What did Lyor Cohen say to Kanye West? Rapper fires back at former Def Jam executive 

Kanye West is firing back at former Def Jam chief Lyor Cohen for criticizing his antisemitic views.

Cohen, who now serves as YouTube’s global head of music and has worked with West closely in the past, penned an open letter to the rapper, who has come under fire for his slur-ridden rants on X.

“Dear Kanye, I am deeply disappointed and troubled by your recent actions involving the use of N*zi symbols and antisemitic rhetoric,” he penned. “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."

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Kanye West and Lyor Cohen engage in heated exchange on social media: Read more

Lyor Cohen's statement goes on:

"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.

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.”

He concluded his letter by calling on West to

"reflect on this shared legacy and use your platform to build upon the love and understanding that have always existed between our communities."

However, Kanye West has since taken to Instagram to fire back at Cohen, though the response has been deleted. He uploaded a screenshot of the letter with his previous moniker, Kanye, circled out. (West legally had his name changed to Ye in 2021). He penned:

“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.”

Kanye West made headlines earlier this month when he took to X to hail Hitler, call on Diddy's early release from jail, and express antisemitic views. He also declared himself a N*zi and began selling T-shirts embossed with a swastika on them for $20 each.

In his letter, West then invoked Cohen's ex-girlfriend's name, Tory Burch, who, according to Hip Hop Dx, is a fashion designer:

"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.”

Kanye West then concluded his letter by mentioning Irv Gotti's name, who had worked with Cohen and died just last week at age 54:

“And you know what Irv said to you before he passed and since he not here, I’ll say it. Suuuuck Myyy D****.”

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At the time of writing, Kanye West's account has been taken down.