Zohran Mamdani, the 34-year-old Democratic mayor of New York City, is still generating income from his fleeting career as a multilingual rapper, according to recent tax filings. The documents reveal that Mamdani collected $1,643 in music royalties last year, marking only a modest uptick from the $1,267 he earned in 2024.
From Rap to Politics: A Modest Financial Boost
Despite his meteoric rise as a celebrity politician, Mamdani's hip-hop profits have seen minimal growth. He performed under the stage names Young Cardamom and Mr Cardamom, releasing socially conscious tracks in his twenties that tackled topics ranging from Indian flatbread to colonialism. On Thursday, Mamdani humorously urged New Yorkers to "go to Spotify" if they wish to support his earnings, quipping, "A lot of people say they're listening. They're not listening."
Background and Musical Influences
Mamdani began rapping in high school and has often described himself as a "C-list rapper," citing the indie-rap group Das Racist among his childhood inspirations. His music, which blends multilingual lyrics with political themes, reflects his early artistic pursuits before transitioning into public service.
Detailed Financial Breakdown
The tax filings, shared with reporters on Thursday, provide a comprehensive look at Mamdani's finances. The bulk of his 2025 earnings came from his $131,296 salary as a state assembly member, a role he held prior to becoming mayor. His wife contributed an additional $10,010 from graphic design work, resulting in a joint income of approximately $145,000 for the year.
As mayor, Mamdani is set to earn a salary of $258,750 this year, significantly overshadowing his music royalties. This financial shift underscores his transition from a part-time artist to a full-time political leader.
Historical Context: Other Mayors with Entertainment Earnings
Mamdani is not the first New York City mayor to receive entertainment royalties. According to a redacted 2012 tax return, former mayor Michael Bloomberg earned between $2,000 and $10,000 in residuals from appearances on TV shows like Law & Order, the 2008 special A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa, and the 2011 film The Adjustment Bureau, starring Matt Damon.
This historical precedent highlights how public figures often maintain ties to their past careers, even as they ascend to high-profile political positions. Mamdani's ongoing royalties serve as a reminder of his diverse background and the unique paths that lead individuals to public office.
