Keith Ape
Dongheon Lee (born December 25, 1993), known professionally as Keith Ape and formerly as Kid Ash, is a South Korean rapper and producer based in Seoul, best known for pioneering the fusion of Korean trap music with American hip-hop influences through his 2015 viral single "IT G MA."[1][2][3] A member of the hip-hop collective The Cohort, Keith Ape initially gained underground traction in South Korea's rap scene before "IT G MA" exploded internationally, leading to a remix featuring prominent American artists such as Waka Flocka Flame and A$AP Ferg, which highlighted his role in globalizing Korean trap aesthetics.[1][2] His style, drawing from U.S. trap production and aggressive delivery, marked a shift toward more explicit, street-oriented themes in Korean hip-hop, earning him recognition as an early bridge between Eastern and Western rap cultures.[4] Keith Ape's career has been punctuated by notable controversies, including accusations of cultural appropriation from U.S. rapper OG Maco, who claimed "IT G MA" mimicked his track "U Guessed It" while employing exaggerated racial stereotypes in its video.[5] He also faced backlash domestically for dismissing Korean rap's quality in interviews, prompting a public feud with rapper TakeOne, and later allegations of racism and sexism, including derogatory remarks toward individuals, amid internal crew conflicts that contributed to his reduced visibility post-2015 peak.[6][7]Early life
Entry into music and formative influences
Dongheon Lee, professionally known as Keith Ape, first engaged with hip-hop during his pre-teen years in Seoul, beginning to rap around age 12 after developing an interest in music during elementary school.[8] His formative influences stemmed primarily from established South Korean hip-hop artists, including Epik High, Drunk Tiger, and Dynamic Duo, whose introspective lyrics and beats resonated with him amid the early 2000s underground scene.[8] These acts, known for blending social commentary with rap production independent of mainstream K-pop structures, shaped Lee's initial approach to the genre, emphasizing authenticity over performative elements like choreography.[9] By his mid-teens, Lee had begun recording under the moniker Kid Ash, reflecting his early experimentation as a producer and rapper within Seoul's nascent trap-influenced circles.[1] In 2010, at age 17, he dropped out of high school to pursue music professionally, prioritizing hip-hop's raw expression over formal education amid limited opportunities for non-idol rappers in Korea at the time.[10] This decision marked his full entry into the local underground, where he honed skills through self-released tracks and collaborations, gradually incorporating American trap elements while retaining Korean hip-hop's foundational lyricism.[1] Lee later adopted the stage name Keith Ape, drawing "Keith" from the late graphic artist Keith Haring to signify his evolving aesthetic blending visual art with aggressive rap delivery, though his core style remained rooted in the Korean influences that initially captivated him.[11] This period of self-taught development, free from institutional training, underscored his commitment to hip-hop as a vehicle for personal narrative rather than commercial conformity.[1]Career
Formation of The Cohort and underground beginnings (2011–2014)
The Cohort, a Korean hip-hop collective, was established in 2009 by Oscar and Kangkook, with Okasian joining after meeting Oscar at Pennsylvania State University.[1] The crew, which eventually expanded to around 10 members including JayAllDay and Reddy, focused on underground rap rooted in trap and freestyle elements, releasing early mixtapes such as Preseason #1 in 2010 and Preseason #2 in 2011 to build a local following in Seoul's nascent hip-hop scene.[12] These projects emphasized raw, unpolished tracks and collaborations among gyopo (Korean diaspora) and native artists, operating independently without major label support.[1] Lee Dong-heon, born in 1993 and initially performing as Kid Ash, entered the music scene after dropping out of high school at age 17 in 2010 to pursue rapping full-time, uploading beats and tracks to SoundCloud and YouTube while practicing in a small Bundang studio.[10] [1] He joined The Cohort in 2012 after Okasian discovered his contributions on a producer's beat tape, leading to features on Okasian's album Boarding Procedures that year and subsequent crew mixtapes.[1] As the youngest member despite having recorded the longest, Kid Ash contributed to the group's underground momentum through cyphers and collaborations, including work with G2 in the Brainwash Unit.