HOT 97 Mornings with Mero officially premiered on Tuesday, January 13, airing weekdays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. EST. The new morning show is hosted by The Kid Mero, one of New York’s most recognizable and authentic voices in media and culture. Following the show’s debut, Mero joined HOT 97’s Tai Marie to discuss his immediate reaction to getting the call from HOT 97 executives, what he plans to bring to New York radio, and how his morning routine has changed since stepping into the role. He also addressed the ongoing podcasting vs. radio debate, as well as the buzz surrounding the announcement—which trended No. 15 on X. Mero shared that he’s most excited about connecting directly with the HOT 97 audience and giving back to listeners, including giving away tickets live on air.

In a revealing discussion with DJ Akademiks, A$AP Rocky addressed the long-speculated tensions with Drake. This gave fans an unusually direct look at the personal dynamics behind the headlines. Rocky spoke candidly about friendships and rivalries in the music world. He unpacked the often-complex emotions that fuel public disputes. Moreover, his willingness to engage openly has sparked conversation online, as listeners weighed his perspective against years of speculation. Akademiks highlighted the transparency Rocky brought to the conversation. “I put it to him straight,” he recalled, describing his question about whether romantic entanglements played a role in the feud. Rocky responded without hesitation, admitting a personal dimension: “I ain’t gonna cap with you,” confirming that women were a factor in the perceived rivalry. The exchange offered a rare glimpse into how personal and professional lives can collide in the rap industry. The conversation also reflected the broader patterns of conflict in hip-hop. Akademiks remarked, “There’s a plethora of rappers with grievances against one another, yet many refuse to articulate the root causes directly. They shy away from saying, ‘This dude messed with my girl; how could I ever be cool with him again?’” Rocky’s openness illuminated the emotions that often remain hidden behind public personas. Akademiks Reveals Inside Details From His A$AP Rocky Interview Akademiks opens up about his interview with A$AP Rocky and confirms he directly asked Rocky about the rumored beef with Drake. Ak’s Question:He told Rocky straight up that he believes the tension between… pic.twitter.com/5jWuJhMAaE — Cousin Tino (@TINOISFUNNY) January 21, 2026 Rocky’s Hints Stir Speculation as Rap Rivalries Remain Unresolved The conversation also reflected the broader patterns of conflict in hip-hop. Akademiks remarked, “There’s a plethora of rappers with grievances against one another, yet many refuse to articulate the root causes directly. They shy away from saying, ‘This dude messed with my girl; how could I ever be cool with him again?’” Rocky’s openness illuminated the emotions that often remain hidden behind public personas. The dialogue comes as Rocky prepares to release his fourth studio album, Don’t Be Dumb. Fans believe the album contains tracks that may reference Drake. On “Stole Ya Flow,” Rocky raps, “First you stole my flow, so I stole yo’ b*tch,” blurring the line between artistic influence and personal history. While listeners speculate on the implications, Rocky maintains ambiguity. This leaves room for interpretation while fueling discussion. Nonetheless, Drake has not publicly responded to Rocky’s comments, and fans remain attentive. They are eager to see how these dynamics might influence future collaborations or continued rivalry.

Travis Scott is finally clearing the air about those viral videos that show him seemingly smashing laptops whenever he’s next to a DJ. According to the UTOPIA superstar, the internet hasn’t been getting the full story. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 10: Travis Scott performs onstage during Michael Rubin’s 2024 Fanatics Super Bowl Party at the Marquee Nightclub at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas on February 10, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Rich Polk/Getty Images for Fanatics) In a new interview with Rolling Stone, Travis addressed the compilations circulating online that paint him as someone who wilds out behind the DJ booth. He says many of the moments are misunderstood and taken completely out of context. “A lot of these times y’all see these videos, I’m walking up to somebody else’s computer, and they’re asking me to do something I don’t want to do in that time,” he explained. What Actually Goes Down According to Travis Scott, it’s not about disrespect or rage it’s about bad equipment and the chaotic, energy-filled environment. Travis revealed that many of the laptops he’s handed are already messed up, with broken keys and lagging systems. @rawcert @Travis Scott love to destroy things #travis #fypシ゚ #fein #tiktokgermany #clubshow #paris ♬ Originalton – RAWCERT “A lot of these fools’ computers are just f***ed up… the Command keys aren’t working,” he said. He even admitted to replacing one of his “homies computer” after a “turnt” DJ session. For Travis Scott, DJing isn’t about popping out for appearances. It’s about the music, the culture, and the feeling.  @much The DJ was trying SO hard to keep it together [: @Brainchild] #travisscott #cactusjack #goosebumps ♬ original sound – MuchMusic “It’s not even, like alcohol or nothing,” he continues. “It’s literally just pure energy. Like no one sees the other side of the camera, like the fans and, you know, people just like going so crazy. And I don’t like being in a club just to stand and pop out. I don’t go to a club to stand and pop out.”

