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NYC Mayor Mamdani Earns Rap Royalties: Pushes Wealth Tax

April 17, 2026

Summary

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who rapped under the name Mr. Cardamon, continues to earn modest royalties from his music career, totaling $1,643 last year. President Trump criticized Mamdani's push to raise taxes on the wealthy, warning it would be destructive for the city.

How coverage differs

Left outlets downplay Mayor Mamdani's past rap royalties as minor, while right outlets critically highlight his continued income in light of his wealth tax push and Trump's warnings.

  • Left: Modest rap earnings don't deter wealth tax advocacy Left-leaning outlets highlight New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's modest $1,643 in rap royalties as a minor detail, emphasizing that the income is from a 'fleeting' past career. They implicitly downplay any suggestion that this income is significant or conflicts with his political agenda.
  • Right Right-leaning outlets focus on Mayor Zohran Mamdani's continued receipt of rap royalties, framing it critically in light of his push for a wealth tax on the city's affluent residents. They highlight President Trump's warning that such taxes would be destructive for New York City.

Coverage by lane

Left

  • Zohran Mamdani still making money from fleeting rap career, filings show

Right

  • Mamdani got a lil’ mo’ money in rap royalties during 2025 mayor run: tax returns

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