HOT 97 Unveils Fresh Faces: Meet the New Hosts Ronndell Smith, Lana Harris, and Million

New York, NY – December 19, 2025 – In a bold move signaling the next era of hip-hop radio, HOT 97 has officially announced its new on-air hosts: Ronndell Smith (@Ronndell_smith), Lana Harris (@lanajharris), and Million (@mynamesmillion). The iconic station dropped a teaser image on social media today, featuring the trio with a massive “COMING SOON” stamp, sparking excitement and speculation among fans.

This announcement comes hot on the heels of the cancellation of the long-running Ebro in the Morning show, which wrapped up its 13-year tenure last week with hosts Ebro Darden, Laura Stylez, and Peter Rosenberg. The former team has since transitioned their dynamic to a YouTube platform, but HOT 97 is wasting no time in refreshing its lineup to keep the pulse of New York’s hip-hop culture beating strong.

Who Are the New Hosts?

While HOT 97 has kept details under wraps—no official show name, time slot, or launch date has been revealed yet—the promotional photo positions Ronndell, Lana, and Million front and center as the faces of the station’s future. Here’s a quick breakdown based on their emerging profiles:

• Ronndell Smith (@Ronndell_smith): The left-flanking host in the teaser brings a charismatic, grounded energy. With a background that’s poised to connect with everyday listeners, Ronndell is expected to infuse the airwaves with relatable vibes and sharp commentary on culture, music, and life in the city.
• Lana Harris (@lanajharris): Centered in the image and rocking a personalized “Lana” necklace, she’s the undeniable focal point. Lana’s poised demeanor and style suggest she’ll handle the heart of the conversations, bridging hot topics in hip-hop, entertainment, and beyond with grace and insight.
• Million (@mynamesmillion): On the right, with his signature curly hair and laid-back swagger, Million (whose bio quips “I’m just keeping it amilli baby”) promises to deliver humor, authenticity, and that unfiltered edge. His handle and persona hint at a fun, ambitious personality ready to “keep it a milli” on the mic.

The trio’s chemistry is already evident in the promo shot, standing against a gritty brick wall backdrop that screams classic New York grit, all under the glowing HOT 97 logo.

The Backdrop of Change

HOT 97’s decision follows a whirlwind period for the station. Ebro in the Morning ended amid reports of internal shifts, with Ebro himself hinting at political discussions playing a role in the axing. Veteran DJ Funkmaster Flex temporarily filled the morning void and even teased his own long-term plans for the slot in 2029, but he clarified he’s not part of the immediate new lineup. Flex showed support for the hires, dropping laughing emojis on Instagram in response to the news.

Earlier updates to the station’s roster in September 2025 saw other changes, like DJ Enuff’s departure and Flex’s slot adjustment to 5-10 PM, but this latest reveal feels like the dawn of a full reboot. As one industry insider noted, HOT 97 remains “the voice of the streets, the soundtrack of New York, and the heartbeat of Hip Hop culture.”

What to Expect

Though specifics are scarce, the “NEW HOT 97 Hosts” tagline implies prominent roles, potentially in the coveted morning drive where Ebro in the Morning once reigned from 5-10 AM. Funk Flex has teased that a new morning show is “two-thirds complete” and slated for a 2026 launch, adding fuel to the rumor mill that Ronndell, Lana, and Million could be the fresh voices waking up the city.

Fans are buzzing online, with reactions ranging from hype (“Finally some new energy!”) to curiosity about how the group will tackle live calls, artist interviews, and the station’s legendary Summer Jam vibes. The station’s tight-lipped approach only heightens the anticipation—stay tuned to HOT97.com, the app, or on-air for the big reveal.

HOT 97 continues to prove why it’s the global home of hip-hop. With Ronndell Smith, Lana Harris, and Million stepping up, the future sounds brighter—and louder—than ever. Coming soon… mark your calendars!