Kanye West has hit back at former Def Jam chief Lyor Cohen after he criticized his antisemitic views, invoking the late Irv Gotti in his response.
Cohen, a rap industry titan who is currently Global Head of Music at YouTube, penned an open letter earlier this week condemning Ye for his continued attacks on Jewish people through social media posts and swastika T-shirts that he was selling on his Yeezy website.
AD LOADING...
“Dear Kanye, I am deeply disappointed and troubled by your recent actions involving the use of Nazi symbols and antisemitic rhetoric,” he addressed the rapper, who signed to Def Jam (via Roc-A-Fella Records) in 2002 when Cohen was a key figure at the label.
“Your words and actions are not only offensive but triggering to all decent people who recognize the horrors of the Holocaust and the suffering of millions. With antisemitism on the rise, your voice and influence carry a significant responsibility. I urge you to be more sensitive to the pain your words inflict on Jewish communities and all those who stand against hate.”
AD LOADING...
He continued: “Your talent and reach could be used to heal and inspire, to bridge divides and promote understanding. Instead, you’ve chosen a path that sows discord and perpetuates harmful stereotypes. The Jewish and Black experiences share a rich history of collaboration and mutual support, particularly in the music industry. From the early days of jazz and blues to the groundbreaking work of Motown and beyond, our communities have enriched each other through music and culture.”
Cohen concluded his letter by writing: “I urge you to reflect on this shared legacy and use your platform to build upon the love and understanding that have always existed between our communities. Sincerely, Lyor.”
Kanye did not take kindly to Cohen’s words and issued a fiery response on Instagram (which he has since deleted).
Alongside a screenshot of the letter which circled the use of “Kanye” in its intro, West (who legally changed his name to Ye in 2021) wrote: “LEE OR let me call you by your incorrect name also. You and your whole industry have promoted and got paid off songs where black people glorify killing each other. But my t shirt is the worst thing ever.”
AD LOADING...
He then mentioned Cohen’s ex-girlfriend, fashion designer Tory Burch: “All of yall are like girls who don’t take accountability. It’s a doube standard. Then yall threaten and extort people around me. People are so sued to your mob. And to think when Tory Burch came to the door with a towel on I didn’t smash cause I looked at you as a friend.
“You start by apologizing and taking accountability for the massive promotion of black death that you’ve got paid off of for years. Also you too broke to speak to me in the first place.”
Ye signed off by invoking Irv Gotti, who worked with Cohen at Def Jam and passed away last week at the age of 54: “And you know what Irv said to you before he passed and since he not here, I’ll say it. Suuuuck Myyy Diiiick.”
