Keith Ape Biography: K-rap, Eps, Age, Instagram, Parents, Height, Net Worth, Girlfriend, Songs, Concerts

Lee Dong-heon, professionally known as Keith Ape (formerly Kid Ash), is a South Korean rapper and songwriter recognized for pioneering the global spread of Korean trap and cloud rap.

He gained international attention in 2015 with the viral hit “It G Ma,” which blended aggressive trap beats with Korean and Japanese lyrics and helped open doors for Asian artists in Western hip-hop.

A member of the crew The Cohort, Keith Ape is known for his raw energy, distinctive scream-rap style, and contributions to the underground-to-mainstream crossover of Asian hip-hop scenes.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Lee Dong-heon
• Stage Name: Keith Ape (formerly Kid Ash)
• Born: December 25, 1993
• Age: 32 years old
• Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea (Raised in Bundang)
• Nationality: South Korean
• Occupation: Rapper and Songwriter
• Height: 1.76m
• Parents: Mr. Lee and Mrs. Lee
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: None
• Children: None
• Relationship: Single
• Net Worth: $1 million

Early Life and Education

Lee Dong-heon was born on December 25, 1993, in Seoul, South Korea, to Mr. Lee and Mrs. Lee. His father is a music professor and former musician and his mother is a painter. Details about siblings are not publicly available.

Dong-heon attended Imae Middle School and Imae High School but dropped out at age 17 to fully pursue a career in music, finding an outlet in hip-hop.

He later moved to the United States to build his presence in the global hip-hop scene. His ethnicity is Korean, and his religion is not publicly specified.

Career

Lee Dong-heon began his music career in his teens under early aliases like Don Kid, making underground appearances and features around 2011–2012. He joined the hip-hop crew The Cohort and initially performed as Kid Ash before adopting the name Keith Ape.

His big breakthrough came in 2015 with the track “It G Ma,” featuring members of The Cohort. The song and its low-budget, chaotic music video went viral, amassing tens of millions of views and leading to a high-profile remix with A$AP Ferg, Waka Flocka Flame, and Dumbfoundead. This success brought him to the attention of 88rising and helped him relocate to Los Angeles.

Following the viral moment, Keith Ape released several projects and collaborated with artists such as Denzel Curry, XXXTentacion, and Higher Brothers.

He continued developing his sound across trap, scream rap, and drill influences while maintaining ties to the Korean underground scene.

His work has been noted for its high energy and role in bridging Asian and Western hip-hop audiences. He has toured internationally and built a dedicated following through consistent releases and live performances.

Keith Ape remains active as an independent artist with releases under his Underwater label. Projects like Ape Into Space and more recent works show his ongoing evolution as a songwriter and performer.

He continues to influence the Asian hip-hop community and inspire younger artists seeking global recognition outside traditional K-pop routes.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @chrt_keithape
• Facebook Handle: Keith Ape
• Twitter Handle: @keithape
• YouTube Channel: Keith Ape

Personal Life

Lee Dong-heon maintains a very private personal life. He is currently single with no high-profile public relationships or partners on record. He has no children.

Known for keeping a low profile regarding his dating history, he has focused primarily on his music career and personal growth after moving between South Korea and the United States.

Discography

Studio Albums & Major Projects

• The X-Mas Is Mine (2023)
• A.A.T (Aquatic Ape Theory): The Lost Tapes (2022)
• MOD: Ape’s Basics in Time and Play (2021)
• Project: Brainwash (with G2 as Kid Ash) (2014)

Extended Plays (EPs)

• On! The Run (2024)
• Ape Into Space (2022)
• $moke Under The Water (with City Morgue) (2022)
• Ape Wolves (with Young L) (2022)
• Born Again (2018)

Landmark Singles & Collaborations

• D.E.M. (with MOSS OMEN) (2025)
• Itchy (with Parlay Pass) (2023)
• Yuh Dig (2021)
• Let’s Play! You! Make Me Sad!!! (2021)
• Ninja Turtle (feat. Wifisfuneral) (2018)
• Achoo (with Ski Mask the Slump God) (2017)
• Gospel (with Rich Brian & XXXTENTACION) (2017)
• Diamonds (feat. Jedi P) (2016)
• It G Ma (Remix) (feat. A$AP Ferg, Father, Dumbfoundead, & Waka Flocka Flame) (2015)
• It G Ma (feat. Okasian, Kohh, JayAllDay, & Loota) (2015)

Net Worth

Lee Dong-heon has an estimated net worth of around $1 million, earning primarily through his music releases, live performances, and independent projects.