The iconic hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan voice their support for Zohran Mamdani, a progressive Democratic candidate running for mayor of New York City. Mamdani recently made an appearance backstage at Wu-Tang’s concert at Madison Square Garden, where he had an in-depth political discussion with none other than RZA, the legendary leader of the group.
RZA and Mamdani Talk Housing and Community
During their conversation, RZA appeared receptive to Mamdani’s ideas for tackling one of New York’s most pressing issues: affordable housing. The pair spoke specifically about transforming neighborhoods like Brownsville into sustainable communities where families can stay and thrive.
Mamdani shared his campaign’s vision with RZA, saying:
“I think a big part of it is to make Brownsville a place that you don’t have to leave. There are too many people for whom stability, space, raising a family—you can only do it outside of New York City. The whole campaign that we ran on is about: How do we make the most expensive city in the United States of America affordable?”
The exchange seemed to signal a strong alignment between RZA’s values and Mamdani’s policy platform. As a cultural figure long connected to New York’s struggles and triumphs, RZA’s engagement carries weight in the city’s political discourse—especially among younger voters and the hip-hop community.
Not Everyone’s on Board: 50 Cent Criticizes Mamdani’s Tax Plan
While Wu-Tang Clan voice their support for Zohran Mamdani, not all celebrities are enthusiastic about his policies. Rap mogul 50 Cent made it clear he is not a fan of Mamdani’s proposed tax reforms—particularly the part that would impact New York’s wealthiest residents.
50 Cent took to Instagram to respond to an interview clip of Mamdani on The Breakfast Club, where the candidate laid out his economic strategy. Mamdani explained that his plan includes raising $10 billion to fund a wide-ranging agenda aimed at strengthening New York City against possible federal budget cuts under a Trump administration.
In the interview, Mamdani said:
“What I’ve proposed is we raise $10 billion to pay for our entire economic agenda and start to Trump-proof our city. And we will do so in two key ways. First, we’ll match New Jersey’s top corporate tax rate. We’re at 7.25%, they’re at 11.5%. Corporations doing business in New York will pay the same.
Second, we’ll tax the top 1% of New Yorkers—those making $1 million or more—by adding a flat 2% increase. I know 50 Cent is listening, he’s not going to be very happy about this, but I want to be clear: we’re talking about $20,000 a year for millionaires.”
Unsurprisingly, 50 didn’t take it lightly. He fired back in the Instagram caption:
“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. I’m telling Trump what he said too!”
A City Divided: Cultural Icons Choose Sides
The clash between Mamdani’s grassroots vision and the pushback from wealthy figures like 50 Cent underscores the tensions shaping New York’s political landscape. On one side, Wu-Tang Clan voice their support for Zohran Mamdani, backing his ambition to reshape housing, taxation, and economic equity. On the other, Mamdani faces criticism from influential voices in entertainment and finance concerned about the impact of his proposals on the city’s top earners.
As the campaign continues to gain traction, it’s clear that Mamdani’s ideas are sparking intense debate. With endorsements from iconic groups like Wu-Tang Clan and resistance from high-profile skeptics like 50 Cent, the road to City Hall will be anything but quiet.
