeopardy with Summer Jam tickets up for grabs and celebrates local entrepreneurs during Power To The People.

Mero, Mia Bell, Kaz, Shani Culture, and DJ Kast One are back with another wild morning. The crew talks about when being unavailable makes you a bad friend, rebuilding friendships after falling out, and why real friends show up when it matters. They also reveal the songs men secretly sing word-for-word, creating the ultimate “Pause Playlist” featuring hip-hop and R&B guilty pleasures. Plus, Summer Jam ticket giveaways, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky teaming up for Fenty Beauty, couples working together, Netflix struggles, Marvel trailers, and more.

Mero is joined by Mia Bell, Kast One, and Shani Culture to recap Jay-Z's legendary three-night run at Yankee Stadium, breaking down the biggest guest appearances, Kanye's absence, the Jaz-O reunion, and what the performances meant for hip hop history. The crew also dives into Mero's Fanatics Fest experience, sharing stories from backstage with WWE superstars, athletes, and celebrities while discussing some of the weekend's biggest moments. Plus, they react to trending headlines, crack jokes on everything happening in the culture, and wrap up the show with another competitive round of Hip Hop Jeopardy as listeners battle it out for Summer Jam tickets.

7.17.26 — Mornings With Mero breaks down Odell Beckham Jr.’s viral explanation of where his NFL money goes, including taxes, family responsibilities, and the reality behind athlete wealth. The crew discusses whether athletes are overpaid, Kyle Kuzma’s comments, and why context matters when talking about professional sports money. Mero, and the crew also talk about how the creator economy has changed the way people approach hobbies, why everything doesn’t need to become a hustle, and the importance of enjoying things just for the love of it. Plus, the crew debates phone culture at concerts, shape-ups and hairlines, celebrity dating age gaps, and gets a surprise wrestling conversation with WWE superstar Jacob Fatu. Jacob opens up about his legendary wrestling family, his journey from struggling years to the biggest stages, his Samoan wrestling roots, and how passion helped save his life. Don’t miss Hip Hop Jeopardy, Summer Jam ticket giveaways, and more from Hot 97’s Mornings With Mero.

Mero, Mia, Kaz, Shani Kulture, and special guest host Will Mills break down Time Magazine’s Top 100 Creators of 2026, celebrating names like Drewsky, IShowSpeed, Mark Phillips, Kev On Stage, and more. The crew talks about how internet creators have become the new generation of entertainers, the importance of originality, consistency, and building a real community. Mero shares a wild story from the SPs about an older woman trying to connect with him through her “Guru” story, sparking a hilarious conversation about recognizing when someone is shooting their shot. The crew debates flirting, mixed signals, and how people interpret attention differently depending on who it comes from. Then it’s time for Hip Hop Jeopardy, where callers battle for Summer Jam tickets with questions covering East Coast hip hop, culture, R&B, and Southern rap. Plus, Will Mills talks comedy, viral moments, crowd work, and why creators have to stay true to their own style. The conversation continues with internet debates around comedians, religion, freedom of expression, and knowing what kind of show you’re signing up for. Will also shares hilarious roast stories before the crew debates getting kicked out of clubs, security guards, and the ultimate embarrassment of being thrown out as a grown adult.

Mero is joined by Brooklyn’s own Will Mills for another unpredictable episode of The Mind Of Mero, diving into fatherhood, relationships, food debates, and the wild conversations that always come up when the cameras are rolling. Mero and Will break down the realities of raising kids, with Will sharing what it’s like being a proud father of six. The guys discuss the difference between having one child versus multiple kids, balancing responsibilities, co-parenting, blended families, and why keeping things focused on the children is the most important part of parenting. The conversation gets real as they talk about relationships, cheating, trust, heartbreak, and the complicated emotions that come with love and loyalty. They also discuss baby mama drama, stepfathers, and the challenges of being involved fathers while navigating complicated situations. Plus, Mero and Will debate the state of New York’s food scene, from the rising prices of donuts and the “donut economy” to beef bacon vs. real bacon, gentrification, and the foods that people refuse to compromise on. The guys also share hilarious food stories, including questionable peanut butter sandwich habits and the strange things people do in the kitchen. Don’t miss another round of Hip Hop Jeopardy as callers test their music knowledge for a chance to win Summer Jam tickets, with questions covering classic R&B, Dr. Dre, Warren G, and more.

