50 Cent Critiques NYC Mayor-Elect Mamdani’s Tax Plans

50 Cent, the acclaimed rapper, has voiced serious concerns regarding the policies of New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani. Following a landslide victory on November 7, 2023, Mamdani plans to implement significant tax reforms, including a proposed increase in the corporate tax rate and a two percent tax on individuals earning over $1 million annually. According to 50 Cent, these measures could lead to defunding the police and a potential “purge” scenario in the city when Mamdani takes office in January 2026.

Mamdani’s tax proposal aims to generate revenue to enhance public services across New York City. During an appearance on MSNBC, he addressed 50 Cent’s criticisms directly. “What I would say to you, 50, if you are indeed watching…having the top 1 percent of New York City pay 2 percent more for an economic agenda that would transform every New Yorker’s life, including their own, is something that is worthwhile,” Mamdani stated. He lightheartedly added, “even though we have a disagreement on tax policy, every time I get a death threat, I still listen to ‘Many Men.'”

The rapper, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, criticized Mamdani’s approach on social media, emphasizing that while he believes the new mayor’s intentions may be positive, the proposed tax changes could drive wealth out of the city. “If he defunds the police, they are gonna purge,” he declared in an Instagram post, sharing a clip of Mamdani’s interview.

The comment section of 50 Cent’s post reflected a mix of support and criticism. Some users urged him to “pay your fair share,” while others suggested he had forgotten his roots after achieving financial success. The rapper had previously expressed his displeasure with Mamdani’s proposals, offering to fund his departure from New York with “$258,750 and a first-class one-way ticket away from NY.”

This conflict intensified when Mamdani’s tax plans found favor with voters, prompting 50 Cent to declare on Instagram that “New York is over.” He illustrated his frustration with an AI-generated image of a tombstone reading “RIP New York,” alongside a post stating, “3 words: No funding coming! NYC finished.”

50 Cent has not resided in New York City since 2021, when he relocated to Houston, Texas. His departure followed complaints about President Joe Biden‘s tax policies, which he expressed during one of his characteristic social media rants. “WHAT THE F*** (VOTE For TRUMP) IM OUT,” he wrote at the time, illustrating his strong feelings on fiscal matters.

As the political landscape in New York shifts with Mamdani’s administration set to begin, the public response from figures like 50 Cent highlights the ongoing debates over taxation, public safety, and the future of the city. The coming months will likely see continued discourse on the implications of Mamdani’s proposed policies.