On Wednesday, September 30, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani joined rap icon Nas in a video to celebrate the opening of a new school dedicated to teaching the fundamentals of hip-hop. The event took place at a school in the Bronx, a neighborhood historically linked to the origins of hip-hop culture. Mamdani emphasized the city's role as a birthplace of hip-hop and expressed a desire to ensure it remains a central part of New York's identity. "We cannot be content with simply being the birthplace of hip-hop. We want it to continue to be its home," he said in the video, which was shared by the city's official social media accounts. Hip-hop culture, which includes elements like rap, DJing, breakdancing, graffiti, and beatboxing, originated in the South Bronx in the summer of 1973. It began as a form of artistic expression during community gatherings and grew into a global phenomenon through the work of local artists such as Run-DMC and Public Enemy. In the video, Nas reflected on the role of hip-hop as a voice for the community, saying, "Hip-hop reveals the truth. It tells you exactly what your city is like and what you feel. Originally, it was a cry of protest from people who demanded change and denounced the world they lived in." Mamdani's connection to hip-hop dates back to before his political career. He was a rapper under the names Young Cardamom and Mr. Cardamom, performing in subway stations before entering public service. Since becoming mayor, his public appearances and initiatives have drawn attention, with his title "Nani" garnering nearly 1.6 million views on YouTube. The video also highlighted his recent visit to the new Bronx School of Hip Hop, where students aged 14 to 18 learn the basics of hip-hop alongside traditional subjects like financial management and audio production. "This school is an opportunity to celebrate the history of the city," Mamdani said in an interview with Billboard, adding that the opening occurs amid a severe housing crisis in New York. He warned that if the city becomes too expensive, access to cultural experiences like hip-hop could become a luxury, limiting future generations' opportunities. According to Les Échos, when Mamdani was elected mayor in November 2025, the average monthly rent for a studio apartment in New York was $3,400 (approximately 3,000 euros). This context underscores the challenges facing the city's residents and the importance of maintaining accessible cultural programs like the new hip-hop school.