*MediaCo Hip Hop station Hot 97 WQHT New York has tapped Joel Martinez, professionally known as The Kid Mero, to lead its revamped morning broadcast.
According to Radio Insight, the Bronx native brings recognition from past projects with former partner Desus Nice, including The Bodega Boys podcast, MTV’s “Guy Code,” and television programs on Viceland and Showtime. Mero currently produces two podcasts: “Victory Light” and “7pm In Brooklyn,” which he co-hosts alongside retired NBA player Carmelo Anthony.
Reflecting on the opportunity, Mero stated that “Hot 97 is the station—it’s been the voice of NYC hip-hop and culture for decades.” Having listened throughout his youth, he views the morning position as more than employment, calling it “a responsibility to continue that legacy while bringing it into this next era of media.” He promised audiences, “We’re gonna laugh, we’re gonna get into it, but it’s always gonna be real, and a real good time!”
Our new host has arrived.⁰ Join Mero for his first day on air Tuesday | 6AM–10AM ?️⁰ HOT 97 Mornings with Mero, weekdays 6AM–10AM@THEKIDMERO pic.twitter.com/oYdV199O8p
— HOT 97 (@HOT97) January 12, 2026
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MediaCo EVP/Content & Growth Kudjo Sogadzi praised the selection, noting that “Hot 97 has always been about representing the culture of New York, and Mero is New York.” Sogadzi described the host as “authentic, hilarious, fearless, and deeply connected to the community,” predicting that “Hot 97 Mornings with Mero is going to set the tone for the city every morning and create must-listen moments for our audience.”
MediaCo CEO Albert Rodriguez framed the hire as part of a broader evolution. “This is a new era for Hot 97, one that reflects both where the culture is and where it’s going,” Rodriguez explained, identifying Hot 97 as “the most listened-to station in hip-hop.”
He characterized Mero as a “Bronx-born comedian and cultural voice who’s captured a generation with his sharp wit and authenticity.” Rodriguez emphasized the timing as “an integral moment for us to expand our reach and deepen our impact across platforms” alongside Hot TV’s development.
“Mornings with Mero” premieres Tuesday, January 13 at 6 am, ushering in a fresh chapter for New York’s hip-hop radio landscape.
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