From “Young Cardamom” to City Hall — New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani Reports Modest Music Royalties Amid Rising Political Profile

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani continues to generate modest income from a lesser-known chapter of his past — a brief but culturally expressive career in hip-hop. Newly disclosed tax filings reveal that the 34-year-old Democrat earned $1,643 in music royalties over the past year, marking only a slight increase from the $1,267 he reported in 2024.

Before entering public office, Mamdani recorded and released music under the monikers “Young Cardamom” and “Mr. Cardamom,” cultivating a niche presence with multilingual, socially conscious tracks. Reflecting on his musical output with characteristic humor, he recently quipped that those interested in boosting his earnings should “go to Spotify,” adding with a smile, “A lot of people say they’re listening — they’re not listening.”

His artistic roots trace back to his high school years, later evolving into a body of work in his 20s that tackled themes as varied as Indian flatbread and the legacies of colonialism. Mamdani has previously described himself as a “C-list rapper,” citing influences such as the indie-rap collective Das Racist.

Despite his growing public profile, Mamdani’s primary income remains rooted in public service. The filings indicate that the majority of his 2025 earnings — $131,296 — came from his role as a state Assembly member. His household income was supplemented by $10,010 earned by his wife through graphic design work, bringing their combined annual income to approximately $145,000. With his transition to City Hall, Mamdani is now set to earn an annual mayoral salary of $258,750.

He joins a small group of New York City leaders with residual ties to the entertainment industry. Former mayor Michael Bloomberg, for instance, reported between $2,000 and $10,000 in royalties in 2012 from appearances as himself in projects including the long-running television franchise Law & Order, the holiday special A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa, and the 2011 film The Adjustment Bureau, which starred Matt Damon.

While Mamdani’s music career may have been short-lived, it remains a distinctive footnote in the profile of a politician whose trajectory continues to capture public attention — blending culture, commentary, and civic leadership in equal measure.