New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani may run the nation’s largest city, but his past life as a rapper is still paying—barely.
Freshly released tax filings show the 34-year-old Democrat pulled in $1,643 in music royalties in 2025. That marks a slight bump from $1,267 the year prior. The numbers tie back to his earlier work under the names “Young Cardamom” and “Mr. Cardamom,” a chapter that continues to follow him into City Hall.
Mamdani didn’t shy away from the topic when asked. Instead, he leaned into the joke. “Go to Spotify if you want to help my bottom line,” he told reporters. Then he added, “A lot of people say they’re listening. They’re not listening.”
Long before politics, Mamdani built a niche as a socially aware rapper. He started in high school and continued into his 20s. His lyrics touched on identity, colonial history, and everyday culture. He has described himself as a “C-list rapper,” often pointing to Das Racist as an early influence.
NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani Is Still Making Money From Rap Music, Per IRS
Still, the filings make one point clear. Music is not paying the bills. In 2025, Mamdani earned $131,296 as a New York State Assembly member. His household income reached roughly $145,000, including earnings from his spouse’s design work.
Now, as mayor, his salary jumps to $258,750. That figure reflects the weight of leading New York City. Even so, his rap catalog continues to generate small checks in the background.
Mamdani is not the first mayor with side earnings in entertainment. Michael Bloomberg once reported TV and film royalties during his tenure.
Even so, Mamdani’s story hits different. From underground rap to City Hall, he carries a blend of culture and politics that keeps people watching—and, maybe, finally listening.
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