The announcement of new hosts for Hot 97 has sparked controversy, as they are not replacing the well-known “Ebro In The Morning” team. Following the cancellation of the long-running morning show, Hot 97 revealed the new lineup on Instagram, introducing Ronndell Smith, Lana Harris, and Million. While these hosts bring diverse media backgrounds, their lack of widespread recognition has drawn criticism from notable figures, including rapper Joe Budden and Hot 97 personality Funk Flex.
Hot 97 captioned their Instagram post, “The NEW HOT 97 Hosts!” highlighting the arrival of Smith, Harris, and Million, who collectively bring years of experience to the table. Smith is recognized as an actor and comedian, while Harris has spent over a decade in the news industry. Million is known for his work as an interviewer and content creator. Despite their qualifications, many fans voiced disappointment, believing the trio would be taking over the coveted morning slot previously held by Ebro Darden, Peter Rosenberg, and Laura Stylez.
The situation intensified when Budden, who transitioned from music to podcasting, expressed his discontent on social media. He stated, “Not even doing this with them today lol,” indicating his skepticism about the new hosts. Flex also chimed in, posting crying-laughing emojis in response to the announcement, further signaling his disapproval.
However, a key detail that has emerged is that Smith, Harris, and Million will not be replacing the iconic morning show. Instead, they are set to host a daily live national TV program based in Atlanta. This clarification has been crucial for understanding the direction Hot 97 is taking, as the new hosts aim to establish themselves in a different market rather than directly competing with the established morning crew.
Despite the initial backlash, the new hosts have taken the criticism in stride. They have engaged with comments on social media, responding playfully to detractors and occasionally defending their position. Supporters have argued that every new show faces challenges and that the trio deserves a chance to prove themselves. One supporter remarked, “They actually sound like a morning radio show crew. People hated the Breakfast Club at first too.”
Their show is set to premiere in January 2024, giving them an opportunity to make their mark away from the intense scrutiny of New York City listeners. The former “Ebro In The Morning” crew, while silent on the matter of their replacement, has been vocal about the cancellation of their program. Ebro Darden, in particular, has speculated that the decision may be politically motivated.
He voiced concerns about the direction of the station, suggesting that the new management may prioritize financial interests over the hip-hop community. “They need my sh*t-talking, anti-Netanyahu, anti-government, progressive sh*t out the way,” he stated. “They’re trying to get to these bags that these VCs got; they don’t really care.”
As the landscape of morning radio continues to evolve, the introduction of Smith, Harris, and Million marks a new chapter for Hot 97. Only time will tell how audiences will respond once their show goes live. In the meantime, the radio station appears committed to its new direction, even as it navigates the challenges of fan expectations and industry dynamics.
