‘One way ticket out of NYC': Rapper 50 Cent's offer to Zohran Mamdani over proposal to tax rich
American rapper 50 Cent has sparked controversy with his recent post on Instagram slamming the Indian-origin politician Zohran Mamdani's proposed tax reforms. The hip-hop star offered to buy Mamdani a 'first-class one-way ticket' out of New York City after the newly nominated Democratic mayoral candidate vowed to raise taxes on the wealthy.
Mamdani, a democratic socialist and son of Indian filmmaker Mira Nair, recently clinched the Democratic nomination for New York City mayor. His campaign focused on housing affordability, rent freezes in stabilised units, city-run grocery stores, and free public transport, all to be funded through increased taxes on New York's top earners.
In an Instagram post, 50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, shared a clip of Mamdani explaining his tax proposal and wrote, 'Where did he come from? Whose friend is this? I'm not feeling this plan no.' The rapper also added, 'I'll give him $258,750 and a first class one-way ticket away from NY. I'm telling Trump what he said too!'
The rapper's outburst came in response to Mamdani's comments on The Breakfast Club podcast earlier this month, where he suggested a flat 2% tax hike for those earning over $1 million annually. 'I know if 50 Cent is listening, he's not going to be happy about this,' Mamdani had said, anticipating pushback.
Right-wing social media users, including Trump supporters, quickly joined the fray, mocking Mamdani and cheering 50 Cent's remarks. MAGA-aligned accounts told Mamdani 'good riddance,' while conservative influencer Nick Sortor reacted with 'LMAO.'
Despite the backlash, Mamdani stood by his plan during a CNN interview, citing data from the Fiscal Policy Institute which suggested that high earners were less likely to leave New York than lower-income groups, and often moved to other high-tax states like New Jersey and California.
Mamdani, who recently defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo in a surprise political upset, said the issue was less about tax burdens and more about quality of life in the city.
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