Drake Sends Alleged Death Threats to Ebro Darden Following Hot 97 Exit: ‘Die Slower, P***y’
The Feud Explodes: Ebro Darden Leaks Vicious Drake DMs After Hot 97 Show Ends
In a stunning and dramatic escalation of one of hip-hop media’s longest-running feuds, veteran radio host Ebro Darden has publicly shared a shocking alleged direct message from superstar rapper Drake. The message, sent in the early hours of Monday morning, December 16, 2025, reportedly read, **“Die slower, py,” following the abrupt cancellation of Darden’s iconic Hot 97 program, Ebro in the Morning*. The explosive revelation, made on the debut episode of the trio’s new streaming show, instantly thrust Darden, his controversial political commentary, and the shifting landscape of hip-hop radio into the global spotlight.
The alleged direct message, which was sent at 3:30 a.m., reignited a decade-long animosity between the two figures, transforming a professional radio show closure into a highly personal, publicly scrutinized confrontation. The message from the ‘Hotline Bling’ artist was followed by another ominous note: “We got some s**t for [you].” The incident immediately became the breaking news story dominating entertainment and culture headlines across social media and traditional outlets.
The Cancellation That Ignited the Flame
The root of this latest blow-up lies in the recent, sudden ending of the nationally syndicated Ebro in the Morning show on Hot 97, which officially concluded on Friday, December 12, 2025. Darden, alongside co-hosts Peter Rosenberg and Laura Stylez, helmed one of the most influential hip-hop morning shows for over a decade. The host wasted no time in offering a fiery explanation for the cancellation, one that moved far beyond simple ratings or contract disputes and dove headfirst into the intersection of media ownership, politics, and culture.
In a video shared shortly after the announcement, Darden claimed that the new ownership of Hot 97 was behind the decision, stating that they “needed me out of the way.” He directly attributed the show’s demise to his outspoken, progressive political commentary, which he characterized as his “st-talking anti-Netanyahu, anti-government, progressive st.”
Darden went on to allege that one of the owners of the station was seeking to raise capital in relation to a new casino license in New York City, and his controversial, anti-establishment views were deemed a liability to the business interests of the corporate entities involved. “They need my st-talking anti-Netanyahu, anti-government, progressive st out the way, bro,” Darden stated on an Instagram Live broadcast. “They need me out the way.” This paints a picture of a media landscape where even the most dominant cultural voices are being silenced or removed when their content conflicts with the financial and political interests of their owners.
Drake’s Ax Emoji and The Retaliation
Before the alleged death threat DMs, Drake’s initial reaction to the show’s cancellation was a thinly veiled, public taunt. A Toronto-based hip-hop outlet reposted Ebro’s video explaining the political reasons for the show’s end. Under that post, Drake reportedly dropped an axe emoji—a universally recognized symbol for ‘the chopping block’—appearing to celebrate Darden’s removal from the airwaves.
Darden fired back immediately, publicly labeling the Toronto rapper as “right wing” and suggesting that Drake aligned himself with the conservative interests Darden believed were responsible for his firing. The radio host argued that the station and its owners “don’t give a f about hip hop… They give a f about access,” and that the move was about pleasing “nerdy rich friends” who could offer financial opportunities.
The alleged death threat DMs followed this public back-and-forth over the weekend, demonstrating how quickly the cultural conversation escalated into a frighteningly personal exchange. Darden’s response to the menacing message was to dismiss the source of the rapper’s anger: “Relax. You’re salty about losing to Kendrick. You’re not mad at me… Love, bro.”—a clear reference to Drake’s recent, high-profile rap beef loss to Kendrick Lamar.
A History of Bad Blood: From Ghostwriting to Geopolitics
The tension between Ebro Darden and Drake is far from new; it dates back nearly a decade and is one of hip-hop’s most infamous media-artist feuds. Their relationship soured considerably in 2015 when Darden was one of the first influential media voices to hint at and later discuss the ghostwriting rumors surrounding Drake and the rapper Meek Mill. The subsequent feud has seen years of tense interviews, veiled shots, and public scrutiny, with Darden consistently positioning himself as a critical voice willing to challenge the establishment, including one of its biggest stars.
This latest conflict, however, has added layers of political and industry critique. Darden’s departure has sparked a broader debate about the corporatization of hip-hop media. Commentators have noted that Ebro’s exit is not an isolated incident but rather a sign that “legacy Black radio is shrinking” and that political commentary is increasingly being “reined in.” The situation suggests that even the most established and historically significant voices in Black media are not untouchable when they threaten corporate bottom lines or political sensitivities.
The ‘Ebro’ Brand Lives On: The New Show
Despite the dramatic exit and the threats, Darden and his co-hosts are quickly pivoting to a new platform. The debut of “The Ebro Laura Rosenberg Show” was launched on YouTube and other platforms shortly after the Hot 97 cancellation. This rapid transition underscores the hosts’ commitment to the “Ebro brand” and their desire to maintain their influential platform outside of the constraints of traditional corporate radio.
Syndication distributor Superadio Networks also confirmed their commitment to the host, stating that while the distribution of the show in its “current form is ending,” they “remain fully committed to the Ebro brand” and look forward to bringing Ebro’s voice to the masses across new platforms.
Peter Rosenberg, one of Darden’s long-time co-hosts, acknowledged the emotional rollercoaster, writing on X, “I lived out a childhood dream and it was amazing… Very excited for what’s next #ebrointhemorning #reallate,” and later expanding by saying, “Change can be beautiful. There are some changes on the horizon. Stay tuned.”
Ultimately, the public airing of Drake’s alleged menacing DM, coupled with Darden’s powerful claims of media censorship for political reasons, marks a pivotal moment. It’s a fiery reminder that the personal and political tensions in hip-hop are not just confined to the lyrics of a diss track but are actively shaping the media landscape and careers of its most prominent figures. Whether this ends in a lawsuit, a new rap beef, or simply a new era for Ebro Darden, the world is now watching.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What exactly did Ebro Darden claim caused the cancellation of Ebro in the Morning?
A: Ebro Darden claimed the cancellation was politically motivated. He stated that the new ownership of Hot 97, which allegedly includes an individual with business ties to a new New York City casino license, wanted his “st-talking anti-Netanyahu, anti-government, progressive st out the way” because it was a liability to their corporate interests and fundraising efforts.
Q2: What did Drake allegedly send Ebro Darden in the private message?
A: Ebro Darden shared a screenshot of alleged DMs from Drake that included the messages **“Die slower, p*y” and “We got some st for [you].”** The message was sent early Monday morning, December 16, 2025, shortly after the cancellation of the Hot 97 show.
Q3: Is Ebro Darden still working in hip-hop media?
A: Yes. The trio immediately launched a new online show called “The Ebro Laura Rosenberg Show” on YouTube and other platforms to continue their work. Additionally, Darden remains the Global Editorial Head of Hip-Hop and R&B at Apple Music, where he hosts The Ebro Show and Rap Life Radio.
Q4: What is the history of the feud between Ebro Darden and Drake?
A: The feud dates back to 2015 when Ebro Darden was one of the first prominent media figures to suggest that Drake used a ghostwriter, specifically during his beef with rapper Meek Mill. This created a long-standing tension marked by public shade and critical commentary on both sides.
Q5: Will Ebro Darden pursue a lawsuit against Drake over the alleged DMs?
A: While Darden’s co-host Peter Rosenberg joked that Darden should consider suing Drake because the message “feels like a threat,” Darden has not publicly addressed the possibility of legal action as of December 17, 2025.
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