[1] [10] During 2013–2014, The Cohort solidified its presence with releases like the Orca Tape mixtape, which featured core members alongside guests such as G2 and Paloalto, gaining modest traction in Korea's rap circles where 50,000 YouTube views signified notable underground success.[13] [1] Kid Ash transitioned to the Keith Ape moniker by late 2014, inspired by artist Keith Haring, and issued solo tracks including "First Cypher" in January 2014 and "999" in February 2014, honing a gritty trap style amid the crew's steady output.[10] [1] This period marked the group's foundational years, emphasizing self-reliant production and live freestyles in Seoul's club venues before broader recognition.[1]Breakthrough with "It G Ma" and viral success (2015)
Keith Ape released his breakout single "잊지마 (It G Ma)" on January 1, 2015, featuring fellow AOMG and Cohort affiliates JayAllDay, Loota, Okasian, and Japanese rapper Kohh.[14] The track, characterized by its dissonant piano intro and aggressive trap beats echoing Atlanta-style hip-hop, was produced informally within The Cohort circle.[15] Uploaded to YouTube and SoundCloud, the official music video rapidly accumulated views, signaling an early fusion of Korean underground rap with global trap elements.[16] The song's viral trajectory accelerated in the United States, where it resonated with hip-hop audiences for its raw energy and multilingual lyrics delivered in Korean, English, and Japanese.[17] By February 2015, "It G Ma" ranked second among the most-viewed K-pop videos in America, highlighting its crossover appeal beyond domestic Korean listeners.[17] This underground buzz positioned Keith Ape as a pioneer in exporting Korean trap internationally, drawing comparisons to OG Maco’s "U Guessed It" for stylistic similarities while establishing a distinct Asian rap identity.[15] The track's success catalyzed Keith Ape's emergence from Seoul's rap scene, amassing millions of streams and views within months and earning coverage in Western outlets like VICE, which credited it with making Asian rap history.[18] This viral momentum not only boosted his visibility but also paved the way for subsequent remixes and collaborations, solidifying 2015 as his breakthrough year.[19]International expansion and collaborations (2016–2018)
Following the viral success of "It G Ma" in 2015, Keith Ape pursued international opportunities by embarking on his first U.S. tour in early 2016, which included a performance at Oakland's Venue nightclub.[20] He expanded his live presence with a debut appearance at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on April 24, 2016, performing in the Sahara Tent alongside producer TOKIMONSTA.[21] Additional shows followed, such as a March 23, 2016, concert at Vancouver's Venue Nightclub and a sold-out performance in Wellington, New Zealand, on November 11, 2016, where he collaborated onstage with The Cohort member Bryan Cha$e.[22][23] By mid-2016, Keith Ape relocated from Seoul to Los Angeles to facilitate English-language songwriting and broader industry connections, reportedly completing 70 to 80 tracks that year while adapting to non-Korean markets.[24] Keith Ape's collaborations during this period emphasized cross-cultural ties with U.S. and global hip-hop artists. In August 2016, he released "Fendi," a track featuring American rapper K$upreme and Korean-American artist Okasian, highlighting party-centric trap aesthetics in a video depicting a house gathering.[25] The following year, he linked with Florida rapper Ski Mask the Slump God for "Going Down to Underwater" on April 12, 2017, produced by DJ Patt, and followed with "Achoo!" later in 2017, a fashion-infused single produced by Neighborhood Watch and Jimmy Duval that showcased their shared energetic, mumble-influenced flows.[26][27] Another key release was "Gospel" on May 12, 2017, a collaboration with Indonesian rapper Rich Brian (formerly Rich Chigga) and American artist XXXTentacion, produced by Ronny J and distributed via 88rising, blending aggressive trap beats with multilingual verses.[28] By 2018, Keith Ape deepened his ties to the international scene through affiliation with 88rising, contributing to the label's Head in the Clouds compilation album released in July and joining the subsequent 88 Degrees & Rising North American tour.[19] He issued his U.S. debut EP, Born Again, that October under 88rising, marking a shift toward English-dominant material aimed at global audiences while reflecting on personal reinvention amid overseas challenges.[19] These efforts solidified his transition from Korean underground prominence to a fixture in trans-Pacific hip-hop networks.Post-peak releases and challenges (2019–2025)
