"Where Did He Come From?": 50 Cent Slams Zohran Mamdani’s Tax Plan

Grammy-winning rapper and Queens native 50 Cent has sparked headlines after publicly criticizing New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani over his proposed tax reforms. The rapper, whose real name is Curtis James Jackson III, reacted strongly to Mamdani's economic platform, which includes increasing taxes on the city’s wealthiest residents to fund progressive social programs. Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist and Assemblyman from Queens, secured the Democratic nomination by defeating former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in Tuesday’s primary. His platform has garnered attention for its bold policy measures aimed at improving affordability and quality of life for working-class New Yorkers, including a rent freeze on stabilized units, free public bus service, and the establishment of city-owned grocery stores. To finance these initiatives, Mamdani proposes a 2% tax hike on individuals earning over $1 million annually and corporations making millions in profits.

The controversy escalated after Mamdani mentioned 50 Cent during an appearance on The Breakfast Club podcast. In a candid moment, the assemblyman acknowledged that his tax proposals might be unpopular among wealthy celebrities. “I know if 50 Cent is listening, he's not going to be happy about this,” Mamdani said, noting that the impact of the tax plan would amount to roughly $20,000 per year for individuals in the top income bracket. The rapper did not take the comment lightly. On Wednesday, he shared a clip of Mamdani’s podcast segment on Instagram with the caption: “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.” The post quickly gained traction and reignited the debate over taxation, wealth, and progressive governance in one of the world’s wealthiest cities.

50 Cent, whose net worth is estimated to be close to $1 billion, doubled down by tagging former President Donald Trump in a follow-up post, stating, “I’m telling Trump what he said too.” The rapper’s reaction highlights the broader pushback Mamdani may face from high-income earners as he pushes for systemic economic reform. In response, Mamdani has remained firm. Speaking with CNN’s Erin Burnett, he elaborated on the fiscal logic behind his plan. He cited a 2023 report from the Fiscal Policy Institute, which found that the top 1% of earners are less likely to leave New York City compared to other income groups. Contrary to popular belief, he argued, affluent individuals often relocate to other high-tax states like New Jersey or California, indicating that taxation is not the sole factor influencing their decisions.

Mamdani insists that his tax plan is not an attack on wealth, but a pragmatic approach to address deepening inequality and fund essential services. He emphasized that corporations making high profits and individuals at the very top of the income spectrum can afford to contribute more to the social infrastructure that sustains the city. He also noted that raising revenue from this demographic would help the city avoid regressive measures such as cuts to public programs or increased fares for public transit, both of which disproportionately affect low-income communities. The core of Mamdani’s campaign is about reimagining New York as a city that puts people before profits. He argues that by ensuring stable housing, accessible transportation, and affordable food, the city can improve the quality of life for millions while maintaining economic vitality.

The clash between Mamdani and 50 Cent underscores the growing divide between progressive political movements and the entrenched financial elite. It also reflects the challenges faced by politicians who advocate for redistributive policies in cities dominated by global capital and celebrity influence. For Mamdani, the backlash from figures like 50 Cent only serves to spotlight the stakes of the race and the choices New Yorkers must make about the kind of leadership they want. His supporters argue that tax justice is long overdue and that Mamdani represents a fresh, unbought voice in a political landscape often shaped by billionaire donors. As the November mayoral election approaches, the debate around Mamdani’s tax policies will likely intensify, especially as more public figures weigh in. Whether his bold ideas resonate broadly enough to propel him to City Hall remains to be seen, but what’s certain is that his candidacy has already shifted the conversation in New York politics. By directly challenging elite interests and championing working-class priorities, Mamdani has positioned himself as a disruptor in the race—and, as he says, perhaps even Donald Trump’s “worst nightmare.”