After a lot of suspense, Hot 97 finally announced Mero as the new host of the Hot 97 morning show in New York.
Joel Martinez (aka Mero) is known for his previous collaborations with Desus Nice, which included The Bodega Boys podcast, MTV’s Guy Code, and talk shows on Viceland and Showtime until the partnership ended in 2022.
Melo also currently co-hosts the 7 p.m. show in Brooklyn with former NBA star Carmelo Anthony.
Mero commented, “Hot 97 is a station that has been the voice of New York hip-hop and culture for decades. I grew up listening to Hot 97, so getting a morning slot here is more than just a job, it’s a responsibility to continue that legacy while taking it into the next era of media. We’ll laugh, we’ll be into it, but it will always be real and a truly good time!”
“Mornings with Mero” will premiere on Tuesday, January 13th at 6am.
Our new host is here. ⁰ Tuesday | First day broadcast with Mero 6am-10am 🎙️⁰ 97 Hot Mornings with Mero, weekdays 6am-10am @THEKIDMERO pic.twitter.com/oYdV199O8p
— HOT 97 (@HOT97) January 12, 2026
“Hot 97 has always been committed to representing New York culture, and Mero is New York. He is authentic, hilarious, fearless, and deeply connected to the community,” said Kudjo Sogadzi, EVP/Content and Development at MediaCo. “Hot 97 Mornings with Mero will set the tone for the city every morning and create must-listen moments for our viewers.”
MediaCo CEO Albert Rodriguez added, “This is a new era for Hot 97, one that reflects both where the culture is now and where it’s headed. As the most listened-to station in hip-hop, we’re proud to announce Kid Mero, a Bronx-born comedian and cultural voice who has captured a generation with his sharp wit and authenticity, as our new morning show host. As the Hot 97 brand joins forces with Hot TV As we continue to grow, this is an integral moment for us to expand our reach and deepen our impact across platforms.”
