Money Mike debuted, as was customary at the time, with a freestyle, breakdance. “Talking about Money Honey Mike is talking about a whole package. He dances and lives in a style specific to the hip-hop culture. The first time I saw him he wore his jeans to on the back, a snapback, trendy Nike shoes; it is believed that he already lives in the United States. Mike is like rappers on TV. As soon as you see him, you quickly understand that he is a master of hip-hop “, Tchak remembers holding his shoulders inside Live Jam, a structure built in 2002, to allow the public to attend live performances by rappers, of which Money Honey Mike is a member.
After the death of Master Dji in 1994, Mario Bregard started a tribute concert at the National Theater. Artists who participated in the event, including Money Mike, later united to give birth to the Original Rap Staff (ORG). In 2001, Jean Huberman Charles was also one of the founders of ASRAP which aims to promote the work of rappers, according to one of the founders, Peter Ronald Berlus.
The latter presented Money Honey Mike as the role model of his time. “When a young man wants to rap, he follows Mike. With his way of dressing, speaking, he is always in a hip-hop environment. Mike really represents what is called an MC. His influence was so great that Signal radio offered him its antenna for a program in his domain. In the early 90s, there weren’t many kreyòl rap music videos. The release of “Bagay drool” in 1994 made a big impact. Mike stood up. With his group, he allows rappers to understand that they can do the same acts they see on TV. Mike has influenced all walks of life, especially with the release of the first ORS album in 1997, where he imposed himself with titles such as “Pardon”, “A toi”, “Merci”, “Whose Style is this”, and so on. This is the fever of the media”, said Ronald Berlus, a former member of ASRAP, who presented Money Honey Mike as the prince of Kreyòl rap where he believed that Master Dji was the king.
“I had a sister who told me about a Kreyòl rap video she saw. He thought they were people from the United States. One night, while I was taking a shower, he called me shouting that the video was playing on the TV. As I rushed, my mouth hurt, but I quickly forgot the pain, I was very surprised. I saw Mike behind a grid launching “Microphone” into a hardcore instrumental. It was amazing,” Tchak recalled.
As for Rockfam rapper, Pikan, it was Money Honey Mike who pushed him towards Kreyòl rap. “Parents, in the old days, didn’t want their kids to be involved in rap. But, they didn’t stop them from listening to Money Mike. He was one of the few rappers, one of the first, that allowed rap to be can break through barriers. “Kanimo” is played in schools, in living rooms. Unlike his peers, Money Mike is not seen as a delinquent but a teacher. Everything a rapper wants,” read in a black scarf. “Without Money Mike, Kreyòl rap would not be at this level. On the radio, in his groups, solo, on TV (Channel 11), he promotes the movement in every way, like a complete MC,” Pikan continued.
“Mike is second to none. His middle name is scary,” said Peter Ronald Berlus. Despite his success and popularity, Money Mike is still a cautious type, according to Tchak, his partner in Live Jam and ASRAP. “He was a humble man who loved God, his friends and his country. Mike valued his friends very much and always gave them comforting advice, just like his lyrics. Mike is also a seeker of happiness, a dreamer, a humanist, a father who loves his children, involved with his friends and family, passionate about life and hip-hop,” added Peter Ronald Berlus, who worked with Money Honey Mike. of ASRAP , now CEO of One million Recordz, manager of Trajik Daking and Yizra’El Reggae Band.
Today’s generation knows very little about Money Mike. “He felt betrayed. »
Despite his important role in the rise of Kreyòl rap, today’s youth in general and young rappers in particular show little affinity to the personality of Money Honey Mike, believing in his congeners. “Mike did everything to stay immortal and famous. We, as rappers, have done our part. It is up to historians and journalists to do theirs. There is a serious archival problem. Retro broadcasts, writings that inform young people about the genesis of the legacy of Kreyòl rap are lacking. We must quickly create a memory of Kreyòl rap intended for the younger generation. The latter should dig into the records of this musical trend of the past three decades to better orient itself instead of looking only at what is in fashion,” said Peter Ronald Berlus.
“It’s unthinkable that a teenager today doesn’t know about Money Honey Mike. It’s not his fault. He consumed what was sold to him. We will not protect our legends,” Pikan regretted. “In my generation, we had respect for our predecessors. But that’s not the case today. When the generation of Barikad Crew and Rockfam emerged, they pretended that they were the ones who brought the movement to a higher level, ignoring the work that has been done before them. The slogan “Granmoun yo echwe” is proof of this. Money Honey Mike left disappointed. The disappointment of not benefiting from the recognition of its contributions on the part of the actors so far. He kept himself and only talked to a few trusted friends. He felt betrayed,” Tchak said. “Only old people would put their egos on the line to recognize Money Honey Mike’s place. The newcomers want to say “RIP Legend”, but lose their title of king, president, general, majesty, father, etc. “, replied Peter Ronald Berlus.
“Mike, this is a big piece. A giant of music. A monument. Not even anyone. It is sad that even the Ministry of Culture did not welcome his departure,” said Tchak. “We cannot remain indifferent, as veterans of Kreyòl rap. We are working to pay Mike a tribute worthy of who he is,” he said.