NYC Mayor Earns Rap Music Royalties, Tax Filings Show

Zohran Mamdani's short-lived rap career as 'Young Cardamom' and 'Mr. Cardamom' continues to generate modest income.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 2:55pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shiny, metallic microphone in dramatic studio lighting, capturing the glitz and glamour of the music industry.The unexpected music royalties earned by New York City's mayor underscore how even modest fame can provide supplemental income for public figures.NYC Today

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who previously rapped under the stage names 'Young Cardamom' and 'Mr. Cardamom,' is still earning royalties from his short-lived music career, according to his recent tax filings. The 34-year-old Democrat reported $1,643 in music royalties last year, a slight increase from $1,267 in 2024.

Why it matters

While Mamdani's rap career was relatively brief, the fact that he continues to earn royalties highlights how even modest fame can provide a supplemental income stream for public figures, especially those with creative backgrounds. This adds an interesting wrinkle to Mamdani's political profile as a rising star in the Democratic party.

The details

Mamdani, who has described himself as a 'C-list rapper,' began rapping in high school and released socially conscious songs in his 20s on topics ranging from Indian flatbread to colonialism. The bulk of his 2025 earnings came from his $131,296 salary as a state Assembly member, with an additional $10,010 for his wife's graphic design work, totaling roughly $145,000 in joint income. As mayor, Mamdani is set to earn a salary of $258,750 this year.

  • Mamdani reported $1,643 in music royalties in 2025.
  • Mamdani reported $1,267 in music royalties in 2024.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The 34-year-old Democratic mayor of New York City who previously rapped under the stage names 'Young Cardamom' and 'Mr. Cardamom.'

Michael Bloomberg

The former mayor of New York City who also earned entertainment royalties, including from appearances on 'Law & Order,' 'A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa,' and 'The Adjustment Bureau.'

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What they’re saying

“A lot of people say they're listening. They're not listening.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City

The takeaway

Mamdani's continued earnings from his rap music career, even as a 'C-list rapper,' highlight how public figures can leverage their creative backgrounds to generate supplemental income streams, adding an interesting dimension to his political profile as a rising Democratic star.