Hot 97 Morning Show Ends Abruptly, Igniting Hip-Hop Media Feud

Longtime radio host Ebro Darden has left Hot 97. His popular morning show was canceled last week. This ends a 13-year run for “Ebro in the Morning” on the New York station.

The sudden exit has reignited major rap industry tensions. It highlights a larger power struggle within hip-hop media. Key figures are now choosing sides in a very public dispute.

Drake and 50 Cent Fuel Controversy After Show’s Cancellation

Celebrations and criticism followed the announcement. Streamer Akademiks claimed the show was ended due to low ratings. Co-host Laura Stylez disputed this, citing poor studio conditions.

Superstar Drake commented with an axe emoji on the news. According to Rolling Stone, Darden then shared alleged messages from Drake. The messages contained hostile language toward the host.

The feud deepened with 50 Cent. Darden claimed on his new podcast that 50 Cent damaged New York hip-hop. The rapper responded swiftly on Instagram, suggesting he influenced the show’s removal.

A Wider Hip-Hop Media Landscape Undergoes Major Shift

This is not an isolated event. The entire ecosystem for hip-hop commentary is changing. Legacy radio is losing ground to digital platforms.

Last month, Elliot Wilson ended his podcast “The Bigger Picture.” This week, Netflix announced a major deal with iHeartMedia. The deal will bring “The Breakfast Club” to streaming in 2026.

According to Reuters, this reflects a broader trend. Media personalities are moving toward independent, direct-to-audience models. Veteran voices are leaving traditional corporate structures behind.

The end of “Ebro in the Morning” marks a symbolic close for a defined era of hip-hop media. The battle for influence has decisively moved from the radio tower to the smartphone screen.

Thought you’d like to know

Why was Ebro’s show really canceled?

Official reasons were not provided. Ebro suggested it was due to his progressive political commentary conflicting with station owners’ business interests. Industry rumors cite possible ratings pressure.

What is Ebro doing now after Hot 97?

Ebro, Laura Stylez, and Peter Rosenberg launched an independent podcast. It is called “Ebro, Laura & Rosenberg” and is available on YouTube and podcast platforms.

Who will replace the morning show on Hot 97?

Legendary DJ Funk Flex is currently hosting the slot. Rumors suggest potential replacements include Speedy Morman or the duo Desus Nice and The Kid Mero. No permanent host has been named.

How is hip-hop media changing in 2025?

The landscape is fragmenting. Major podcasts are moving to streaming services like Netflix. Meanwhile, other hosts are leaving platforms like Spotify to go fully independent on Patreon and YouTube.

What was the main source of conflict with 50 Cent?

The conflict stems from a 2010s dispute over radio airplay. Darden criticized 50 Cent’s impact on New York’s rap scene cohesion. 50 Cent spun the narrative back on Darden, which fans perpetuated for years.