Following the release of his Born Again EP in 2018, Keith Ape experienced a period of reduced output, with no full-length projects until 2021. His next album, MOD: Ape's Basics in Time and Play, arrived on September 20, 2021, via UnderWater label, featuring tracks emphasizing experimental trap elements but garnering largely unfavorable reactions from listeners for its perceived lack of cohesion compared to earlier work. This release marked a three-year gap from his prior EP, during which Ape claimed in March 2021 to have received a terminal diagnosis with only 3-6 months to live, a statement that fueled speculation about his health and contributed to his temporary withdrawal from public activities, though he later continued creating music without confirming the claim's veracity.[29] Subsequent releases remained sporadic amid personal setbacks. In 2022, Ape dropped the Ape Into Space EP, a shorter project leaning into aggressive trap production.[30] By 2023, he contributed to the HAN 2023 compilation with the track "Ape Freestyle (Spotify Singles)" alongside PEEJAY, released May 24, 2023, as part of a broader Korean hip-hop showcase, alongside a single "Itchy."[31] These efforts coincided with escalating legal troubles; Ape was incarcerated for approximately 18 months starting around early 2023 on drug-related charges, which halted live performances and promotional activities, further stalling momentum after his viral peak.[32] Ape's release from prison occurred in mid-2024, enabling a brief resurgence with the On! the Run EP on July 19, 2024, comprising six trap-focused tracks produced by collaborators like TERRORIST ￦IN, including "Deathmatch" and "MASSACRE!," distributed independently and emphasizing raw, high-energy flows.[30][33] Into 2025, he issued the single "D.E.M." featuring MOSS OMEN, signaling an attempt to rebuild post-incarceration, though commercial traction remained limited relative to his 2015-2018 output, with streaming numbers trailing earlier hits like "It G Ma."[34] These years highlighted career challenges including intermittent hiatuses, health-related absences, and legal interruptions that fragmented his discography and diminished international visibility, as evidenced by fewer high-profile collaborations and no chart-topping successes.[35]Musical style and influences
Core stylistic elements
Keith Ape's music is characterized by a trap-oriented production style featuring heavy 808 bass, skittering hi-hats, and minimalistic, ominous synth melodies drawn from Southern U.S. hip-hop traditions.[9][15] This sound prioritizes sonic intensity over intricate arrangements, often employing repetitive motifs to build hype and momentum, as evident in tracks like "It G Ma" which emulates the raw energy of Atlanta trap pioneers.[15][1] His vocal approach emphasizes aggressive, high-energy delivery with elements of scream rap, including shouted hooks, distorted ad-libs, and layered group vocals from crew members to evoke a chaotic, live-performance vibe.[9][15] Flows are typically fast-paced and rhythmic, favoring auditory impact through phonetic patterns and onomatopoeic effects over dense lyricism, a technique that distinguishes his work in Korean hip-hop by mimicking the phonetic pleasures of English trap slang. Lyrics blend Korean verses with English interjections and slang, centering on bravado, street defiance, and hedonism, delivered in a raw, unpolished manner that amplifies the music's confrontational tone.[1][11] These elements combine to create a high-adrenaline aesthetic suited for club and mosh-pit environments, where the emphasis on collective energy and visceral sound overrides narrative depth.[9] While early works leaned heavily into pure trap bombast, later tracks incorporated subtle drill influences like sliding 808s and darker tonalities, though the core hype-driven framework persists.[11] This stylistic consistency has been noted for bridging underground aggression with viral accessibility, though critics argue it risks formulaic repetition without evolving beyond surface-level rowdiness.[10][36]Key influences and evolution
