Hip-hop mogul 50 Cent has made headlines with an extraordinary offer to pay a New York City mayoral candidate to leave the state permanently.
The Grammy-winning rapper took to Instagram Wednesday to express his displeasure with Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani’s tax proposals.
Curtis James Jackson III, known professionally as 50 Cent, posted a scathing message targeting the mayoral hopeful’s economic policies.
The 49-year-old entertainer wrote on social media that he would provide Mamdani with “$258,750 and a first class one-way ticket away from NY.”
The rapper’s outburst came in direct response to comments Mamdani made during a June 11 appearance on “The Breakfast Club” podcast.
During the nationally syndicated morning radio show, Mamdani outlined his plans to increase taxes on wealthy New Yorkers and profitable corporations.
The mayoral candidate specifically mentioned targeting businesses earning millions in profit, not just revenue.
Mamdani detailed his proposal for a flat 2 percent tax increase on the top 1 percent of New Yorkers who earn $1 million or more annually.
The Democratic socialist directly referenced 50 Cent during the interview, acknowledging the rapper’s known opposition to higher tax policies.
“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,” Mamdani stated on the show.
The comment proved prophetic, as 50 Cent responded with visible anger to being mentioned in connection with the tax plan.
The rapper, whose net worth approaches nearly one billion dollars, made clear his disapproval of Mamdani’s fiscal policies.
In his Instagram post, 50 Cent questioned Mamdani’s background, asking “Where did he come from? Whose friend is this?”
The entertainer emphasized his rejection of the proposed tax increases, stating flatly “I’m not feeling this plan. No.”
50 Cent escalated his criticism by threatening to involve President Donald Trump in the matter.
“I’m telling Trump what he said too!” the rapper wrote, accompanied by a thinking emoji.
Mamdani recently achieved a significant political victory by defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo in Tuesday’s Democratic mayoral primary election.
The upset victory propelled the relatively unknown candidate into the spotlight as a serious contender for New York City’s top office.
Beyond tax policy, Mamdani outlined additional campaign goals during his podcast appearance, including improving public transportation funding.
The candidate also expressed intentions to support small businesses throughout the city.
Mamdani stated his commitment to “Trump-proof” New York City, though he did not elaborate on specific measures.
Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN) has requested that the Justice Department (DOJ) investigate Mamdani for allegedly misrepresenting information during his U.S. citizenship application.
Resist the Mainstream reported earlier this week that in a letter dated Thursday to Attorney General Pam Bondi, Ogles pointed to a June 21 article in the New York Post that highlighted Mamdani’s past expressions of support for individuals convicted of terrorism-related offenses prior to his naturalization.
The report also referenced rap lyrics by Mamdani that expressed solidarity with Palestine, statements Ogles described as having national security implications.
“The naturalization process depends on the good-faith disclosure of any affiliation with, or support for, groups that threaten U.S. national security,” Ogles wrote.
“If Mr. Mamdani concealed relevant associations, that concealment may constitute a material misrepresentation sufficient to support denaturalization under federal law.”
