John Legend is opening up about the painful transformation he’s witnessed in his former collaborator and longtime friend, Kanye West… describing the rapper’s recent behavior as deeply troubling and emotionally difficult to watch.
In a new interview with The Times, the Grammy-winning singer reflected on the stark contrast between the Kanye West he first knew and the man making headlines today. Legend recalled the early 2000s, when West was a passionate visionary, having signed Legend to his G.O.O.D. Music label in 2004. At the time, West was known for his creativity and support for those around him.
“Back then, Kanye had a big heart and an even bigger ambition… not just for himself, but for his community,” Legend said. “It’s incredibly sad, sometimes even shocking, to see how far he’s drifted from that.”
Kanye West’s recent years have been marked by a string of controversies, from inflammatory comments about his ex-wife Kim Kardashian to openly praising Adolf Hitler… actions that have sparked widespread outrage and concern. His remarks, widely criticized as antisemitic and anti-Black, have alienated many in the industry and among his former allies.
Legend didn’t hold back his disappointment: “It’s heartbreaking to witness this devolution. This is not the man I once knew.”
He also reflected on a turning point in West’s life… the loss of his mother, Donda West, in 2007… which he believes had a profound impact on Kanye’s mental and emotional well-being. “I’m not a psychiatrist, and it’s not my place to diagnose anyone,” Legend added, “but there was a clear shift after she passed, and things seem to have only spiraled from there.”
As someone who once shared a close bond with Kanye, Legend’s words echo a broader sentiment felt by many fans and industry peers… a mix of sorrow, disbelief, and frustration over the artist’s controversial evolution.