Terrance “T.A.” Dixon, the former hypeman for rapper Fat Joe, claims that filing a lawsuit against the artist has put his personal safety at risk. Dixon initiated a $20 million suit last June, alleging serious misconduct that includes financial improprieties, intimidation, and actions involving minors. Since the lawsuit became public, he says he has faced relentless threats, forcing both him and his legal team to reconsider attending court in person. The dispute highlights the tension that can arise when high-profile figures and legal action intersect. According to reports from AllHipHop, Dixon’s attorneys have asked the court to allow him to appear remotely for an upcoming hearing. They contend that messages and other communications received in recent months have created a climate of fear, making in-person appearances unsafe. The request seeks approval for Dixon to participate via Zoom, and a ruling on the matter is still pending. Attorney Tyrone A. Blackburn emphasized the severity of the threats in a formal statement. “Mr. Dixon has received endless death threats and harassment from [Fat Joe] and [Fat Joe’s] associates. These threats are taken very seriously, and we have enacted multiple measures to ensure Mr. Dixon’s safety.” According to Blackburn, the threats have persisted since the lawsuit’s announcement, prompting precautionary measures for Dixon and his family. Harassment Allegations and Safety Measures Dixon’s legal team alleges that the intimidation has included menacing messages circulated on social media platforms, including Instagram. One example cited involved an image of Dixon’s grandmother leaving her residence alone, which his lawyers described as particularly alarming. Citing these safety concerns, the legal team has requested that Dixon appear virtually rather than face the courtroom in person. The court has yet to decide on this motion. Fat Joe has repeatedly denied all allegations made in the lawsuit. After the case was made public, he addressed the claims directly on social media. “I’ve faced a lot in recent months—losing my big brother, my father, my mother—and now I’m fighting back against these vile untruths. Rest assured, I will not yield nor retreat,” he wrote. He continued, “I’ve never allowed anyone to extort me on the streets, so why would I let a dubious lawyer and a cowardly former hypeman do so? I hail from the Bronx!”

What began as a disagreement over television coverage has since grown into a broader public clash involving Nicki Minaj, Don Lemon, and, eventually, President Donald Trump. Minaj criticized Lemon’s reporting on an anti-ICE protest in Minneapolis, questioning how the event was framed and presented. The exchange quickly moved beyond journalism, drawing in political voices and turning a media dispute into a wider cultural moment. The speed at which it escalated reflects how closely entertainment, news, and politics now overlap. Trump entered the discussion by sharing a post on Truth Social that criticized Lemon and the protesters who interrupted a church service. The post called for serious legal consequences and compared the incident to past federal cases involving abortion clinic protests. Similar arguments have been made by Harmeet Dhillon, the assistant attorney general for civil rights, who has pointed to legal precedent rather than political ideology. The focus shifted from personal criticism to questions about how the law is applied in public protests. The comparison referenced elderly women who received lengthy sentences under the FACE Act, suggesting that the same standards should be considered here. That framing brought a sharper legal tone to the conversation. Although Trump did not mention Minaj directly, his involvement added political weight to an already heated exchange. Minaj responded soon after, addressing Lemon directly. A public clash over politics Minaj used social media to express her frustration in explicit terms. “DON ‘C*CK SUCKIN’ LEMON IS DISGUSTING,” she wrote. “HOW DARE YOU? I WANT THAT THUG IN JAIL!!!!! HE WOULD NEVER DO THAT TO ANY OTHER RELIGION. LOCK HIM UP!!!!!” Her comments circulated widely, amplifying the dispute and drawing renewed attention to the original protest. Lemon responded during an interview with TMZ, focusing on Minaj’s public statements and political posture. “I think Nicki Minaj has made it very clear how she feels about African Americans in this country. I don’t believe she identifies with them,” he said. His remarks framed the disagreement as one rooted in broader questions of identity and public responsibility. He also addressed how political messaging from celebrities can influence audiences. Lemon went on to challenge Minaj’s supporters. “You should not be supporting her,” he said, citing concerns about past remarks he described as homophobic or bigoted. He also questioned her grasp of politics and journalism, emphasizing the influence high-profile figures hold when entering political debates. The exchange, by that point, had moved far beyond the original news coverage. Nonetheless, Minaj has openly participated in political events, including Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest, while Lemon has framed his responses as part of journalistic critique.

