NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani Still Cashing Checks From His Short-Lived Rap Career

NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani Still Cashing Checks From His Short-Lived Rap Career

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is proving that even a past life in music can still pay off—literally.

Despite now leading the nation’s largest city, Mamdani continues to earn modest income from his early rap career. According to ABC News, the mayor pulled in $1,643 in music royalties in 2025, up from $1,267 the year before. While the amount is relatively small compared to his current salary, Mamdani hasn’t shied away from joking about it.

Speaking to reporters on April 16, he encouraged curious listeners to check out his catalog.

“Go to Spotify,” he said, before adding with humor, “A lot of people say they’re listening… They’re not listening.”

Before entering politics, Mamdani explored music in his teens and twenties, performing under the names Young Cardamom and Mr. Cardamom. His work often blended humor with commentary, touching on topics ranging from food to colonialism.

Now serving as New York City’s 112th mayor, Mamdani earns a $258,750 salary. His historic election made him the city’s first Muslim and African-born mayor, as well as its youngest leader in more than a century.

NYC folks, y’all bumping the Mayor’s music?