K-Pop Crossover: OG Maco Speaks On 'Cultural Exchange' With Korean Rappers Keith Ape And CL

Several months ago, OG Maco accused Korean rapper Keith Ape of "mocking" his work and promoting "Black stereotypes." This makes his recent collaboration with 2NE1's Lee "CL" Chaerin somewhat surprising.

It began when the 22-year-old Keith Ape launched his breakout single "It G Ma," a viral hit that was inspired by OG Maco's 2014 track "U Guessed It." The unintentional success would serve as the gateway between Maco and the world of Korean hip-hop, but it wasn't an ideal introduction.

"I'm aware of the Koreans that mocked me and took my sauce," wrote Maco on Twitter, which has since been deleted.

"I'm not impressed. I'm not inspired. I think it's kinda lame. To each his own. I didn't have grills or extra jackets and lean cups, so why did they? Black stereotypes. Lame."

But that tune changed when Keith Ape and OG Maco met in person at the recent SXSW festival.

"He was being sincere," said OG Maco according to the New York Times. "I took a certain joy in that he was able to succeed doing his version of something I made. That's how cultural exchange is supposed to happen."

Reportedly, the plan is for Keith Ape to release an "It G Ma" opus that could span as long as 17 minutes, with a section of ut featuring 2NE1's frontwoman CL.

And that is a name OG Maco has become quite familiar with, given their appearances on Diplo's collaboration single, "Doctor Pepper."

Earlier this month, Maco shared the stage with CL at the Mad Decent Block Party concert in Brooklyn. Like Keith Ape, CL is gearing up for her official American debut.

"CL's album, I'm working really closely on," said Diplo to iHeartRadio back in April. "She's a Korean pop star who sings and raps. She's on Skrillex and my 'Dirty Vibe' song. She's just awesome. I'm so proud of the stuff we did. She's really cool. We have a song coming out next month with me, her, Riff Raff and OG Maco, and it's a rap song called 'Doctor Pepper.' It's really cool."

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