Hot 97 Introduces New On-Air Hosts After Abrupt Ebro Firing

Photo Credit: Hot 97 (Instagram)

Hot 97 introduces a fresh group of hosts amid the cancellation of “Ebro in the Morning,” and New Yorkers aren’t too happy about it.

On Thursday, just after announcing the cancellation of “Ebro in the Morning,” New York hip-hop station Hot 97 shared a promotional image on social media introducing a trio of new hosts. The post didn’t specify whether the new hosts will take over the morning show or when their show might launch.

The post introduces Ronndell Smith, Lana Harris, and Million, labeling them as the “New Hot 97 Hosts,” alongside a “Coming Soon” banner. But given how quickly the announcement followed the cancellation of longtime favorite “Ebro in the Morning,” which was hosted by Ebro Darden, Laura Stylez, and Peter Rosenberg for years, commenters on Instagram were decidedly unenthusiastic about the news.

“Congratulations, you played yourself,” wrote one commenter. “I’ll keep listening to podcasts.”

The announcement of new hosts follows a lot of shaky ground at the radio station, as the cancellation of “Ebro in the Morning” has sparked a lot of debate among fans and industry observers alike. Hot 97 has notably not publicly explained the decision, but Ebro Darden has claimed that his outspoken political views and critiques of major institutions may have contributed.

Meanwhile, Funkmaster Flex, who briefly filled in during the morning slot after Ebro’s departure, clarified on social media that it’ll still be a while before his long-term role in mornings will take hold. On the former Twitter (X), he wrote that while he received positive feedback from listeners, his deal for the morning show doesn’t start until 2029. Until then, he will remain in his longtime 5 PM slot.

In other New York radio shakeups, Power 105 and iHeartMedia announced last week the extension of their relationship with media mogul and “The Breakfast Club” host Charlamagne Tha God. The multi-year agreement will see Charlamagne continue his nationally syndicated show on weekdays from 6 to 10 AM EST, as well as “Weekends with The Breakfast Club” alongside co-hosts DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, and Loren LoRosa.