Ebro in the Morning canceled at Hot 97 after 13 years, Drake’s reaction proves their feud is far from over

Ebro in the Morning has been abruptly canceled at Hot 97 after 13 years on air. The legendary NYC radio show featuring Ebro Darden, Peter Rosenberg, and Laura Stylez ended on December 12, 2025, shocking listeners and sparking major industry conversation. Now Drake is weighing in with a cheeky response.

The Shocking End of a 13-Year Hot 97 Era

After more than a decade dominating New York City mornings, Ebro in the Morning came to an abrupt end on Friday, December 12. The news hit the industry hard, with co-hosts Ebro Darden, Peter Rosenberg, and Laura Stylez expressing their shock at the sudden shutdown. Darden posted on X, stating “It’s done. More to come” following his final broadcast appearance. The pair had been broadcasting the iconic morning show since 2012, making it one of the most influential hip-hop radio programs in American media.

The cancellation was particularly stunning because no significant warning preceded the decision. Rosenberg confirmed this was his final morning show appearance on Hot 97 shortly after the announcement. Fans and industry insiders alike flooded social media, expressing disbelief that such an established platform would vanish so quickly without explanation.

Drake Celebrates with Cheeky Response to Cancellation

Within hours of the shutdown, rapper Drake jumped into the conversation, responding to Ebro’s announcement with characteristic trolling. Drake commented with an axe emoji, a loaded reference given the long-standing tension between the artist and the show hosts. According to reports, the “Hotline Bling” star also posted a photoshopped image on his Finsta account showing Ebro placed over a bowl of ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic brew often used in spiritual practices.

Ebro Darden and Peter Rosenberg were quick to fire back at Drake’s response, with Darden suggesting that Drake embodied “right-wing” politics for his mocking behavior. The hosts had been openly critical of the rapper in previous years, and this exchange reignited their infamous feud. Fans debated whether Drake’s response was celebratory or simply his typical brand of hip-hop shade.

Ebro’s Casino License Theory Emerges

In the days following the cancellation, Ebro Darden broke his silence with a detailed explanation for what he believes caused the show’s end. He theorized that the shutdown was directly tied to casino licensing renewal efforts in New York and Hot 97’s desire to distance itself from controversial figures. According to Darden, station ownership became more concerned with securing gaming licenses than nurturing hip-hop culture. He stated that “all of them gotta fold up ’cause they all trying to renew their deals, their licenses.”

Darden also attributed the cancellation to his outspoken political commentary, particularly his anti-Netanyahu stance and progressive political views. He claimed the station wanted to shed programming that could complicate their business relationships and regulatory standing. The radio veteran suggested this represented a broader shift away from the station’s original mission as the “#1 for Hip Hop” to becoming more business-focused and politically cautious.

What’s Next for NYC Radio and the Hosts

Funk Flex has reportedly stepped in to take over the morning drive slot previously held by Ebro’s crew. However, some conflicting reports emerged about whether Flex would do a full morning show replacement or just specific time slots. The legendary DJ had previously experienced his own Hot 97 changes, making this transition part of an ongoing restructuring at the station. The Block also released Miss Jones and Ed Lover around the same time, suggesting a major New York radio reorganization was underway.

Both Darden, Rosenberg, and Stylez hinted they had future plans in the works beyond traditional radio. Darden’s cryptic follow-up statement noted “It’s done. More to come” suggested the hosts may be plotting alternative platforms or ventures. The radio landscape continues evolving rapidly as streaming and digital platforms challenge traditional broadcasting models in major markets like New York City.

Has This Marked the End of an Era in NYC Hip-Hop Radio?

The cancellation of Ebro in the Morning raises serious questions about the future of hip-hop radio in America’s largest market. For 13 years, the show served as a destination for breaking artists, in-depth interviews, and unfiltered commentary on hip-hop culture. Will Hot 97 maintain its status as the city’s premier hip-hop station without this flagship program? The station’s apparent shift toward more conservative programming and away from Darden’s style of hosting suggests a fundamental reimagining of its brand identity may be underway.

Sources

• Complex – Drake’s response to Ebro’s show cancellation and Ebro’s theory explanation
• HotNewHipHop – Funk Flex taking over morning slot details
• Billboard – Hot 97’s official announcement of show ending

Jessica Morrison

Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.