John Legend reflects on Kanye West’s shocking decline

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John Legend has opened up about his former friendship with Kanye West, describing the rapper’s recent behaviour as “shocking” and “sad.”

JOHN LEGEND AND KANYE WEST

In a candid interview with The Times of London, Legend reminisced about their early days together. He also expressed deep concern over West’s troubling transformation.

Back in the mid-2000s, Legend recalled, Kanye was “very passionate, very gifted, and he had big dreams not only for himself but also for all the people around him.”

The optimism and creativity that once defined West’s spirit seemed boundless. “It does feel sad, sometimes shocking, to see where he is now,” Legend said.

He reflected on the stark contrast between the Kanye he knew and the man he has become.

JOHN LEGEND AND GOOD MUSIC

John Legend’s career owes much to West’s early support. Signed to Kanye’s GOOD Music label in 2004, Legend toured and performed alongside him.

The singer gained exposure and credibility after facing numerous rejections from record labels, according to Page Six.

The success of West’s debut album, The College Dropout, which sold roughly 400,000 copies in its first week (around R8.4 million in South African rand), brought attention to their circle and boosted Legend’s profile.

However, their friendship hasn’t soured in recent years, especially after West publicly supported former US President Donald Trumpin 2022.

KANYE’S ALLEGED DEVOLUTION

Legend expressed that he never saw any signs of West’s later “obsessions with antisemitism and anti-blackness” during their friendship. “It is sad to see his devolution,” Legend said bluntly.

He pointed to a pivotal moment in West’s life: the death of his mother, Donda West, in 2007. Legend said, “His descent started then and seems to have accelerated recently.”

Since then, West’s behaviour has become increasingly erratic and offensive, marked by aggressive antisemitic remarks and disturbing public appearances.

These include wearing a Ku Klux Klan outfit and releasing a controversial music video titled “Heil Hitler”.

HOPE FOR REDEMPTION

Despite the fallout, Legend remains empathetic. “I didn’t recognise that person,” he admitted, referring to West’s recent actions.

“It made me concerned about whatever mental health struggles he was going through. And I’m still concerned about him.

I hope he’s doing well, and is learning and growing from the mistakes he made”.

JOHN LEGEND ON WANTING THE BEST

As Legend said, “I’m always grateful for Kanye’s role in my life. I truly love and appreciate him, and I want the best for him.”

It’s a poignant reminder that beneath the headlines and controversies, human connections endure.

In a world hungry for redemption stories, John Legend’s words offer both a tribute to a once-brilliant artist and a sober warning about the cost of losing one’s way.