Mero and the crew are back with another wild conversation covering parenting, hip-hop history, and the culture. The crew reacts to Baby Brim addressing accusations that she has a favorite child, leading into a hilarious debate about whether parents secretly rank their kids. Mero breaks down his “power rankings” theory and explains why his favorite changes depending on the week. Then the booth gets heated as Mero drops a controversial hip-hop take: Nas’s “It Was Written” is better than Jay-Z’s “Reasonable Doubt.” The crew debates both classic albums, their impact, lyricism, production, and whether Nas’ sophomore album deserves more respect. The conversation expands into which legendary albums could fill a stadium today, from Nas’ catalog to Drake’s “Take Care,” Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, Outkast, 50 Cent, and more. Plus, the crew plays Hip-Hop Jeopardy, talks about whether artists still make albums meant to be played front-to-back, and debates how streaming has changed the way fans experience music.

Kazeem, Mero, Mia Bell, and the crew break down a historic weekend in hip-hop as Jay-Z’s Yankee Stadium residency comes to a close. From Beyoncé opening night with “Can’t Knock The Hustle,” Blue Ivy on piano, Nas performing “The World Is Yours,” Eminem joining for “Renegade,” Pharrell, Slick Rick, Rihanna, Usher, DJ Khaled, The-Dream, Fat Joe, Jadakiss, Teyana Taylor and more — the team discusses the unforgettable moments and the production behind one of the biggest shows in hip-hop history. The crew debates whether younger generations are finally appreciating Jay-Z’s legacy, the difference between intimate concerts and massive stadium productions, and whether a filmed version of the event could become a classic hip-hop documentary experience. Plus, the conversation gets deeper as Mero, Mia, Kazeem, and the crew discuss separating an artist’s work from their personal actions, where fans draw the line when supporting controversial musicians, and which legendary artists would be hardest to see fall from grace. Later, the crew reacts to discussions around Kanye West, Drake, R. Kelly, Stevie Wonder, Andre 3000, and the complicated relationship between culture, accountability, and music history.

Mero, Mia Bella, Kazeem, and Shani Kulture kick off Friday with a packed episode of Mornings With Mero. The crew talks self-awareness after Mero reflects on attending Jay-Z’s Reasonable Doubt 30th anniversary listening session, the legendary hip hop conversations that followed, and why sometimes you have to know when it’s time to go home. The team dives into Phoenix Flex’s viral Summer Jam controversy, the debate around AI in music, vocal authenticity, and whether artists are embracing trends instead of creating their own sounds. Plus, they discuss the rise of 80s-inspired hip hop records and why every successful sound eventually gets copied. It’s Hip Hop Jeopardy time! Callers compete for Summer Jam tickets with questions covering East Coast hip hop, culture, R&B, and Southern hip hop. Later, the crew talks about AI-generated images, protecting your identity online, social media privacy, and the fear of people using artificial intelligence to profit from someone’s likeness. They also share stories about family parties, teaching younger generations classic hip hop, and passing down musical history.

7.9.26 | Mornings With Mero dives into Young Miami’s “Spin That” reaching the Billboard Hot 100 Top 20, Rihanna showing support, and the conversation around the song’s impact. The crew debates the culture, controversy, and whether people are judging the music or the story behind it. Mero gets reflective during the “Mind of Mero” as he talks about his kids having completely different summer experiences — from resort life in Florida to learning hard work and survival skills in the Dominican Republic. The crew shares stories about growing up, building character, and appreciating different perspectives. Plus: Mero tells the hilarious story of racing Cat Williams, the crew debates the greatest comedians of all time, gives away Summer Jam tickets during Hip Hop Jeopardy, and discusses whether classic hip-hop really holds up against today’s music.

The crew reacts to new footage in the Tiger cellphone drama, discussing the latest legal updates, shifting narratives, and why public opinion often moves faster than the facts. Cast Uno’s “Mind of Cast” explores a major tech lesson: knowing how to use your phone could save you from a lot of trouble. From privacy settings and location tracking to AI misinformation, the team talks about why it’s time to level up your technology game. The squad also debates reports of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith reconnecting. Is this the ultimate “spin the block” moment, or are some relationships better left in the past? Plus, Hip Hop Jeopardy returns with listeners competing for a chance to win Summer Jam tickets.