John Legend is reeling as Kanye West’s radical transformation jeopardizes a once-strong friendship, highlighting tensions arising from polarizing beliefs and actions tarnishing reputations.
At a Glance
- John Legend calls Kanye West’s changes “shocking.”
- Their friendship disrupted by West’s controversial beliefs.
- Legend benefited from Kanye’s early mentorship in music.
- West under fire for antisemitic and divisive behavior.
The Rise and Fall of a Music Powerhouse
John Legend has spoken candidly about his once-close friendship with Kanye West, a relationship now marred by the latter’s troubling transformation. Their bond, which began in the mid-2000s following Legend’s induction into Kanye’s G.O.O.D Music label, saw both musicians rise to great heights, driven by shared creativity and optimism.
Legend recalls this era fondly, saying West was “very passionate, very gifted,” with big dreams for himself and others. This collaboration proved pivotal, particularly as West’s fame soared after producing for Jay-Z and launching his own successful solo career.
Shift in Dynamics Post-Personal Tragedy
The turning point, according to Legend, was the passing of Kanye’s mother in 2007. Her death coincided with a noticeable shift in Kanye’s behavior and views, setting the stage for his eventual dive into divisive rhetoric.
“I don’t think we’re qualified to psychoanalyze him, but after his mother passed in 2007 there was definitely a difference. His descent started then and seems to have accelerated recently.” – John Legend
Despite parting ways over Kanye’s support of Donald Trump in 2022, Legend never anticipated the extremity of Kanye’s recent actions, which include antisemitic comments and an alarming fashion sense that flirted with hateful imagery.
Controversy and Consequences
Kanye’s current reputation is under siege following shockingly offensive behavior, ranging from a swastika-emblazoned t-shirt to openly praising Hitler, leaving his former ally grappling with how their once-cherished relationship soured. Even amidst a backdrop of personal conflicts, such as access to his children with Kim Kardashian, the fallout from such public antics cannot be overstated.
“Back then Kanye was very passionate, very gifted, and he had big dreams not only for himself but also for all the people around him. He had so much optimism, so much creativity. It does feel sad, sometimes shocking, to see where he is now.” – John Legend
Legend reflects on their previous kinship during milestones like “The College Dropout”, noting how his music career benefitted from their collaboration. This makes Kanye’s descent even more disheartening for Legend, who remains baffled by the drastic changes in his former friend’s worldview.
