Credit: Dmitryshein

New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani has named his five favourite rappers of all time.

Mamdani has been a popular figure since becoming the 112th mayor of NYC in January, and his love of hip-hop is no secret.

During a recent interview, educator Jose Vilson asked the 34-year-old to reveal his top five rappers. Mamdani began by picking Nas and bringing up the area in which he was raised in Queens.

“I gotta put in Nas, as someone who used to represent Queensbridge houses,” he said. “Largest public housing development in North America.”

He went on to name two Chicago rappers from different generations: Lupe Fiasco and Common.

“I also have to say… when I was growing up, for me, Lupe Fiasco, one of my top rappers,” he explained. “I also have a real soft spot for Common.”

Mamdani closed out his picks by returning to New York rappers, naming Jay-Z and Biggie Smalls. “Also have to put in Jay-Z,” he said. “And I think in New York City, we have to put in The Notorious B.I.G.”

The mayor’s hip-hop ties run deep, previously revealing he’s a fan of Dipset. He also attended a Wu-Tang Clan, Run the Jewels, and The LOX show at Madison Square Garden during his mayoral campaign.

50 Cent called out Mamdani for planning to raise the corporate tax rate. In response, he said, “Even though we have a disagreement on tax policy, every time I get a death threat, I still listen to ‘Many Men.'”

After he was elected, 50 took to Instagram to claim that New York City had died, posting an image that read, “RIP NYC. Founded 1624, died 2025,”

Zohran Mamdani’s top five rappers:

• Nas
• Lupe Fiasco
• Common
• Jay-Z
• Biggie Smalls