It came as a surprise, to say the least.
A 2019 rap video featuring Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist and New York City mayoral candidate, made waves on social media Thursday night.
Mamdani appeared on “Erin Burnett Outfront,” where the host introduced this rather low-budget hip-hop video from his past, showcasing the 33-year-old, who rapped under the name “Mr. Cardamom.”
As the video played, members of the Queens City Council reacted with visible discomfort.
“After you take that step, you’ll be in a whole new arena,” Burnett told him.
“I never imagined it would air on CNN,” Mamdani replied, managing a smile.
The discussion then shifted as Burnett encouraged Mamdani to address criticisms suggesting he might not be prepared to lead the city just yet.
“This campaign is giving people a look into what my administration could be. We’re running a campaign that is unlike anything the city has seen in ages,” he asserted, referring to his previous persona.
Mamdani’s usual rhetoric seemed a lot more subdued compared to his rap, where he targeted sharper themes.
On a 2017 track titled “Holy Land Five,” Mamdani praised individuals known as “The Holy Land Five,” who were convicted in 2008 for ties to Hamas that allegedly included over $12 million in funding.
“My affection for the Holy Land 5. You seem more prominent,” he rapped in a song called “Salam.”
These five men—Shukri Abu Baker, Mohammad El Mezain, Gassan Ellasi, Mfid Abdulkada, and Abdulrahman Odeh—faced multiple charges by the U.S. Department of Justice, including terrorism-related offenses, tax fraud, and money laundering.
Mamdani’s brief rap journey even caught the eye of famous rapper 50 Cent, who had his own thoughts about it.