In a new interview with Rolling Stone, Travis Scott opens up about what fans can expect from his next album. Scott’s last project, Utopia, was released in July 2023. Upon its release, it debuted at No.1 on the Billboard 200. Scott even earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album for it. Now, Scott is ready to take things up a notch. According to the Houston native, he’s putting his “whole body and soul” into this next project. “Putting my whole body and soul into the next [project], for more people to understand,” he tells RS. “Who exactly might those people be? The person that still don’t understand Trav no matter how long I’ve been in this sh*t.” LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 22: US rapper Travis Scott walks in the paddock during the F1 Grand Prix of Las Vegas at Las Vegas Strip Circuit on November 22, 2025 in Las Vegas, United States. (Photo by Jayce Illman/Getty Images) Travis Scott Reveals Why He’S Wary of AI During another part of the interview, Scott was asked his thoughts on the increased usage of artificial intelligence in music and fashion. While he does think it can be helpful, Scott also believes it can be dangerous if it “gets too out of control.” He continued, “You got to challenge the designers and the creatives of the world. Instead of running from something, you got to become a leader in setting a platform and design landscape for it.” However, Scott isn’t too keen on letting his kids interact with AI. “My kids don’t have AI,” he said. The rapper believes that it will “compress their ability for their brain to maximize.” He added, “So they got to learn the physical and the actual way of learning, so then they know how to actually use AI to their best ability, because if it’s doing everything for you, how do you even know what’s right or wrong?”

The Harlem rapper has addressed his long-standing feud with Dame Dash in a new freestyle on Talk With Flee show. The freestyle is titled “Letter To Dame.”  In the track, Cam’Ron reflects on his history with the Roc-A-Fella Records co-founder, touching on their early days, shared success, and the breakdown that ultimately led to years of tension. Rather than holding back, Killa Cam uses the freestyle to lay out his perspective on how things went left and why reconciliation may be out of reach. The freestyle also appears to reference Dame Dash’s recent financial struggles and ongoing legal issues, adding fuel to a beef that has played out publicly across interviews, social media, and Cam’Ron’s own platforms. Fans have pointed out that the tone of the record feels more reflective than explosive, but the message is clear: the relationship is damaged beyond repair. View this post on Instagram Cam’Ron has previously described the fallout with Dame as being at a “point of no return,” and the new freestyle reinforces that stance. While the two were once closely tied through Roc-A-Fella’s rise and Cam’s early career success, their disagreements over business, loyalty, and public statements have kept them at odds for years. The release has sparked conversation among fans, many of whom view the freestyle as Cam’Ron’s final word on the situation — at least for now. Whether Dame Dash responds remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Cam’Ron isn’t shying away from addressing unfinished business when it comes to his past.

