50 Cent Offers NYC Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani $258,750 to "Get Lost" Amidst Tax Debate

Rapper Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson III has publicly offered New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani $258,750, along with a first-class, one-way ticket out of the city. The unusual proposition comes in direct response to Mamdani's recent comments on a "tax-the-rich" plan, which specifically name-dropped the Queens-born hip-hop mogul. The exchange has ignited further debate within the ongoing 2025 New York City mayoral race.

Mamdani, a Democratic socialist and current assemblyman, outlined his fiscal strategy during a June 11 appearance on "The Breakfast Club" podcast. He proposed raising an estimated $10 billion for the city through increased corporate taxes and a 2% tax hike on New Yorkers earning over $1 million annually. During the interview, Mamdani quipped, "I know if 50 Cent is listening, he’s not going to be happy about this. He tends to not like this tax policy, but I want to be very clear this is about $20,000 a year."

The Grammy-winning artist quickly retaliated on Instagram, reposting a clip of Mamdani's interview. "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," 50 Cent wrote, adding, "I’m telling Trump what he said too!" Jackson has historically been vocal about his opposition to high taxes, previously siding with Donald Trump in 2020 over proposed tax increases.

Mamdani recently secured a significant victory in the Democratic mayoral primary, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo. If elected in the general election, Mamdani, who is of Indian origin, would become New York City's first Muslim mayor. His progressive platform, including the controversial tax plan, has become a central point of discussion as the mayoral race progresses.

The public spat highlights the growing tension between New York's progressive political movements and high-net-worth individuals concerned about potential financial implications. The offer by 50 Cent, while largely seen as satirical, underscores the broader economic and political divisions emerging in the city's electoral landscape.