Ye, the artist formerly recognized as Kanye West, boasts a musical journey stretching across almost three decades. Thus, it is no surprise that Ye is well-versed in the music industry. However, as a rap artist, he has had numerous confrontations in his career, consistent with hip-hop's driving force. At one point, he even found himself subject to the scrutiny of legendary musician Leonard Cohen. Nearly a decade ago, Cohen penned a poem referencing the Atlanta rapper.

Though time has passed, Cohen's poem remains a significant piece of his work. However, the lingering question is what could have inspired Cohen to write the poem. Hence, let u explore the content directly.

In Leonard Cohen’s posthumous book of poetry, The Flame, released on October 2, 2018, a poem titled Kanye West Is Not Picasso mentions Ye. Cohen reportedly wrote this poem in March 2015, shortly after the Atlanta rapper tooted his horn saying, “I am Picasso. I am Michaelangelo…” during an interlude of ‘Clique’ at a Paris concert in 2013. The poem includes lines such as “Kanye West is not Picasso/ I am Picasso”, indicating that Cohen was not particularly impressed with Ye's assertions.

In 2015, West again likened himself to Picasso during a speech at Oxford University. Additionally, in 2016, backstage at Saturday Night Live, he claimed to be more influential than Stanley Kubrick, Picasso, and the apostle Paul combined, stating his influence would endure for the next millennium. While many interpreted Cohen's poem as a posthumous jab at the rapper, some media reports suggested a more nuanced interpretation that did not necessarily cast it as a direct diss.

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Leonard Cohen, however, did not only address Ye in the poem. The legendary musician proceeded to address Jay-Z, with whom Ye has had a complex relationship in and out of the musical paradigm.

Anyone familiar with the intricate workings of the rap industry is well-acquainted with the dynamic duo of Ye and Jay-Z. Leonard Cohen seemed aware of this partnership when he penned his poem about Ye, even name-dropping Jay-Z by stating, “Jay-Z is not the Dylan of anything.” Cohen and Bob Dylan were contemporaries and close friends.

In an interview with the New Yorker magazine, Cohen shared a moment when Dylan told him, “As far as I'm concerned, you're Number 1.” In the poem, Cohen asserted, “I am the Dylan of Anything.” Interestingly, Jay-Z released a song titled ‘Picasso Baby’ in 2013. While many initially interpreted Cohen’s poem as a critique of both Jay-Z and Ye’s claims, the poem's layered complexity suggests there may be nuances that have been overlooked.

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