In a new interview with Rolling Stone, Travis Scott addressed his rift with former G.O.O.D. Music labelmate, Pusha T. The Virginia native had taken shots at Scott on a track titled “So Be It,” which appears on the Clipse’s Let God Sort It Out album. In the song, he directly called out Scott by making references to his Utopia project and his ex-girlfriend and child’s mother, Kylie Jenner. “You cried in front of me, you died in front of me/Calabasas took your b*tch and your pride in front of me,” Pusha raps. “Her Utopia had moved right up the street/And her lip gloss was poppin’, she ain’t need you to eat.” Prior to this, Drake, who’s had beef with Pusha T in the past, took shots at Pharrell Williams on a track called “Meltdown,” which is featured on Scott’s Utopia album. Williams has been a close collaborator and friend to the Daytona rapper for decades. Additionally, in several interviews, Pusha accused Travis—who’d stopped by a recording session where he, his brother Malice, and Pharrell were all present—of omitting Drake’s verse when he played it for the group. However, according to Travis, that’s not the case. PALM SPRINGS, CA – APRIL 17: (L-R) Travis Scott, Push T perform at REVOLVE Desert House on April 17, 2016 at on April 17, 2016 in Palm Springs, California. (Photo by Thaddaeus McAdams/FilmMagic) “If you got to drop Trav name for the rollout, so be it,” Scott Says “When you go back and look at it … it’s crazy,” he told RS. “N*ggas said I had a film crew [with me]. I’m like, ‘What?’ I remember when I pulled up, it was them niggas that had a film crew.”He continued: “I’m talking about the little microphone on the stick and all of that. I was like, ‘Oh, sh*t. Am I in a documentary?’” Regarding him allegedly omitting Drake’s verse, Travis claims the verse hadn’t come in yet, implying that he couldn’t have known what the Toronto rapper was going to say. “A lot of shit [Pusha] was saying just didn’t make sense to me. It was like he was saying I was interrupting sh*t and I was playing them shit.” The Rodeo rapper claims he’d been invited to the session by Pharrell directly.” “First of all, I can’t interrupt something that somebody asked me to come pull up on,” he added. “So when I hear that type of shit, it’s just like, I don’t know, man. If you got to drop Trav name for the rollout, so be it.”

Belly Gang Kushington stopped by HOT 97 to sit down with Nessa for an honest, wide-ranging conversation. He breaks down the story behind his name, how his song “Friend Do” unexpectedly became a strip club favorite, and the moment he realized the record was really taking off. He also talks about Atlanta’s influence on his music, navigating success after real-life setbacks, and why he approaches his career with a long-term mindset. He also talks about the biggest misconception about him and opens up about his mother who left him as a child. Belly Gang Kushington also opens up about fatherhood, how becoming a parent to his autistic son shifted his priorities, and why sharing his personal story through music matters to him. He reflects on vulnerability in his album The Streets Is Yours, the lessons he’s learned about relationships, money, and loyalty, and how industry support from major artists has impacted his journey. The interview wraps with a fun game and candid moments that show who he is beyond the music. The Streets Is Yours is out now.

50 Cent speaks candidly about why he doesn’t publicly address topics in politics or religion, using examples of controversy surrounding Nicki Minaj and Kanye West, while promoting the new film, Moses the Black. During a recent screening of the upcoming film, the mogul offered pointed insight into why he avoids public commentary on religion and politics, even while producing a project rooted in religious history. In a clip that spread across social media on January 21, the G-Unit founder framed the film as an artistic endeavor, not a sermon. Calling Moses the Black “an amazing project,” 50 Cent explained that his goal was entertainment, not ideology. 50 Cent uses Kanye West and Nicki Minaj as examples as he explains why he stays away from speaking publicly about religion and politics, when he was recently spotted discussing a new movie he produced called “Moses the Black.” pic.twitter.com/7c3xPoPV7I — The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) January 21, 2026 “It’s important for me not to make it about religion, make it about entertainment,” he said, drawing a firm line between storytelling and belief systems. That line, he noted, comes from long-standing advice within the industry. “There two things they tell you stay away from,” he said. “They tell you to stay away from religion and stay away from politics.” For 50, the warning is rooted in experience rather than caution. “Because no matter what you think, somebody passionately disagrees with you,” he added. 50 Cent Uses Kanye West & Nicki Minaj As Examples Why He Avoids Politics & Religion Discussions The Power executive made clear that his silence on those subjects is intentional. “And I stay away from those things,” he said. The statement frames restraint as survival in an era where public opinion moves fast and harshly. To drive the point home, he pointed to recent cultural examples. Laughing, 50 said, “That’s how Kanye fucked up,” referencing Kanye West’s public unravelings tied to political rhetoric and religious declarations. He followed with another name. “Then, Nicki said some shit,” he joked, nodding to moments when Nicki Minaj’s commentary sparked backlash and overshadowed her music. Despite the humor, his message landed sharply. “It feels crazy, but it is very accurate,” 50 concluded. His comments weren’t meant as personal attacks. Instead, they read as cautionary tales about how quickly narrative control can slip away. Within the context of Moses the Black, the message is strategic. 50 Cent wants viewers focused on story, performance, and vision.