NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani Earns Modest Rap Royalties, Tax Filings Reveal
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani continues to generate income from his brief career as a multilingual rapper, according to recently released tax filings. The 34-year-old Democrat, who previously performed under the stage names Young Cardamom and Mr Cardamom, collected $1,643 in music royalties last year. This figure represents a slight increase from the $1,267 earned in 2024, despite his rising political prominence. Mamdani humorously acknowledged the modest earnings, suggesting supporters stream his music on Spotify if they wish to boost his income. The filings indicate that the majority of his 2025 earnings stemmed from his $131,296 salary as a state Assembly member, with his wife contributing an additional $10,010 from graphic design work, resulting in a joint income of approximately $145,000. As he assumes the mayoral office, Mamdani’s salary is set to rise significantly to $258,750. The article also notes historical precedents, such as former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who received residuals from entertainment appearances. This report highlights the intersection of Mamdani’s artistic past and his current political role, emphasizing the financial transparency required of public officials.
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NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani Earns Modest Rap Royalties, Tax Filings Reveal
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani continues to generate income from his brief career as a multilingual rapper, according to recently released tax filings. The 34-year-old Democrat, who previously performed under the stage names Young Cardamom and Mr Cardamom, collected $1,643 in music royalties last year. This figure represents a slight increase from the $1,267 earned in 2024, despite his rising political prominence. Mamdani humorously acknowledged the modest earnings, suggesting supporters stream his music on Spotify if they wish to boost his income. The filings indicate that the majority of his 2025 earnings stemmed from his $131,296 salary as a state Assembly member, with his wife contributing an additional $10,010 from graphic design work, resulting in a joint income of approximately $145,000. As he assumes the mayoral office, Mamdani’s salary is set to rise significantly to $258,750. The article also notes historical precedents, such as former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who received residuals from entertainment appearances. This report highlights the intersection of Mamdani’s artistic past and his current political role, emphasizing the financial transparency required of public officials.
The Guardian