Context:

John Legend reflects on his past friendship with Kanye West and expresses astonishment at the rapper's current state, citing a decline that began after the death of Kanye's mother, Donda, in 2007. The two artists, who were once close collaborators, experienced a falling out partly due to Kanye's support of Donald Trump, which was followed by a series of controversies involving Kanye, including his anti-Semitic remarks. Legend recalls Kanye's past optimism and creativity and finds it distressing to witness his transformation and current obsessions with antisemitism and anti-blackness. The impact of personal loss on Kanye's behavior is acknowledged, though Legend refrains from offering a psychological analysis. Despite the personal and professional distance that has grown between them, Legend's reflections are tinged with sadness over the changes in Kanye's character and public persona.

Dive Deeper:

• John Legend and Kanye West developed a close friendship starting in 2004 when Legend signed with Kanye's GOOD Music record label, but their relationship deteriorated over time, particularly after Kanye's public support of Donald Trump.

• Kanye West's behavior and public statements have become increasingly controversial, with incidents such as proclaiming himself a Nazi contributing to his tarnished reputation and causing concern among former friends and collaborators.

• John Legend notes a significant shift in Kanye's demeanor following the death of his mother, Donda, in 2007, suggesting that this personal tragedy marked the beginning of Kanye's downward spiral and subsequent acceleration of his erratic behavior.

• In interviews, Legend has expressed shock and sadness over Kanye's transformation from a creative and optimistic individual to someone consumed by harmful ideologies, including antisemitism and anti-blackness, which were not evident earlier in his career.

• Legend refrains from attempting to psychoanalyze Kanye but acknowledges the profound changes in his former friend's life and the impact of personal loss on his descent, highlighting the complexity of Kanye's current situation.

• Kanye West's recent controversies have not only strained personal relationships but have also sparked broader public concern, as seen in his falling out with other prominent figures like Jay-Z.

• John Legend's reflections underscore the emotional toll of witnessing a friend's decline and the challenges of reconciling past experiences with current realities, particularly in the context of public life and celebrity.

• John Legend is looking back at his friendship with Kanye West while addressing the rapper’s “decline.”

• If you didn’t know, John, 46, and Kanye, 47, became very good friends starting in 2004 when John signed a record deal with Kanye‘s GOOD Music record label.

• However, the two had a major falling out several years due in part to Kanye supporting Donald Trump.

• In recent years, Kanye has found himself in many controversies, including calling himself a Nazi.

• Keep reading to find out more…While speaking with The Times, John said that he believes Kanye first started spiraling out of control following the death of his mother Donda.

• “I don’t think we’re qualified to psychoanalyse him, but after his mother passed in 2007 there was definitely a difference,” John said. “His descent started then and seems to have accelerated recently.”

• John went on to say that back in the day, Kanye “had so much optimism, so much creativity,” adding, “It does feel sad, sometimes shocking, to see where he is now.”

• While addressing Kanye‘s anti-Semitism views, John said, “I didn’t see a hint of what we’re seeing now, his obsessions with antisemitism, anti-blackness, and it is sad to see his devolution.”

• If you missed it, Kanye just recently addressed his falling out with Jay-Z.