The Kid Mero at arrivals for The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) 45th Annual Sports Emmy Awards, Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall, New York, NY, May 21, 2024. Photo By: Manoli Figetakis/Everett Collection

Music

The Kid Mero Is The New Morning Host At Hot 97

By Samad Robinson

January 12, 2026

It has been announced that Kid Mero is the new host of the Hot 97 Morning Show. Mero, best known for his comedic work on shows like Desus & Mero, brings a distinctive style to the role. His humor, deep-rooted in New York Dominican culture and often laced with pop culture references and street-level commentary, has earned him a cult-like following. Many see his appointment as a fresh, entertaining pivot for the station after previous host lineups.

The conversation also touched on the broader context of New York hip-hop radio. Hot 97’s morning slot has historically been a platform for both music breaking and cultural commentary, often blending humor, interviews, and news. Mero’s comedic background positions the show to lean more entertainment-forward, potentially appealing to younger audiences or those seeking lighter vibes amid daily headlines.

Check out the clip below.

Mero is the NEW host in the mornings on Hot 97 👀 thoughts ? pic.twitter.com/jTLSl9oQjK

— 2Cool2Blog (@2Cool2Blog) January 12, 2026