New York City’s mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani, certainly knows how to make a statement! In a move that fans are calling a subtle but pointed jab at his rival 50 Cent, Mamdani chose to walk out to Ja Rule’s iconic track ‘New York’ for his victory speech. This musical choice comes amidst an ongoing public feud between the rapper and the politician.
A Musical Jab at 50 Cent
The drama between Mamdani and 50 Cent kicked off earlier this year when Mamdani appeared on ‘The Breakfast Club’ to discuss his plan to increase corporate taxes and impose an additional 2% tax on the wealthiest New Yorkers. This proposal clearly didn’t sit well with 50 Cent, who has been vocal in his criticism.
Adding fuel to the fire, 50 Cent had posted an AI-generated image of a tombstone on social media earlier that day, seemingly declaring the ‘death’ of his hometown in anticipation of Mamdani’s win. By choosing Ja Rule’s anthem for his victory celebration, Mamdani couldn’t have picked a more fitting soundtrack to playfully acknowledge the long-standing beef between Ja Rule and 50 Cent.
Mamdani Addresses the Feud
During an appearance on MSNBC’s ‘The Beat with Ari Melber,’ Mamdani addressed 50 Cent’s criticisms with a dose of humor. “He’s a critic!” Mamdani stated, even joking about how specific 50 Cent’s online offers were regarding his mayoral salary. He playfully added, “And even though we have a disagreement, every time I get a death threat, I still listen to ‘Many Men.’”
This witty response highlights Mamdani’s ability to handle public criticism with a blend of seriousness about his policies and a lighthearted approach to personal feuds. It shows he’s not afraid to engage but also knows how to keep his focus on the issues.
A Vision for New York City
Mamdani’s victory over former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa marks a significant shift for New York City. He kicked off his speech by quoting socialist icon Eugene Debs, declaring, “I can see the dawn of a better day for humanity.”
- Free bus services
- Universal childcare
- City-owned grocery stores
- A rent freeze on rent-stabilized apartments
He also directly addressed former President Donald Trump, vowing that New York will remain a city of immigrants, built and led by them. “So hear me President Trump when I say this: to get to any of us, you will have to get through all of us,” Mamdani declared, emphasizing the city’s inclusive identity.
What do you think of Zohran Mamdani’s approach to his political platform and his playful jabs at 50 Cent? Share your thoughts in the comments below!