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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani continues to receive modest royalty payments from his past career as a rapper, a surprising footnote to his current role in one of the nation’s most prominent political offices.
At 34 years old, Mamdani, a Democrat, performed under the stage names Young Cardamom and Mr. Cardamom before fully committing to politics. Reports reveal that he earned $1,643 in music royalties last year, a slight increase from $1,267 in 2024, demonstrating that his earlier musical efforts still generate some income.
Mamdani’s musical journey began in high school and extended into his twenties. His tracks often featured socially conscious and political themes, with lyrical nods to Indian flatbread and critiques of colonialism. He has described himself as a “C-list rapper” influenced by the indie hip-hop group Das Racist.
Addressing his streaming numbers with a touch of humor, Mamdani remarked, “A lot of people say they’re listening. They’re not listening,” playfully encouraging supporters to help boost his music’s online presence.
Financial disclosures indicate that the majority of Mamdani’s income in 2025 came from his previous role as a New York State Assembly member, with earnings of $131,296. His wife added $10,010 from graphic design work, bringing their combined household income to approximately $145,000. As mayor, Mamdani is slated to receive a salary of $258,750 this year.
He is not the first New York City mayor to receive entertainment royalties. Michael Bloomberg, his predecessor, earned between $2,000 and $10,000 for appearances in television shows and films such as Law & Order, A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa, and The Adjustment Bureau.
Zohran Mamdani, who took office as New York City’s 112th mayor on January 1, is known for his focus on housing, public transportation, and addressing social inequality. Before entering politics, he attended the Bronx High School of Science and graduated from Bowdoin College in 2014 with a degree in Africana Studies.
For those interested in exploring Mamdani’s earlier artistic work, his hip-hop tracks remain available on major streaming platforms like Spotify and YouTube, offering a glimpse into the unique blend of cultural and political commentary that marked his music career.