A$AP Rocky Teases Possible NYC Mayor Run, Rap Battle With Current Mayor

The Grammy-winning rapper says he's testing the waters for a 2029 mayoral bid, putting him on a collision course with current mayor Zohran Mamdani.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 10:23am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Superstar rapper A$AP Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Athelston Mayers, revealed in a recent interview that he's considering a run for New York City mayor in 2029. Rocky, a Harlem native, said he believes he would "do well" as mayor because he's "a guy that's for the people." His potential run would put him on a collision course with the city's current rapper mayor, Zohran Mamdani, who had a less successful pre-politics music career under the name Mr. Cardamom.

Why it matters

A run by A$AP Rocky for mayor of New York City would be a high-profile political matchup, pitting two prominent rappers against each other. It could also lead to the possibility of Rihanna, Rocky's longtime partner, becoming the city's First Lady if he were to win.

The details

In the interview, Rocky didn't directly mention Mamdani but echoed the Democratic socialist mayor's calls for sweeping political change. Rocky said he would focus on issues like fixing potholes, lowering transit fares, and improving social welfare programs - areas he says he has personal experience with. The 37-year-old Grammy winner said he believes his background and connection to the people would make him an effective mayor.

  • A$AP Rocky revealed his potential 2029 mayoral bid in a recent interview.

The players

A$AP Rocky

A 37-year-old Grammy-winning rapper from Harlem who is considering a run for New York City mayor in 2029.

Zohran Mamdani

The current Democratic socialist mayor of New York City, who had a less successful pre-politics music career under the name Mr. Cardamom.

Rihanna

A$AP Rocky's longtime partner, who could potentially become New York City's First Lady if Rocky were to win the mayoral election.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'2029 – vote for Mayor Mayers. Vote for Rocky.'”

— A$AP Rocky, Rapper (Esquire)

“'I think that I would really do well because I'm a guy that's for the people.'”

— A$AP Rocky, Rapper (Esquire)

What’s next

If A$AP Rocky officially announces a mayoral run, it would set up a high-profile political battle between the rapper and the city's current rapper mayor, Zohran Mamdani. The two could potentially engage in a rap battle as part of their campaign.

The takeaway

A potential mayoral run by A$AP Rocky would bring celebrity star power to New York City politics and could lead to an unprecedented matchup between two prominent rappers vying for City Hall. It also raises the possibility of Rihanna becoming the city's First Lady.