Lyor Cohen, the former president of Def Jam Recordings, has issued an open letter addressed to Kanye West.
Cohen is currently YouTube’s global head of music and the CEO of 300 Entertainment. West released his debut album, “The College Dropout,” via Roc-A-Fella and Def Jam in 2004, the same year Cohen left his position as president of the label for Warner Music Group.
In his letter, Cohen pleads West to be “more sensitive to the pain your words inflict on Jewish communities and all those who stand against hate.” This follows West’s ongoing tirade against Jewish people — this includes everything from the sale of a T-shirt with a swastika on it (and a Super Bowl advertisement for the webstore), to West calling himself a Nazi via X.
Read Cohen’s letter below:
Dear Kanye,
I am deeply disappointed and troubled by your recent actions involving the use of Nazi symbols and antisemitic rhetoric. 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.
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.
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
