From rapper to frontrunner: Zohran Mamdani’s hip-hop past resurfaces in NYC mayoral race

 

Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic Socialist frontrunner in New York City’s mayoral race, has an unusual line in his biography: rapper. When filing his annual disclosures, Mamdani still lists “self-employed rapper” alongside his work as a state assemblyman. Before entering politics, Mamdani performed under the names Young Cardamom and Mr. Cardamom, blending his Ugandan and Indian heritage into multicultural hip-hop. In 2016, he performed at Nyege Nyege, a major music festival in Uganda, where he and his childhood friend Hussein Abdul Bar showcased their style. Around the same time, he contributed to the Disney film Queen of Katwe, directed by his mother, acclaimed Indian filmmaker Mira Nair.

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Mamdani’s lyrics often reflected his background, with one song comparing his identity to chapati: “origins of India, but born in UG.” His projects gained international attention, including a music video with Indian food writer and actress Madhur Jaffrey, who appeared in a yellow hoodie, cursing and rapping alongside him. Though Mamdani stepped back from music after winning his assembly seat in Queens in 2020, his past as a rapper remains a distinctive element of his political identity. Friends and collaborators say his music career reflected the same unapologetic authenticity he now brings to politics.

Mamdani’s rap career continues to shape perceptions of his political rise. Friends recall him appearing on Ugandan radio and television as his videos circulated, saying he always embraced his heritage rather than hiding it. Derek Debru, co-founder of the Nyege Nyege festival, said Mamdani’s willingness to celebrate his multicultural identity made him “special.” For supporters, that background fits naturally with his current political message in one of the world’s most diverse cities.

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Even on the campaign trail, Mamdani nods to his hip-hop past. In a recent video, he made Wu-Tang Clan legend RZA laugh by referencing the comedy sketch Wu-Tang Financial and the group’s classic lyric “C.R.E.A.M.” He used the moment to highlight economic struggles in Brooklyn’s Brownsville, arguing for neighborhoods people don’t feel forced to leave. His longtime friend Magnus Thomson, who helped produce one of his music projects, said Mamdani has remained true to his democratic socialist principles despite the shift from music to politics.

While Mamdani’s rivals may view his past as unconventional, his supporters see it as proof he is unafraid to stand out. His story rapper, activist, politician has become part of his campaign’s appeal, reinforcing his image as a candidate who embraces difference while speaking to working-class struggles.

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