The morning airwaves of New York City have a new voice and it’s one deeply familiar to those who’ve followed the evolution of internet comedy and culture criticism. The Kid Mero, comedian, podcast host, and writer, stepped into the role of hosting Hot 97’s morning show last month, succeeding Ebro Darden after his two-decade tenure. For Mero, it’s a homecoming of sorts, a full-circle moment for a Bronx native who built a following dissecting hip-hop and New York life from the ground up.
Mero’s path to Hot 97 is anything but conventional. He rose to prominence through blogging in the mid-2000s, co-hosting the influential podcast Bodega Boys with Desus Nice, and later transitioning to television with their Viceland and Showtime series, Desus & Mero. Now, he’s bringing that same irreverent sensibility and cultural awareness to terrestrial radio, alongside co-hosts Shani Kulture, Miabelle, Kazeem Famuyide, and DJ Kast One.
The transition hasn’t been without its adjustments. As Mero readily admits, the structure of radio – the need to hit ad breaks and adhere to a strict schedule – is a different beast than the more free-flowing formats he’s accustomed to. “With radio, there’s a structure,” he explained in a recent interview with Rolling Stone. “You got to get to these ads, you got to get to this music… keeping an eye on that clock in the corner of the studio.” He’s also navigating the challenge of maintaining his signature voice while avoiding FCC violations, a skill honed by years of balancing humor with the responsibilities of fatherhood. “I got four kids, bro,” he said. “I know how to go from G, to PG, to NC-17 when needed.”
But Mero isn’t simply filling a time slot; he’s actively reshaping the conversation on Hot 97. He’s made a point of highlighting voices often overlooked by mainstream hip-hop coverage, bringing in guests like graffiti artist Mister and championing emerging New York artists. “Hot 97 is hip-hop. It’s New York hip-hop,” Mero stated. “Bringing all aspects of it… that aspect of the culture of hip-hop was important.” He’s also keenly aware of the evolving landscape of music, citing influences like Playboi Carti and Xaviersobased, artists his own children introduced him to.
The show has already become a platform for engaging with the city’s political landscape, regularly featuring New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani as a guest. Mero playfully holds the mayor accountable for everyday issues, like lingering snow piles, but also engages in broader discussions about the city’s future. This connection to local politics reflects Mero’s own grounded perspective and his commitment to representing the concerns of everyday New Yorkers.
Mero’s arrival at Hot 97 comes at a pivotal moment for the station and the city itself. He sees his role as bridging the gap between digital culture and traditional media, creating “New York radio moments that resonate.” He’s acutely aware of the cyclical nature of media, recognizing that the viral clips and short-form video content dominating the internet today are essentially updated versions of classic radio formats. His goal is to recapture that magic, to create moments that transcend platforms and become part of the city’s cultural fabric.
The comedian’s journey is rooted in a desire for longevity and stability, a drive fueled by his upbringing and the responsibilities of providing for his family. He’s acutely aware of the challenges faced by working-class New Yorkers, and his commitment to representing their voices is evident in his approach to both radio and his broader cultural commentary. “I’m doing it for the Mero of 10, 15 years ago,” he explained. “If [former mayor Bill] de Blasio didn’t have UPK, I would’ve been fried.”
Mero’s perspective is informed by a distinctly New York sensibility – a blend of humor, authenticity, and a refusal to shy away from difficult conversations. He’s not interested in labels or adhering to pre-defined categories. “I wouldn’t even consider myself woke, or not woke,” he said. “I’m just the guy that exists in the world, and I want you to have the same shit that I got.” This commitment to equity and opportunity is at the heart of his vision for Hot 97 and his role in shaping the future of New York’s hip-hop scene.
For Mero, taking the helm at Hot 97 isn’t just about landing a prestigious gig; it’s about reclaiming a space for authentic New York voices and creating a platform for the next generation of artists and cultural influencers. It’s about shaking things up, as he put it, and ensuring that the city’s vibrant hip-hop culture continues to thrive.
