Zohran Mamdani is proving that politics and pop culture can mix. A video recently began circulating online showing the New York City mayoral candidate dancing in a Brooklyn club to Kendrick Lamar’s hit “Not Like Us.” The track, which famously took aim at Drake, plays in the background as Mamdani smiles and moves to the beat during an event hosted by Bushwick Grand.
The sight of the candidate enjoying himself quickly drew attention, not only because of the song choice but also because of Mamdani’s well-documented admiration for Kendrick Lamar. Earlier this year, he shared his thoughts on the rapper’s feud with Drake, saying Kendrick “absolutely destroyed” his opponent. He also drew a connection between Lamar’s focus during the beef and his own campaign strategy. “At every juncture, he would bring it back to his central points, and I think that’s the key, is that you keep coming back to what your core message is,” Mamdani explained. “For me, it’s about the fact that New Yorkers can’t afford to live in the city they call home.”
Mamdani kicked off election week by taking to the streets with a crowd of supporters holding a banner that read “Our time is now.” As his campaign gains traction, recent polls show him leading his opponents Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa heading into Election Day on November 4.
While the viral video has sparked mixed reactions, many see it as another example of Mamdani’s authenticity and relatability. For his younger supporters, it is a reminder that he understands their culture. For others, it is proof that his campaign is grounded in connecting with New Yorkers where they are, both politically and socially.
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