The hip-hop industry and New York City politics collided in an unexpected way when Curtis James Jackson III, better known as 50 Cent, publicly offered a substantial sum of money to mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani to vacate the state. This dramatic offer came to light after the Grammy-winning artist voiced his disapproval of Mamdani's tax plans on Instagram this Wednesday.
In a social media post that quickly garnered widespread attention, 50 Cent declared his willingness to provide Mamdani with "$258,750 and a first-class one-way ticket away from NY." The rap mogul's statement was a direct reaction to Mamdani's recent comments made during a June 11 appearance on the "The Breakfast Club" podcast. In the interview, the mayoral candidate outlined a tax increase on wealthy New Yorkers, specifically targeting those with an annual income exceeding $1 million. Mamdani acknowledged 50 Cent's known stance against higher taxes, saying, "I know if 50 Cent is listening, he’s not going to be happy about this."
The rapper’s response was swift and clear, indicating his staunch opposition to the proposed policy. The post raised questions about Mamdani's background and intentions, with 50 Cent rhetorically asking, "Where did he come from? Whose friend is this?" The entertainer further expressed his sentiment by stating unequivocally, "I’m not feeling this plan. No." Furthermore, 50 Cent escalated the situation by suggesting he would inform President Donald Trump about Mamdani's statements, a move that could potentially draw political scrutiny.
Mamdani, who recently secured a significant political win by defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic mayoral primary, has been propelled into the political limelight as a serious contender for New York City's top office. His campaign has advocated for more than just tax reform; he has also spoken about bolstering public transportation funding and supporting small businesses across the city. Moreover, Mamdani has expressed his intent to "Trump-proof" New York City, although details on this initiative remain unspecified.
The intersection of celebrity, politics, and policy has sparked a flurry of social media reactions and commentary. Individuals have speculated about the potential political influence of 50 Cent, with some even humorously pondering the outcome if the rapper were to run as a write-in candidate.
This story takes a further turn as Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN) called for a Justice Department investigation into Mamdani's past statements and rap lyrics, suggesting that there may have been material misrepresentations during his U.S. citizenship application process. This accusation, stemming from a New York Post article, adds a layer of complexity to an already charged political narrative.
The unfolding events highlight a unique confrontation between entertainment and policy, as well as the broader discourse on taxation and representation in one of the world's most iconic cities. With both Mamdani's proposed policies and 50 Cent's outspoken criticism, this story encapsulates the tension between fiscal policy ideals and the personal interests of those potentially affected by such changes.
