HOT 97 Mornings with Mero

Epizode

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  Mornings with Mero | Kimora Lee, DJ Khaled’s Drake Snub & Trauma Bonding Tuesday | 9-22-26 22.09.2026 51min

  On this episode of Mornings with Mero, Mero, Mia Belle, Kaz, Shani Kulture, and DJ Kast One bring the Tri-State a high-energy mix of New York headlines, relationship talk, pop culture, and listener-driven conversation. 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. Mia Belle 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. The team also discusses Kimora Lee Simmons’ new documentary, her reflections on Tyra Banks’ warnings about Russell Simmons, and the larger conversation around protecting young women in entertainment. For Trauma Bonding Tuesday, callers share childhood decisions their parents made that had unexpected consequences—from moving between countries and losing a sense of community to relocating for “better schools” and finding themselves in more difficult situations. The crew also tackles the MTA’s proposed $800 million subway audio-system overhaul, reacts to DJ Khaled leaving Drake off his top-five rappers list, and keeps listeners locked in with Joe Koy and Chris Brown/Usher ticket giveaways.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Mornings with Mero | Bronx vs. Brooklyn, Drake’s Next Move & Converse Under Fire | 9-21-26 22.09.2026 48min

  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.
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  Mornings with Mero | Mero on Parenting, Money Moves & Building a Black Wellness Movement | 9-18-26 22.09.2026 45min

  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.
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  Mornings with Mero | Mero on Real-World Skills, Drake’s FOMO & Chingy’s Family Drama | 9-15-26 17.09.2026 54min

  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.
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  Mornings with Mero | Inside the NY Latino Film Festival, Tory Lanez & Food Talk | 9-15-26 17.09.2026 54min

  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.
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  Mornings With Mero | Mero on Transactional Culture, Kaepernick vs. Jay-Z & Messy Monday | 9-14-26 14.09.2026 47min

  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.
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  Mornings With Mero | The Mind of Dave East + It's FRY DAY! | 9-11-26 14.09.2026 48min

  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.
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  Mornings With Mero | Chef Quie on Building Harlem’s Fried Chicken Legacy | 9-10-26 14.09.2026 48min

  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.
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  Mornings With Mero | Mero on Modern Access, 9/11 Air-Quality Records & Stevie Wonder | 9-9-26 14.09.2026 57min

  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.
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  Mornings With Mero | Mero on Parenting & Technology, the Kanye Accountability Debate, and Fat Joe’s Identity Conversation | 9-8-26 12.09.2026 48min

  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.
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  Mornings With Mero | Jim Jones Talks Women, The Knicks’ Championship Run & New York Culture | 8-27-26 12.09.2026 51min

  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.
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  Mornings With Mero | Analilia Mejia Talks Congress, Hip Hop Jeopardy & A Boogie Tickets | 9-4-26 09.09.2026 1h 3min

  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.
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  Mornings With Mero | Vlad TV Beef, Hip Hop Jeopardy & Battle of Jollof | 9-3-26 09.09.2026 56min

  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.
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  Tupac Murder Verdict, Supermarket Apps, 2K & 50 Cent vs. Rick Ross | 9-2-26 09.09.2026 48min

  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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  50 Cent vs. Rick Ross: Has Their Beef Gone Too Far? | 9-1-26 08.09.2026 44min

  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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Mornings With Mero | Tom Hardy Can Really Rap, OBJ Is Back & The Crew Gets Political | 8-31-26 08.09.2026 51min

  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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Mornings With Mero | Jim Jones Takes Over, Hip-Hop Police Stories & The Ultimate Pause Game | 8-28-26 08.09.2026 52min

  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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Mornings With Mero – The Latest in Hip-Hop, Culture & NYC | 8-27-26 08.09.2026 51min

  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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Maino Guest Co-Hosts + Would You Date Someone Who’s Dating Other People? | Mornings With Mero | 8-26-26 02.09.2026 37min

  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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Is It Okay to Date Someone Who’s Dating Someone Else? + Hip Hop Jeopardy | Mornings With Mero | 8-25-26 02.09.2026 32min

  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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.