Keith Ape, born Dongheon Lee on December 25, 1993, in Seoul, South Korea, is a prominent figure in the South Korean hip-hop scene. As the youngest member of The Cohort, he possesses an extensive history in music production and recording. Raised in Bundang, a suburb accessible by train from central Seoul, Keith Ape embraced music as a vital part of his upbringing.
From an early age, Keith Ape was drawn to hip hop, eschewing common youthful mischief like smoking or drinking. His passion for music ignited when he heard Nas and AZ perform 'Life’s a B*tch' at the age of 14. This pivotal experience motivated him to experiment with producing beats and penning lyrics.
At 17, Keith Ape made the bold decision to leave high school and pursue music full-time under the pseudonym Kid Ash. He began uploading his work on SoundCloud and collaborated on videos with friends for YouTube. Despite his dedication, success was elusive, leading to his father's disapproval of his career path.
Yet, Keith Ape's tenacity paid off in 2012 when Okasian, a fellow member of The Cohort, recognized his talent. This opportunity marked a turning point, as Keith Ape featured on Okasian's albums and Cohort mixtapes, eventually adopting the name Keith Ape. This moniker, inspired by his admiration for artist Keith Haring and his own spirit animal, signified his new artistic identity.
Keith Ape's career soared with the release of his 'IT G MA' music video on New Year's Day, which amassed over 10 million views. The viral success catapulted him into the limelight, solidifying his status in the hip-hop industry.