NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani Still Earning Rap Royalties from Past Music Career
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is still earning royalties from his previous career as a multilingual rapper, according to recent tax filings. The 34-year-old Democrat's rapid ascent as a celebrity politician has resulted in only a slight increase in his hip-hop earnings. He received $1,643 in music royalties last year, which is up modestly from $1,267 in 2024, as detailed in the documents.
Mayor's Musical Past and Current Earnings
Mamdani, who performed under the stage names "Young Cardamom" and "Mr. Cardamom," humorously suggested on Thursday that New Yorkers should "go to Spotify" if they wish to boost his income. "A lot of people say they're listening," he remarked. "They're not listening." The mayor began rapping during his high school years, releasing socially conscious tracks in his twenties that covered topics from Indian flatbread to colonialism. He has often described himself as a "C-list rapper," citing influences like the indie-rap group Das Racist.
The tax filings, which were shared with reporters on Thursday, revealed that the majority of Mamdani's 2025 income came from his $131,296 salary as a state Assembly member. His wife contributed an additional $10,010 from graphic design work, bringing their total joint income to approximately $145,000. As mayor, Mamdani is expected to earn a salary of $258,750 this year, marking a significant increase from his previous earnings.
Historical Context of Mayoral Royalties
Mamdani is not the first New York City mayor to receive entertainment royalties. According to his redacted 2012 tax return, former Mayor Michael Bloomberg earned between $2,000 and $10,000 in residuals from prior appearances. These included roles as himself on the TV series "Law & Order," the 2008 TV 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 entertainment backgrounds while in office.
The modest nature of Mamdani's rap royalties underscores the challenges of balancing a political career with past creative endeavors. Despite his high-profile position, his music income remains a small fraction of his overall earnings, reflecting the niche appeal of his multilingual rap style. As he continues his tenure as mayor, these filings provide a glimpse into the financial realities of a politician with an unconventional background.
