Zohran Mamdani, the newly elected mayor of New York City, is still earning modest income from his past as a multilingual rapper, according to recent tax filings.
The 34-year-old Democrat reported earning $1,643 in music royalties last year—slightly up from $1,267 in 2024. While the increase is small, it highlights how his earlier creative pursuits continue to generate income even as his political career accelerates.
Before entering politics, Mamdani performed under the names “Young Cardamom” and “Mr Cardamom.” His music often blended humor with social commentary, touching on themes like food culture, identity, and colonial history. Reflecting on his side income, Mamdani joked that New Yorkers could boost his earnings by streaming his songs on platforms like Spotify.
Mamdani has previously described himself as a “C-list rapper,” citing inspiration from groups like Das Racist, known for their witty and unconventional style.
Despite the attention around his artistic past, most of Mamdani’s income comes from public service. His filings show he earned $131,296 from his role as a state assembly member in 2025. Combined with his spouse’s earnings from graphic design, the couple reported a total income of around $145,000.
Now serving as mayor, Mamdani’s salary is set to rise significantly to $258,750 annually.
He is not the first NYC mayor to receive entertainment-related income. Former mayor Michael Bloomberg also earned residuals from appearances in popular productions such as Law & Order, A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa, and the film The Adjustment Bureau starring Matt Damon.
Mamdani’s case, however, stands out for blending grassroots politics with a creative, culturally diverse background. His continued royalties—though relatively small—add an interesting layer to his public profile, showing how modern politicians can carry unconventional career paths into public office.
Overall, while his rap career may have been brief, it still provides a symbolic (and slightly profitable) reminder of his artistic roots.
