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- By Shivangi Sharma
- Sun, 09 Nov 2025 08:46 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
A 2017 email from musician and newly elected New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani has resurfaced online, drawing widespread attention and reviving interest in his early career as a rapper. The email, originally sent to popular music publication Stereogum, asked editors to consider covering his then-new track titled Salaam. In it, Mamdani described the song as an exploration of the emotions and lived experiences of a Muslim man in America.
At the time, the message went unnoticed. Stereogum later responded to apologise, but it never published coverage. After Mamdani’s historic electoral victory, the email resurfaced and immediately went viral. The publication tweeted the screenshot with the caption, “Sorry, we missed this, Mr Mayor-Elect.” A similar email sent in 2017 to critic Jeff Weiss of Passion of the Weiss also resurfaced, fueling further online discussion.
Music Career Under The Moniker ‘Mr. Cardamom’
Mamdani, who once performed under the stage name Mr. Cardamom, was part of New York’s underground hip-hop scene. His catalogue included politically charged tracks and humorous culinary tributes. Among his most reshared songs today is Kanda (Chap Chap), a cheeky ode to the humble chapati, released in 2015. Another track, Nani, went viral during his recent mayoral campaign, winning young voters’ attention online.
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Controversy Surrounding “Salaam” Lyrics
The resurfaced track Salaam has sparked debate for referencing the “Holy Land Five”, five men convicted in 2008 of funnelling millions of dollars to Hamas. People argue that the praise could ignite political backlash. Supporters counter that the lyrics reflect commentary on post-9/11 fear, Islamophobia, and identity struggles among Muslim Americans.
During his election-night celebration, Mamdani embraced his multicultural roots as he took the stage to the popular Bollywood track Dhoom Machale. Clips from his performances have surged on social media platforms, highlighting how his artistic persona blends diasporic culture, food, activism, and humour.
Historic Election Victory
Mamdani’s political success marks numerous milestones. The Democratic Socialist secured a sweeping win on November 4, defeating independent candidate and former governor Andrew Cuomo, backed by former President Donald Trump, and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa. At just 34, Mamdani becomes New York City’s first Muslim, first South Asian, first Indian-American, first immigrant, and youngest mayor in more than a century.
