Keith Ape has many names. Born on Christmas Day as Dongheon Lee, he was Kid Ash the producer before his infamous days as underwater squad. After over three and a half years of the viral sensation that was “IT G MA,” the Cohort member has since joined forces with 88rising for another rebirth. His first full album, aptly titled “Born Again,” and produced by the Philadelphia-based collective, Working On Dying — with Drake, Lil Uzi Vert and Lil Peep on their collaborator roster — is set to release October 12th. Helmed by featuring acts Chief Keef, Yung Bans and Wifisfuneral, Keith Ape hopes to shun all misconceived labels as being a one-hit-wonder. Could his return make as much buzz as he did in 2015?
TRACKLIST
1. My Wrist Clearer Than Water!
2. Ninja Turtle ft. Wifisfuneral
3. UL-UM
4. Xen
5. The Ice Ape ft. Chief Keef
6. Ape Sounds
7. The Opium War ft. Yung Bans
8. Symphony No. 1993: Escape from Planet of the Apes
It took some time for your new album to come out. Why did it take so long? Why now?
I didn’t feel ready. Things changed so quickly and I was confused. I had to go through some tough times at such a young age. But I feel ready now, which is why now is the time.
“IT G MA” was enormously successful. Did you ever have fears of becoming a one-hit-wonder?
Yes, but it has lessened a bit. I cannot say I overcame it 100 percent, but I appreciate the fact that I have a hit.
We heard you make 70 to 80 songs a year. Is this album the best bit of that or just the most recent?
They’re the most recent songs. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t the best.
What are you trying to express through the album? What is the meaning of “Born Again”?
The one thing I focused on the most is expressing “me.” The name of the album means exactly what it says.
You must have met a lot of American producers so far. Why did you leave all the production of this album to the Working On Dying collective?
I heard one of their songs by coincidence, and I thought they were really good for being so lowkey at the time. It’s great to see them killing the game.
You actually started out as a producer before rapping. Do you still make beats?
I haven’t been able to produce much since moving to America, but I am trying to start again.
Artists like Chief Keef, Yung Bans and Wifisfuneral featured in “Born Again.” What are the elements you consider when picking a featuring artist?
I just try to work with good artists.
What is your favorite track from the album?
I love all of the songs but if I really had to choose it’d be “The Ice Ape” featuring Chief Keef because he represents so much to our generation. And the song best expresses what I wanted to through this album.
Where do you usually find inspiration?
Life.
You must have contemplated a lot before going to America. What was the transition like?
I was actually excited because I always wanted to make it to America. It got hard when I actually got here because of the language differences. I worried quite a bit about my rap style, but I realized it’s unnecessary to worry. I think it’s best to just be myself.
Can we look forward to any music videos or other visuals for this album?
We are working hard to meet everyone’s expectations.
"It’s great that Asian artists are doing well in the birthplace of hip-hop."
The video for “Achoo!” exceeded 20 million views. How does that make you feel?
It’s great. Shout out to Ski Mask for the crazy hook. I love working with him. We had a synergy effect. It motivates me to do equally as well on my own.
There've been a lot more Asian rappers since you came out, like Brian and Higher Brothers. As one of the first popular Asian rappers, how does that make you feel?
I’m extremely thankful. It’s great that Asian artists are doing well in the birthplace of hip-hop. But at the same time, it means more competitors for me. So it makes me try harder.
In the last track, "Symphony No. 1993: Escape from Planet of the Apes," is "planet" referring to Korea?
It’s just just referring to Earth, but it can mean different things depending on who’s listening.
Do you have any plans to stay in Korea?
I’d like to one day.
Can we look forward to more music releases from you in the near future?
I’m trying my best to be more active. I want to drop songs I’ve made so far, as many as possible this year. ASNKA.
"The one
thing I focus on the most
Is
expressing 'me.'"
APE
SHALL
NEVER
KILL APE.
Keith wears Gucci tracksuit, Rolex watch, Vintage tee, Bape sneakers, his own necklaces, Chris Habana rings.
Keith wears Tsubi pants, Gucci shirt , Bape tee, Vivian Westwood necklace, Chris Habana wallet chain.
Dolce and Gabbana robe and pants, Afterlife LA tee, Gucci slides, and his own jewelry.