Zohran Mamdani, who has served as the mayor of New York City since 2026, earned $1643 in royalties from hip-hop songs in 2025. In 2024, his royalties totaled only $1267.
Modern.az reports that this was stated in his tax declaration.
It should be noted that Mamdani has been interested in hip-hop since high school and recorded several songs in his early 20s under the names "Young Cardamom" and "Mr. Cardamom." In his songs, he touches on various issues, from respect for grandmothers to colonialism, and uses Indian motifs. Mamdani describes himself as a "third-rate rapper."
The song "Nani," released under the name "Mr. Cardamom," has garnered 1.4 million views on YouTube over seven years.
The politician also earned $131,000 as a member of the New York State Assembly (he held this position before becoming mayor-ed). His wife, a graphic designer, earned $10,000.
As mayor, Mamdani's annual salary will be slightly over $258,000.
