Zohran Mamdani hasn’t even taken office yet, but he’s already sparring with several high-profile critics, including rapper 50 Cent, who launched a public attack that New York City’s mayor-elect answered with unexpected humor.

New York City has elected a new mayor, and the reactions have been anything but quiet. At 34, Zohran Mamdani is set to become the youngest mayor since 1982, and the first Muslim person to hold the position in the city’s history. His rise has been meteoric and polarizing, triggering responses from both ends of the political and cultural spectrum, igniting fierce debate.

The Democratic Socialist – who was born in Uganda to Indian-Muslim parents and raised in Queens – won the support of voters by pledging to address rising housing costs, expand public services, and reduce inequality.

But perhaps most controversial is his plan to increase the corporate tax rate to 11.5% and impose a 2% tax on individuals earning over $1 million annually.

Supporters called these measures necessary to address decades of economic imbalance, while critics warned that such taxation could drive wealth and business out of the city.

Trump and Mamdani duel

The conversation around Mamdani’s platform quickly moved beyond policy debates.

In late June, shortly after he secured the Democratic primary, President Donald Trump lashed out on Truth Social, saying he’s a “communist lunatic” who “looks terrible,” is “not very smart,” and has a “grating” voice.

But Mamdani refused to trade insults. During his victory speech, he stood proudly in front of supporters and delivered a direct message to the 79-year-old president: “Donald Trump, since I know you’re watching, I have four words for you: turn the volume up!”

Then, according to Reuters, he told supporters, “If anyone can show a nation betrayed by Donald Trump how to defeat him, it is the city that gave rise to him. And if there is any way to terrify a despot, it is by dismantling the very conditions that allowed him to accumulate power. This is not only how we stop Trump, it’s how we stop the next one.”

‘Not feeling this plan’

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.

“Where did he come from? Whose friend is this? I’m not feeling this plan.” No. I will give him $258,750 and a first-class one-way ticket away from NY. I’m telling [President Donald] Trump what he said too!” the 50-year-old rapper shared a now deleted Instagram post, the New York Post reports.

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.”

Still listens to ‘Many Men.’

He added, “Even though we have a disagreement on tax policy, every time I get a death threat, I still listen to ‘Many Men.’”

Meanwhile, 50 Cent, who was “indeed watching,” shared a clip showing the mayor-elect in his interview with Melber.

“I think his intentions are good,but his Tax plan is gonna run the big money out of the city and if he defunds the police they are gonna purge (SIC),” the rapper captioned the Instagram post.

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