NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani Shares His Top 5 Favorite Rappers

The mayor reveals his hip-hop favorites, including Nas, Lupe Fiasco, and Biggie.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 11:36pm

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In a viral video, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani listed his top 5 favorite rappers of all time. The mayor's picks include notable lyrical heavyweights like Nas, Lupe Fiasco, Common, Jay-Z, and Biggie Smalls.

Why it matters

Mayor Mamdani's hip-hop preferences provide a glimpse into his personal interests and cultural influences, which could help humanize him and connect with constituents, especially younger voters who may relate to his musical tastes.

The details

During an interview with educator Jose Vilson, Mayor Mamdani was asked to name his top 5 favorite rappers. He listed Nas as representing the Queensbridge Houses, Lupe Fiasco as one of his personal favorites growing up, Common, Jay-Z, and Biggie Smalls as an iconic New York City rapper.

  • The interview took place on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The current mayor of New York City.

Jose Vilson

An educator and writer who interviewed Mayor Mamdani.

Nas

A renowned rapper from Queens, New York.

Lupe Fiasco

A popular rapper who Mayor Mamdani said was one of his favorites growing up.

Common

A veteran rapper that Mayor Mamdani included in his top 5 list.

Jay-Z

One of the most successful and influential rappers of all time, also named by Mayor Mamdani.

The Notorious B.I.G. (Biggie Smalls)

A legendary rapper from Brooklyn, New York, who Mayor Mamdani said had to be included as a top NYC rapper.

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What they’re saying

“I gotta put in Nas, as someone who used to represent Queensbridge Houses, largest public housing development in North America.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City (Video interview)

“I also have to say, when I was growing up, for me, Lupe Fiasco—he was one of my top rappers.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City (Video interview)

“I also have a real soft spot for Common.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City (Video interview)

“I also have to put in Jay-Z.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City (Video interview)

“And I think as New York City, we have to put in Biggie.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City (Video interview)

What’s next

Lupe Fiasco reposted the video of Mayor Mamdani's comments on his Instagram account, showing his approval with a flexed bicep emoji.

The takeaway

Mayor Mamdani's hip-hop preferences reveal his personal interests and cultural influences, which could help him connect with younger constituents and humanize his public persona as a political leader.