Tax filings have revealed that New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani is still generating income from his fleeting career as a multilingual rapper, though the financial returns remain modest. The 34-year-old Democrat, who performed under the stage names Young Cardamom and Mr Cardamom, collected $1,643 in music royalties last year, according to official documents.
Modest Increase in Hip-Hop Profits
Despite his meteoric rise as a celebrity politician, Mamdani's hip-hop earnings saw only a slight uptick. The $1,643 in royalties for last year represents a minor increase from the $1,267 he earned in 2024, as shown in the tax filings. Mamdani humorously addressed the figures on Thursday, suggesting that New Yorkers should "go to Spotify" if they wish to boost his music revenue. "A lot of people say they're listening," he added wryly. "They're not listening."
From High School Rapper to Mayor
Mamdani began his rap journey in high school, releasing socially conscious tracks in his twenties that tackled diverse subjects from Indian flatbread to colonialism. He has often described himself as a "C-list rapper", citing influences from his childhood heroes, including the indie-rap group Das Racist. The tax documents, shared with reporters on Thursday, indicate that the bulk of his 2025 earnings came from his $131,296 salary as a state Assembly member, with his wife contributing an additional $10,010 from graphic design work, resulting in a joint income of approximately $145,000.
Mayoral Salary and Historical Context
As mayor, Mamdani is set to earn a salary of $258,750 this year, significantly overshadowing his music royalties. He is not the first New York City mayor to receive entertainment-related income. According to a redacted 2012 tax return, former Mayor Michael Bloomberg earned between $2,000 and $10,000 in residuals from prior appearances, including roles on TV's Law + Order franchise, the 2008 TV special A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa, and the 2011 film The Adjustment Bureau, starring Matt Damon.
The filings underscore how Mamdani's political career has far outpaced his musical endeavors, yet his rap legacy continues to provide a small, steady stream of income, highlighting the unique intersection of entertainment and public service in his profile.
