DeWitt Clinton High School alumnus Kid Mero of Morris Heights, whose birth name is Joel Martinez, and his co-host Desus Nice of Wakefield, whose birth name is Daniel Baker, have had a lot of success these days, branching from Twitter to their podcast, the “Bodega Boys,” and now a late night television program on Showtime. Norwood News reporter Sha-Nia Alston caught up with the pair, ahead of their Showtime premiere Feb 21. for a brief Q&A that focused on their Bronx roots. 

NN: Who are Kid Mero and Desus Nice? Describe yourself.

DN: We’re just two guys from the Bronx talking about comedy and politics, keeping it real, bringing a little Bronx flavor to the world.

KM: We introducing the Bronx, there’s no mask, there’s no persona. It’s just us.

DN: If you from the Bronx and heard us talk we sound very familiar.  

NN: What is something from the Bronx you want to share with your viewers?

DN: Our attitude, especially in this political climate [is] you got to be a little cynical, you got to ask questions, you got to be like “wait a minute.” As New Yorkers that’s what we do best. As Bronx people, we definitely don’t believe anything. A Bronx person could ask what color is the sky, you could be like “blue.” A Bronx person be like, “are you sure?” That little skepticism helps with the relaying information piece.

KM: Don’t beat around the bush. Tell me what you’re trying to say straight up. That’s what Bronx people do. We’re not going to be like “here’s a deodorant, maybe you should use it.” They going to be like, “yo fam you stink. Maybe you should take a shower.”

NN to KM: While you were at DeWitt Clinton High School, what is one of your craziest memories?

KM: You know how high school people have balloons for their birthdays? Shorty was feeling herself with her balloons and flowers and whatever. And Clinton has that long staircase, so she takes a wrong step on one. She fell down like 85 stairs. I asked her if she was good? She like, “I am fine.” Meanwhile, your eyeball hanging out of your head.

NN: What would you attribute your success to? 

KM: Not wanting to be poor anymore. 

NN: What would you tell those fans who are unhappy with their 9-5?

DN: Consistency is key. If you’re not at least trying you can’t possibly get that big break. There’s going to be something there out there for you.

KM: You got to keep doing what you’re doing. Get in front of the right people, stay consistent, work your charm, work your angles, work your connects. Do not spam; that is the number one turnoff to anybody. If you have someone who might be interested in you and you’re just spamming them, they’re just going to blow you off. Let your product speak for itself.