50 Cent Draws Backlash After Declaring “New York Is Over” Following Zohran Mamdani’s Mayoral Victory

 

Rapper and entrepreneur 50 Cent faced online backlash this week after reacting to Zohran Mamdani’s historic election as New York City’s next mayor.

Mamdani, 34, will become the city’s first Muslim mayor, its first mayor born in Africa, and the youngest person to hold the office since 1892. The Democratic socialist defeated former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa in Tuesday’s closely watched race.

With about 90% of votes counted, Mamdani led Cuomo by roughly nine percentage points, according to the city’s Board of Elections. More than two million New Yorkers cast ballots — the largest turnout in a mayoral race in more than five decades.

In his victory speech, Mamdani acknowledged his unconventional path to City Hall, saying, “The conventional wisdom would tell you that I am far from the perfect candidate. I am young, despite my best efforts to grow older. I am Muslim. I am a democratic socialist. And most damning of all, I refuse to apologize for any of this.”

While many progressives celebrated his victory as a turning point for the Democratic Party, others expressed alarm about his economic agenda, which includes a 2% tax on millionaires, free childcare, and city-run grocery stores.

Among the critics was 50 Cent — real name Curtis Jackson — who took to Instagram to voice his frustration. Sharing a photo of a packed box with a baseball cap, a beer, and a bottle of cognac, he wrote:
“New York is over pack it up, let's go! THE MAN'S first job is Mayor MAMDANI run New York. @bransoncognac I need a drink! @50centaction.”

He followed up with an image of a gravestone reading, “RIP NYC FOUNDED 1624 DIED 2025.”

The posts quickly drew criticism online, with some social media users accusing the rapper of being out of touch with working-class New Yorkers. One commenter wrote, “Man, pay your 2% and shut up.” Another added, “Seeing you rich folk crying is what helps us sleep at night. You’ll be just fine.”

Others defended Mamdani’s win, arguing that his policies reflect the needs of ordinary residents struggling with the city’s rising cost of living. “Only rich people are terrified of Mamdani’s win,” one user wrote. “New York is not dead. The majority are struggling to pay bills and keep a roof over their heads.”

Mamdani’s victory marks a significant shift in New York politics. His campaign focused on affordability and social investment, promising free city bus service, expanded childcare, and the creation of a Department of Community Safety that would deploy mental health professionals to certain emergency calls instead of police officers.

The mayor-elect has previously criticized the New York Police Department but has since pledged to work with current leadership. His challenge now will be to balance his ambitious agenda with state-level resistance, including from Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul, who has opposed new taxes on the wealthy.

Despite skepticism from some business leaders and celebrities, Mamdani has maintained that his administration will prioritize working families and restore what he calls “faith in a fairer New York.”