Keith Ape began pursuing rap at age 12, initially influenced by established Korean hip-hop groups including Epik High, Drunk Tiger, and Dynamic Duo, which shaped his early engagement with the genre's lyrical and conscious elements prevalent in the domestic scene during the mid-2000s.[8] His adoption of the stage name Keith Ape draws from American rapper Keith Murray, reflecting an early admiration for U.S. hip-hop figures known for their energetic delivery and wordplay.[37] By the early 2010s, Ape's style shifted toward American trap music, prominently incorporating aggressive, minimalistic flows and production akin to those of OG Maco, whose 2014 single "U Guessed It" directly inspired the beat, video visuals, and hype energy of Ape's 2015 breakout track "It G Ma."[38] [24] This evolution marked a pivot from introspective Korean rap influences to a raw, mumble-adjacent trap sound emphasizing ad-libs, heavy bass, and cultural fusion, which propelled his underground crew The Cohort into viral international attention via platforms like Vine.[9] In subsequent years, Ape refined this trap foundation through global collaborations and releases like the 2018 album Born Again and the 2021 project MOD: Ape's Basics in Time and Play, incorporating experimental elements while retaining core aggressive aesthetics, though facing challenges in sustaining peak momentum amid personal and legal issues.[11] This progression solidified his role in bridging Korean and global hip-hop, evolving from localized inspirations to a hybridized style that prioritized visceral energy over narrative depth.[39]Reception and legacy
Critical and commercial reception
Keith Ape's breakthrough single "It G Ma," released in January 2015, marked his primary commercial success, accumulating over 91 million views on its official YouTube music video as of October 2025.[40] The track's remix, featuring American artists A$AP Ferg, Father, Dumbfoundead, and Waka Flocka Flame, further extended its reach, surpassing 49 million total streams on Spotify.[41] This viral phenomenon positioned "It G Ma" as the first global hit for Korean hip-hop, facilitating international collaborations and exposure through platforms like 88rising, though subsequent releases failed to replicate such metrics or secure prominent positions on Billboard or Korean charts like Gaon.[42] Albums such as the 2018 EP Born Again and 2021's MOD: Ape's Basics in Time and Play achieved niche streaming and sales without breaking into mainstream commercial benchmarks, reflecting a post-viral plateau amid limited physical or digital sales data from Korean markets.[8] Overall commercial reception underscores a one-hit viral model, with estimated career earnings contributing to a net worth around $500,000 as of 2023, driven more by live performances and endorsements than sustained album revenue.[43] Critically, Keith Ape's work has elicited mixed responses, with praise for its raw aggression and role in globalizing Korean trap but frequent critiques of repetitive production and unvaried flows. Born Again received user ratings averaging 2.86 out of 5 on Rate Your Music, where reviewers noted its ominous beats suiting his delivery yet lacking depth beyond hype.[44] Independent outlets described the EP as delivering a "consistent sound" within the 88rising ecosystem, though without standout innovation.[36] Later efforts like MOD: Ape's Basics in Time and Play drew commendations for artistic growth and track-specific energy—such as "Ridin' Round Town" and "Orca Walk"—but were deemed predictable extensions of his trap style, aligning with user sentiments of "decent" but unremarkable output.[45] His influence in bridging hip-hop borders has been acknowledged in analyses of genre globalization, though domestic and international critics often highlight stylistic limitations over broader acclaim.[46]Impact on Korean and global hip-hop
Keith Ape's 2015 single "It G Ma," released on January 1 via Hi-Lite Records and featuring rappers JayAllDay, Okasian, Loota, and Japan's KOHH, marked a pivotal moment in Korean hip-hop by popularizing trap aesthetics domestically.[47][48] The track's aggressive delivery, heavy 808 bass, and dissonant production—reminiscent of Atlanta trap influences like OG Maco's "U Guessed It"—contrasted sharply with the polished, dance-oriented rap prevalent in Korea's idol-dominated music industry, positioning Ape as a proponent of "real rap" free from performative elements like makeup and choreography.[9] This raw style earned him the moniker "Korean Trap Lord" and helped legitimize underground trap as a viable alternative to mainstream K-pop hybrids, fostering a wave of similar high-energy, street-focused acts in Seoul's scene.