Zohran Mamdani hasn’t even taken office yet, but he’s already sparring with critics — including rapper 50 Cent, whose public attack the New York City mayor-elect met with humor.
At 34, Mamdani will be the youngest NYC mayor since 1982 and the city’s first Muslim mayor. A Democratic Socialist born in Uganda to Indian-Muslim parents and raised in Queens, he campaigned on tackling housing costs, expanding public services, and reducing inequality. His proposal to raise the corporate tax rate to 11.5% and add a 2% levy on incomes over $1 million has sparked fierce debate — hailed by supporters as fair reform and slammed by opponents as a threat to business.
Clashing with Trump
After winning the Democratic primary, Mamdani drew fire from former President Donald Trump, who called him a “communist lunatic.” Mamdani responded during his victory speech: “Donald Trump, since I know you’re watching, I have four words for you: turn the volume up!” He later said New York would show “how to stop Trump — and the next one.”
Enter 50 Cent
50 Cent blasted Mamdani’s tax plan on Instagram, joking he’d buy the mayor-elect a “one-way ticket out of New York.” The rapper later posted “RIP NYC” graphics, claiming the city was “over” under Mamdani’s leadership.
Mamdani responded lightheartedly on MSNBC’s The Beat, saying he learned his new $258,750 salary from 50 Cent’s post: “I was like, that’s a very specific amount of money!” Addressing the rapper directly, he added, “Having the top 1% pay 2% more to transform lives — including theirs — is worthwhile.”
Despite their feud, Mamdani admitted he still listens to 50 Cent’s “Many Men.” The rapper, in turn, shared the clip, conceding, “His intentions are good, but his tax plan’s gonna run big money out of the city.”