John Legend Reflects on Kanye West’s Changed Persona and Their Fallout

John Legend recently shared his thoughts on his former friend and collaborator Kanye West, noting a stark change in the rapper’s behavior and beliefs. In an interview with The Times on May 10, 2025, Legend described West’s transformation as “sad” and “shocking,” highlighting their once-close bond that began in the early 2000s. The two worked together on West’s debut album, The College Dropout, and Legend’s own Get Lifted, both released in 2004. Their friendship, however, ended in 2022 due to political differences and West’s controversial actions. Legend pointed to the 2007 death of West’s mother, Donda West, as a possible turning point in his life.

Legend recalled West as a “passionate” and “gifted” artist with big dreams. “He had so much optimism, so much creativity,” Legend said. Their early days were filled with shared goals and music-making. West’s success with Jay-Z’s The Blueprint in 2001 helped him rise as a solo artist. This fame gave Legend exposure as West’s keyboard player and singer, boosting his own career. “All those people who turned me down suddenly decided my music sounded better,” Legend noted about the impact of West’s success.

The death of Donda West in 2007 marked a shift, according to Legend. “I don’t think we’re qualified to psychoanalyze him, but after his mother passed, there was definitely a difference,” he said. West’s behavior grew more erratic over time, escalating in recent years. Legend observed that West’s “descent” seemed to accelerate, leading to actions that distanced him from former allies. The two grew apart as West’s views and public statements became more extreme.

“It does feel sad, sometimes shocking, to see where he is now. 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.” — John Legend, The Times, May 10, 2025

West’s recent controversies have included antisemitic comments and provocative public appearances. In 2022, he faced backlash for tweets that led to his X account being restricted. The American Jewish Committee criticized West for perpetuating harmful stereotypes. West later appeared on Piers Morgan Uncensored, where he initially refused to apologize for his remarks but eventually expressed regret. “I will say I’m sorry for the people that I hurt,” he said, acknowledging the pain caused by his words.

In February 2025, West released a song titled “Heil Hitler,” which sampled Adolf Hitler’s speeches. The track was banned from major platforms but gained millions of streams on X. Legend condemned this move, calling it part of West’s “obsessions with antisemitism” and “anti-Blackness.” He expressed disappointment in seeing West, now known as Ye, embrace such divisive rhetoric. “He’s not the same person I once knew,” Legend emphasized.

Their friendship officially ended in 2022, largely due to West’s support for Donald Trump and his 2020 presidential run. Legend clarified in a 2022 New Yorker interview that West was upset over his lack of support for the campaign. “He was very upset with me that I didn’t support him and I supported Joe Biden,” Legend explained. He viewed West’s campaign as a tactic to divert votes from Biden, which he couldn’t endorse.

“I talked to him with love and with empathy, and tried to help him see another way of looking at things. And obviously he went the way he went with it.” — John Legend, The New Yorker, 2022

West’s personal struggles have also been public. In an April 2025 livestream, he spoke about limited access to his four children with ex-wife Kim Kardashian. “I’mma go get these kids, man!” he said, expressing frustration over custody arrangements. Legend, while hesitant to analyze West’s mental state, noted that these challenges may have contributed to his behavior. Still, he stressed that West’s actions have caused harm and require accountability.

Legend’s comments came as he celebrated the 20th anniversary of Get Lifted, an album West produced under his GOOD Music label. The album sold over three million copies and won three Grammy Awards, cementing Legend’s place in music. Reflecting on their past, Legend credited West for giving him a platform. “Kanye blew up after producing The Blueprint,” he said, recalling how West’s success opened doors for him.

Public reactions on X echoed Legend’s sentiments. Fans expressed sadness over West’s changes, with one user writing, “John Legend just broke his silence on Kanye West… it’s heartbreaking to witness someone with so much talent fall like this.” Another noted, “Ye’s public unraveling is a devolution. Legend’s right—it’s sad to watch.” These comments reflect a broader sentiment of disappointment among those who admired West’s earlier work.

West’s actions have cost him partnerships and support. In 2022, his talent agency dropped him after his antisemitic remarks. Major brands severed ties following his February 2025 X rant, where he praised Hitler and made inflammatory claims. Despite this, West has continued to push boundaries, often framing his behavior as a rejection of control. His 2024 presidential campaign, though informal, further highlighted his unpredictable path.

Legend remains focused on his career, currently touring to mark Get Lifted’s milestone. He has chosen to distance himself from West, emphasizing the need to address harmful behavior. “I think we need to be clear about how insidious and nasty antisemitism is,” he said in a 2022 podcast, underscoring its historical harm.

Also Read: Kanye West Storms Off Piers Morgan Interview, Then Posts Mysterious ‘Alien’ Photo

For Legend, the Kanye West of today is a far cry from the optimistic artist he once knew, leaving only memories of their shared past.

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