Abdela Kharbouch is primarily recognized as the father of the world-renowned Moroccan-American rapper, French Montana (born Karim Kharbouch). His life story is deeply intertwined with the early struggles and eventual rise of his son, serving as a pivotal figure in the narrative of the Kharbouch family’s migration from Morocco to the United States. While not a public figure in the entertainment industry himself, Abdela’s decisions during the mid-1990s shaped the trajectory of French Montana’s life and career. He led his family from their estate in Casablanca to the South Bronx in 1996, seeking new opportunities in America.
However, the transition was fraught with difficulty. After struggling to find stable ground in New York for approximately two years, Abdela faced a significant crossroads. While his wife, Khadija Guled, chose to remain in the United States to provide their children with better prospects, Abdela decided to return to Morocco. This departure left a teenage French Montana as the primary breadwinner and “man of the house,” a responsibility that forced him to navigate the harsh realities of the Bronx streets. Despite the long period of estrangement that followed, the relationship between father and son eventually saw a public reconciliation in 2012, an event that was documented and shared by the rapper, highlighting the complex emotional bond that remains central to their family history.
Abdela Kharbouch Profile:
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Abdela Kharbouch |
| Date of Birth | Not Publicly Disclosed |
| Age | Approximately 60–70 years |
| Place of Birth | Morocco |
| Nationality | Moroccan |
| Profession | Businessman / Entrepreneur (formerly active in Morocco) |
| Years Active | N/A |
| Education | Not Publicly Disclosed |
| Religion | Islam |
| Marital Status | Divorced (from Khadija Guled) |
| Net Worth | Not Publicly Disclosed |
Family Members
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Khadija Guled (Ex-Wife): The mother of French Montana; she stayed in the U.S. to raise her sons after Abdela returned to Morocco.
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Karim “French Montana” Kharbouch (Son): A multi-platinum recording artist and founder of Coke Boys Records.
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Zack Kharbouch (Son): French Montana’s younger brother and an active member of the Coke Boys executive team.
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Ayoub Kharbouch (Son): The youngest brother, born in the U.S. shortly after Abdela’s departure.
More about the Migration to America
The story of Abdela Kharbouch is defined by the ambitious yet challenging move from Morocco to New York City. In the mid-1990s, Abdela moved his family from a comfortable life on a sprawling estate outside Casablanca to a small apartment in the South Bronx. At the time, French Montana was only 13 years old and spoke no English, only Moroccan Darija and French. Abdela’s intent was to find the “American Dream,” but the reality of the Bronx in the 90s proved to be a culture shock. The family struggled with the language barrier and financial instability, which put immense pressure on Abdela as the head of the household.
More about the Decision to Return
After two years of hardship in the United States, Abdela made the difficult choice to return to Morocco. He felt that the struggle in America was not yielding the success he had envisioned and believed the family would be better off back home. However, his wife, Khadija, disagreed. She saw the potential for her children to have a better future through the American education system and refused to leave. This disagreement led to a permanent split in the family. Abdela returned to Casablanca alone, leaving his wife—who was pregnant with their third son at the time—and his two older children to navigate the Bronx without his support.
More about the Impact on French Montana
Abdela’s departure had a profound impact on the development of his eldest son, Karim. With his father gone, Karim felt a deep obligation to support his mother and brothers. This desperation led him into the world of “street DVD” production and eventually battle rapping under the name “Young French.” The absence of his father served as both a source of pain and a powerful motivator for his legendary “hustle.” French Montana has often spoken about how being abandoned by the man supposed to protect him forced him to grow up overnight, ultimately leading to the creation of his business empire.
More about the 2012 Reconciliation
For many years, Abdela and French Montana had little to no contact. However, in 2012, as French was rising to global stardom, he made a trip back to Morocco to reunite with his father. The meeting was a significant emotional milestone, captured in the documentary French Montana: Homecoming. Despite the years of silence and the resentment over being left behind, the two were able to sit down and talk. Abdela expressed his pride in his son’s success, and French provided financial support to ensure his father was living comfortably in Morocco. This reconciliation showed a softer side of the rapper and brought a sense of closure to the family’s long-standing rift.
FAQs
1. Is Abdela Kharbouch still living in Morocco?
Yes, following his departure from the United States in the late 1990s, Abdela has remained a resident of Morocco, primarily living in Casablanca.
2. Why did Abdela Kharbouch leave his family?
He decided to return to Morocco because he was struggling to find success and stability in New York. While he wanted the family to join him, his wife chose to stay in the U.S. for the sake of their children’s future.
3. Did French Montana forgive his father?
While the relationship was strained for over a decade, the two reconciled in 2012. French Montana has since provided for his father, indicating a level of forgiveness and a desire to maintain family ties.
4. What is Abdela Kharbouch’s profession?
In his earlier years in Morocco, he was known as a “wheeler-dealer” or entrepreneur involved in various business schemes, though he has not been a public professional figure in recent years.
Conclusion
The life of Abdela Kharbouch serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of the immigrant experience. His story is one of high hopes, difficult sacrifices, and the unintended consequences of seeking a better life. While his departure from New York created a period of intense hardship for his family, it also forged the resilient spirit that allowed his son, French Montana, to become one of the most successful figures in hip-hop. Today, the legacy of the Kharbouch name is one of triumph over adversity, with Abdela remaining a respected, albeit distant, patriarch of the family.
