For Money MikeSA, whose real name is Ibrahim Abdul Fakhouri, this development is deeply significant.
“It is crazy when you look at the journey,” says Money Mike. “To get a co-sign from someone like Rick Ross and then later become part of the Luc Belaire family is something I am genuinely proud of. It shows that the work is travelling beyond South Africa.”
There is a larger narrative surrounding this achievement. The endorsement that shifted perceptions. When Rick Ross highlighted Money Mike SA in February, it created a buzz across social media.
Rick Ross represents more than just fame. He is entrenched in the realms of hip-hop, high-end lifestyle, fashion, and nightlife. His collaboration with Luc Belaire has made the French sparkling wine a compelling symbol within hip-hop culture.
For a South African musician to be featured on such a prestigious platform carries considerable weight. For Money MikeSA, it was a personal milestone.
“To have Rick Ross post me was a big moment.I saw it as a sign that people outside South Africa were starting to pay attention.”
What transpired afterwards added to the significance of this moment.
Money Mike has obtained a partnership with Luc Belaire Rare Rosé, turning what could have been a transient social media moment into a concrete global business opportunity.
“That is the part people don’t always see. A picture can look like just a picture, but sometimes a moment like that opens your eyes to what is possible.”
Rare Rosé accompanies a distinctive journey. The deal with Luc Belaire emerges during one of the most ambitious phases of Money Mike’s career.
Luc Belaire Rare Rosé is a French sparkling rosé expertly crafted by skilled winemakers with a heritage that goes back to 1898. It is recognized for its deep garnet-rose hue, long-lasting bubbles, and red fruit tasting notes, symbolizing a blend of tradition and modern luxury.
This alignment is particularly relevant as Money Mike’s image continues to evolve.
“Rare Rosé has presence. It is the kind of bottle that walks into a room and gets noticed. I relate to that because I want everything I build to have that same presence.”
As a rapper whose influence extends across various domains, including music, fashion, business, nightlife, and culture, this partnership reflects a logical development rather than a shift away from his core.
“I am not interested in being boxed into just being a rapper. Music is the foundation, but I am building a lifestyle brand around it.”
Money MikeSA’s collaboration positions him within a global landscape where music increasingly intersects with luxury. Hip-hop has shaped fashion and lifestyle trends for years, and leading brands now see artists as powerful cultural influencers, not just entertainers. Money MikeSA aims to be part of this dynamic.
“I understand that brands are looking for culture. They want people who have a story, an audience, and something real to say. I want to be one of the African artists who can sit comfortably in those conversations.”
True Religion was merely a starting point. Luc Belaire is not the first major international endeavor for Money Mike. Earlier this year, he formed a partnership with True Religion, further enhancing his commercial portfolio.
The combination of True Religion and Luc Belaire illustrates a calculated approach: Money MikeSA is establishing himself as a versatile African artist with cross-industry appeal.
“The music, fashion, business and lifestyle are all connected. I am building an identity that can move across different spaces.”
This identity is also evident in his entrepreneurial efforts. Money MikeSA founded Yalla Habibi Cartel, a venture that showcases his business acumen alongside his musical pursuits.
“I come from a background where you have to create your own opportunities. So I have always understood that you cannot wait for someone to give you a seat. Sometimes you have to build your own table.”
Money MikeSA’s rise in business parallels his steadily growing music career. He began making music with friends during school and participated in hip-hop cyphers until he developed the confidence to perform on larger stages. He has collaborated with prominent South African hip-hop artists such as Emtee, Blxckie, and Chad Da Don. His discography consists of tracks like “BELIEVE” featuring Emtee and Saudi, “Amigo,” “Black Flag,” and the anticipated 2026 project The Caine Effect: Budra. Recent songs include “ON GAWD”, “MA SHIFTO SHI”, “AKBAR MAFIA”, and “MADE OFF THE STREETS”. His May release “ON GAWD” was recorded in Beirut, Lebanon, and produced by Nagib and Ziggy, combining African and Arabian musical influences.
“Recording in Beirut showed me that my story does not have to stay in one place. I am South African, I am African and I have Arabian blood, but I see myself as a global artist.”
The international aspect of Money Mike’s career cannot be overlooked. His musical efforts, business ventures, and brand collaborations are collectively crafting a narrative of an artist who is intentionally expanding beyond conventional entertainment boundaries.
His aspirations were also apparent during his recent guest appearance on the Podcast and Chill Network’s All The Smoke, hosted by Tshego and Luthando “BU” Mthembu. This episode, released on 14 August, provided viewers with insight into Money Mike’s experiences, musical background, and the journey that shaped his public image.
