While the political firestorm was underway, another wave of criticism emerged from the world of entertainment.
50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis James Jackson III, launched a fiery response after Mamdani announced plans to hike taxes on New York’s highest earners.
50 Cent was right about the mayor’s annual salary – according to Business Insider, once Mamdani starts his new role on Jan. 1, 2026, he will earn $258,750 annually – a huge leap from his $142,000 annual salary as a state assemblyman.
‘RIP New York’
After Mamdani was confirmed as the city’s next mayor, the Queens-born hip hop star, who now reportedly lives in Texas, had more to say.
In a now deleted post, reported by Billboard, the Grammy-winning artist wrote, “New York is over pack it up, let’s go! THE MAN’S First job is Mayor MAMDANI run New York. … I need a drink!”
In another – that was still live – he uploaded an image of a tombstone etched with “RIP NYC, Founded 1624, Died 2025,” a reference to Mamdani’s win and what the rapper perceived as the city’s decline.
Learned salary from 50 Cent post
Mamdani addressed the rapper’s comments during an appearance on The Beat with Ari Melber.
Responding with measured humor, he said, “He’s a critic! I didn’t even know what my salary would be until I opened up Instagram and saw this thing that was like, ‘50 Cent offers Mamdani x-amount of money.’ I was like, “That’s a very specific amount of money. Oh my God!’”
Next, speaking into the camera and addressing his fellow New Yorker, Mamdani said: “What I would say to you, 50, if you are indeed watching or anyone else who’s watching this show. I continue to think that having the top 1% of New York City who are making more than $1 million a year, having them pay 2% more for an economic agenda that would transform every New Yorker’s life, including their own, is something that is worthwhile.”
