Zohran Mamdani, the mayor of New York City, maintains earnings from his previous career as a multilingual rapper, according to recent tax filings. Despite his rapid political rise, his music royalties remain modest, totaling $1,643 in 2025, a slight increase from the previous year. Mamdani, who performed under the names 'Young Cardamom' and 'Mr. Cardamom,' began his rap journey in high school, producing socially conscious songs on various topics, and has described himself humorously as a 'C-list rapper.' His earnings are primarily derived from his role as a state Assembly member, with a salary of $131,296, supplemented by his wife’s graphic design income, bringing their combined income to around $145,000.

As mayor, Mamdani’s salary is set at $258,750 for 2025. His financial background echoes a pattern seen in former mayor Michael Bloomberg, who also received residuals from entertainment appearances. Mamdani’s continued earnings from his music career highlight a blend of entertainment and politics, illustrating how personal passions can persist alongside public service.