Rapper Heems inspired Zohran Mamdani to enter politics.
When New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani appeared on Hot 97 earlier this month, he shared the unexpected story behind his political awakening — and it all started with a rapper.
Mamdani, who could become the city’s first socialist mayor in decades, said he first got involved in local politics after reading in The Village Voice that his favorite rapper, Himanshu “Heems” Suri, was endorsing a childhood friend, Ali Najmi, for Queens City Council in 2015.
Heems, co-founder of cult hip-hop groups Das Racist and Swet Shop Boys, grew up in Queens and had deep roots in the community.
When Mamdani, then a 23-year-old fan, saw Heems supporting Najmi, he was inspired to volunteer, launching a political journey that has brought him to the brink of leading the nation’s largest city.
Though Heems didn’t know Mamdani at the time, the two share striking parallels.
Both are South Asian New Yorkers, both briefly pursued rap careers (Mamdani rapped under the name Mr. Cardamom), and both have long been vocal advocates for New York’s working class — particularly taxi drivers, an issue close to their families.
Heems’ father drove a cab, and Mamdani has campaigned for taxi medallion debt relief.
Heems, reflecting on his unexpected influence, said he was “extremely grateful and extremely surprised” that his musical career had such political impact.
Over the years, Mamdani had repeatedly tweeted at Heems—asking about album shipments, praising Swet Shop Boys releases, and suggesting merchandise ideas.
Today, Heems laughs at the full-circle moment: “The guy everyone donated to donated to me!”
For Heems, rap and politics have always been intertwined. His music has long addressed social issues.
In 2012, he released Nehru Jackets, a mixtape aimed at raising awareness about redistricting in Queens.
In 2015, he fought to get a taxi stand installed outside the Punjabi Deli to protect working-class cab drivers from tickets.
Heems sees Mamdani’s political rise as a natural extension of that same spirit. “Rap is storytelling. Politics, at its best, is too,” he said. “To understand rap is to understand community, struggle, and aspiration.”
Now working on new musical collaborations with artists like Panda Bear and Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Heems is still deeply invested in New York’s political future.
While he’s proud of Mamdani’s South Asian identity, he’s more excited about his values. “We might have a mayor who gives a fuck,” Heems said.
“It’s not just about representation. It’s about someone who understands food, shelter, and the needs of the working class.”
To Heems, Mamdani represents more than a fan turned politician — he’s the embodiment of hope born from the streets, beats, and struggles of Queens.
Source Rolling Stone