[39] In Korea, Ape's success with The Cohort crew amplified the underground's visibility, encouraging collaborations and a shift toward authentic, unfiltered expression over commercial polish.[9] His critique of Korean rap's shortcomings—initially misconstrued as a blanket dismissal but clarified as a call for evolution—inspired rebuttals and dialogues, such as diss tracks from artists like TakeOne, ultimately highlighting the genre's potential for grit and innovation.[47] By 2016, this momentum contributed to broader acceptance of trap-influenced sounds in Korean hip-hop, with Ape's relocation to Los Angeles signaling a bridge between local and international styles, though his later releases saw fluctuating domestic reception amid personal challenges.[1] Globally, "It G Ma" amassed millions of YouTube views within months, introducing Eastern Asian trap to Western audiences and challenging the Anglosphere's hip-hop hegemony through its fusion of Korean and Japanese lyrics with universal trap tropes.[48][49] The official remix, featuring A$AP Ferg, Father, Dumbfoundead, and Waka Flocka Flame, amplified this reach, spawning international tours and positioning Ape as a pioneer in cross-cultural rap exchanges.[47][48] His work elevated Asian rappers' profiles, paving the way for subsequent global breakthroughs in K-hip-hop and inspiring a niche but growing appreciation for non-English trap variants, despite debates over stylistic borrowings.[48][9]Controversies
Cultural appropriation and plagiarism claims
In early February 2015, American rapper OG Maco publicly accused Keith Ape and his collaborators on "It G Ma" of cultural appropriation and plagiarism, claiming the track and its music video copied elements from his 2014 single "U Guessed It," including similar production, hook structure, and visual aesthetics such as exaggerated mannerisms and gold grills that he interpreted as mocking Black American hip-hop culture.[50][51] OG Maco expressed frustration on social media, stating that the Korean artists had "taken my sauce" in a "lame" manner without inspiration or respect, framing it as an inauthentic adoption of Atlanta trap style by non-Black performers.[9] The accusations highlighted tensions over cross-cultural borrowing in hip-hop, with critics noting the phonetic similarity in the hooks ("You guessed it" versus "It G Ma") and the video's stylistic nods to Southern U.S. rap videos, which some viewed as homage to influential sounds while others saw as stereotypical mimicry lacking originality.[52] Keith Ape did not issue a direct public response to the claims but later described his work as an expression of fascination with hip-hop's artistic form, emphasizing appreciation over mockery; associates maintained it was intentional tribute to global rap influences rather than theft.[53] The controversy subsided without legal action or formal resolution, and the parties reportedly made peace, allowing Keith Ape to proceed with international remixes of "It G Ma" featuring U.S. artists like A$AP Ferg, though not involving OG Maco directly.[47] No further plagiarism suits or substantiated claims against Keith Ape emerged from this incident, which nonetheless amplified discussions on Asian artists' engagement with Western hip-hop traditions amid broader debates on influence versus imitation in the genre.[38]Personal behavior, racism allegations, and legal troubles
In March 2021, Keith Ape posted on Instagram claiming that doctors had diagnosed him with a terminal illness, giving him only 3 to 6 months to live, which he framed as "good news for my haters."[54] This announcement drew widespread attention and concern, but proved unfounded, as he resumed musical activities in 2022 and appeared at events like Head In the Clouds in 2023, where observers noted his disoriented demeanor and speech difficulties, fueling speculation about substance influence or mental health issues.[7] His overall personal conduct has been marked by erratic social media engagement, including periods of withdrawal and sporadic posts blending personal turmoil with professional updates, which he once described as addictive like a drug.[47] Racism allegations against Keith Ape surfaced prominently online, centered on an incident where he reportedly referred to a Black woman as an "ape," a term evoking derogatory stereotypes, especially given his stage name.[7] These claims, amplified on social media and forums, tied into broader criticisms of his adoption of hip-hop aesthetics perceived by some as mocking Black culture, though no formal investigations or admissions followed.[55] Additional accusations of sexism and general insensitivity circulated without detailed substantiation, often conflated with cultural appropriation debates from his early career.[7] Keith Ape's legal troubles primarily stem from drug-related offenses, including allegations of fentanyl dealing, resulting in approximately 18 months of imprisonment in South Korea.[56] He was released on July 14, 2025, after serving his sentence, with no prior major legal incidents publicly documented beyond these charges.[57]Personal life
