In a bold move that’s sparking heated debates across New York City, Zohran Mamdani is standing his ground on his tax policy plans, even after facing viral criticism from none other than 50 Cent himself. But here’s where it gets controversial: Mamdani, who is currently vying to become the next mayor of New York City against heavyweights like Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa, isn’t backing down. Instead, he’s doubling down on his vision for a more equitable city—and he’s doing it with a touch of humor and a lot of conviction.
During a recent appearance on MSNBC’s The Beat with Ari Melber, Mamdani addressed 50 Cent’s viral critique of his proposal to raise taxes on the top one percent of New Yorkers—those earning over a million dollars annually. With a laugh, Mamdani admitted, ‘He’s a critic! I didn’t even know what my salary would be until I saw 50 Cent offering me a specific amount of money on Instagram. I was like, ‘That’s a very specific amount! Oh my god!’ But Mamdani didn’t stop there. He passionately defended his plan, arguing that a modest two percent tax increase on the wealthiest could ‘transform every New Yorker’s life, including their own.’ And this is the part most people miss: he pointed out that underfunded city agencies, reduced library services, and even fewer trash cans affect everyone, regardless of income. ‘My job is to ensure public excellence,’ he emphasized, ‘and that means proving every dollar raised is well spent.’
But is Mamdani’s approach too radical, or is it the bold change New York needs? Critics like 50 Cent argue it’s unfair to target the wealthy, but Mamdani counters that it’s about shared responsibility. And in a lighthearted jab, he joked, ‘Even though we disagree, every time I get a death threat, I still listen to ‘Many Men.’’
The controversy began after Mamdani’s appearance on The Breakfast Club, where he outlined his plan to raise corporate taxes and impose the additional two percent tax on the city’s top earners. His broader platform is equally ambitious: free buses, universal childcare, city-owned grocery stores, and a rent freeze on stabilized apartments. Is this a utopian dream, or a practical roadmap to affordability? Mamdani believes it’s the latter, and he’s already proven his mettle by defeating Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary. Now, he’s facing off against Cuomo again, along with Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, in the race for City Hall.
Election Day is November 4, 2025, with results expected around 9:00 PM ET. As New Yorkers prepare to cast their votes, the question remains: Can Mamdani’s vision of a more equitable city win over voters, or will his critics’ voices drown out his message? What do you think? Is his tax plan fair, or does it go too far? Let us know in the comments—this debate is far from over.