Producer Bob Ezrin dropped a nuke on Kanye West the size of his ego yesterday via Bob Lefsetz’s the Lefsetz Letter. Ezrin tore into West’s legacy and influence, saying that he hasn’t really done anything of significance in his career. “He didn’t open up new avenues of public discourse like NWA, or introduce the world to a new art form like Grandmaster Flash, or even meaningfully and memorably address social issues through his music like Marshall, Macklemore and Kendrick,” Ezrin said. 

He continued, “His songwriting – meaning the stuff with melodies – is sophomoric at best. I was embarrassed for Sir Paul – one of the greatest Artists of our era – by their collaboration.” Ezrin went on to sum up the controversial rapper’s appeal by saying, “Instead Kanye’s greatest achievements have been in the form of excessive behavior, egomaniacal tantrums and tasteless grandstanding. What he is a true artist at is living his life out loud – and shoving it down the throats of the rest of us whether we give a shit or not.”

Woof.

Whether you agree or not, Ezrin’s point is basically that West is famous in the eyes of many for all the wrong reasons. He’s akin to watching a car wreck. You want to look away, but you just can’t. Maybe what Ezrin misses is that there is a majority who enjoy West for the music he makes, and look down on the Kardashian machine he has willingly put himself into. 

But enough of that, let’s get to Kanye’s reaction and see if we can’t help him out a little bit. Because as you can imagine, Ezrin’s letter made Yeezus maaaaad. 

Has anybody ever heard of Bob Ezrin???
— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) February 24, 2016

Yes, Kanye. If you’ve heard of KISS, Pink Floyd, Lou Reed, Phish, etc, you’ve also heard of Bob Ezrin. 

What the fuck does he know about rap…
— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) February 24, 2016

Excellent query, Yeezus. Not sure. 

I’m tired of old people that have no connection with anything trying to comment on music!
— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) February 24, 2016

“No connection with anything” might be a little bit of a stretch. 

Do something relevant… Please don’t speak on me bro ever again!!!
— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) February 24, 2016

The Wall is pretty relevant. So is Destroyer. Those Alice Cooper records too……

Your kids are ashamed of their dad… Sorry for speaking about kids… but could you imagine if you were Bob Ezrin’s kids…
— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) February 24, 2016

Well, now we’ve cleared the line and are deep into full-blown crazytown. 

I’m so sorry for them… I will send them free Yeezys to make up for the embarrassment that you have caused your family!
— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) February 24, 2016

Ezrin’s granddaughter is actually really into this.

Bro you said Macklemore was more important musically than me… no offense to Macklemore, he’s a nice human being!
— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) February 24, 2016

While I agree that Macklemore is not more musically important than you, Kanye, that wasn’t exactly the quote. Here it is again: “He didn’t open up new avenues of public discourse like NWA, or introduce the world to a new art form like Grandmaster Flash, or even meaningfully and memorably address social issues through his music like Marshall, Macklemore and Kendrick.”

Bob please never speak in public again… you are everything that is wrong with the old guard …
— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) February 24, 2016

At least you guys are on a first-name basis now.

it’s guys like you that run companies and don’t invest in Ye even if I’m your kid’s idol!!!
— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) February 24, 2016

As a reminder in every one of Kanye West’s Twitter rants: The man is in debt. 

Rock and Roll was stolen… Rap was exploited…
— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) February 24, 2016

Interesting theory. 

I made Dark Fantasy and Watch the Throne in one year and wasn’t nominated for either and you know who has 2 albums of the year.
— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) February 24, 2016

Oh God is this a Taylor Swift reference. Jesus, Kanye. 

Welcome to pop culture!!!
— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) February 24, 2016

What.

Ezrin I truly feel sorry for your friends and family that they have had to suffer an idiot like you for so many years…
— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) February 24, 2016

One final haymaker for Mr. Ezrin. 

God bless the fools … all positive vibes!
— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) February 24, 2016

Literally none of this felt positive.