Health scares and recovery
In March 2021, Keith Ape posted on Instagram that physicians had informed him of a terminal illness, estimating he had three to six months remaining to live; the specific condition was not disclosed.[58][59] His management agency offered no confirmation or details on the matter, leaving the claim unverified by official channels.[58] Ape surpassed the forecasted timeline without public updates on his condition, resuming music releases including the extended play Born in 98 in 2022 and subsequent singles.[7] This apparent recovery or revision of prognosis coincided with his establishment of a one-man agency, signaling ongoing professional activity amid prior health concerns.[60] No further health disclosures have been made, though his continued output post-2021 indicates stabilization.[7]Imprisonment and drug-related charges
In early 2024, Keith Ape (real name Lee Dong-heon) was arrested in South Korea on charges related to marijuana use, a substance strictly prohibited under the country's Narcotics Control Act, which imposes penalties of up to five years imprisonment for simple possession or ingestion. He was convicted and sentenced to serve time in prison, reflecting Korea's zero-tolerance approach to drugs, where even first-time offenders face detention rather than mere fines or probation.[61] Ape remained incarcerated for approximately 18 months, a period confirmed by multiple announcements from Korean hip-hop community accounts tracking his status.[57][62] His release occurred on July 14, 2025, marking the end of his sentence without reported appeals or reductions.[57] The case drew limited mainstream media coverage but circulated widely in K-hip-hop forums, where associates referenced his detention during live streams and posts, underscoring the personal toll amid his prior health issues and career hiatus.[61]Discography
Extended plays
Keith Ape released the extended play Born Again on October 12, 2018, consisting of eight tracks with a total duration of 20 minutes.[63][64] The project marked his debut EP in the U.S. market and featured aggressive trap production alongside introspective themes referencing his personal struggles.[19] His sophomore EP, Ape Into Space, followed on November 8, 2022, containing six tracks spanning 18 minutes and emphasizing hardcore hip-hop elements with contributions from producers like Mike Jerz for mixing.[65][66][67] The most recent EP, On! the Run, arrived on July 19, 2024, with six tracks lasting 14 minutes, produced in part by TERRORIST ￦IN and focusing on high-energy trap beats amid Ape's ongoing legal challenges.[68][69][30]Studio albums
Keith Ape's sole studio album to date is MOD: Ape's Basics in Time and Play, released on September 20, 2021, through the 88rising label.[70] The project comprises 12 tracks spanning 38 minutes, blending trap metal elements with aggressive flows and features from rappers including Jasiah, nascar aloe, and XXXTentacion on a posthumous appearance.[71][72]| Title | Artist | Album details | Track listing |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOD: Ape's Basics in Time and Play | Keith Ape | Released: September 20, 2021 Length: 38:12 Label: 88rising Format: Digital download, streaming | 1. "I Don't Want Peace" 2. "Here We Go Again" (feat. Jasiah & nascar aloe) 3. "I'm JUST" 4. "Ridin' Round Town" 5. "Orca Walk" 6. "Oops! You Messed Up!" 7. "Neva Eva" (feat. XXXTentacion) 8. "Aphrodite" 9. "Drop the Top" (feat. Waka Flocka Flame) 10. "It G Ma" (remix) 11. "Baby" 12. "Playalisticape"[71][73] |
Collaborative albums
Keith Ape, under his earlier stage name Kid Ash, released the collaborative album Project: Brainwash with rapper G2 on January 22, 2014. The project, self-released through The Cohort collective, featured raw trap influences and marked an early entry in Korean underground hip-hop collaborations.| Title | Collaborators | Release date | Label(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $MOKE UNDER THE WATER | ZillaKami, SosMula | March 11, 2022 | Hikari-Ultra, UnderWater |