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John Legend is opening up about his longtime friend and collaborator Kanye West, offering a rare and personal reflection on how the 2007 passing of Donda West deeply affected the artist — emotionally and mentally.
In a recent interview with Times, the “All of Me” singer opened up about their estranged relationship and how they played a monumental role in one another’s careers. John was the first article signed to Kanye’s GOOD music record label back in 2004.
He recalled the earlier stages of their friendship
“He had so much optimism, so much creativity. It does feel sad, sometimes shocking, to see where he is now.”
John says that he was intitally turned down by multiple record labels–until he garnered up a buzz of his own,
“—the whole time I was traveling with him, doing shows with him, getting exposure not only as his singer and keyboard player but also as an artist myself.”
John says it’s personally shocking to him to witness Kanye’s current state. “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.”
🕊️ A Loss That Changed Everything
John expressed that he feels that Kanye was never the same after his mother’s shocking passing.
Donda West, Kanye’s mother, passed away unexpectedly in 2007 due to complications from cosmetic surgery — a heartbreaking moment that sent emotional shockwaves through both Ye’s personal and professional life.
“His descent started then and seems to have accelerated recently,” he said.
Kanye has publicly mourned her through his music for years, from tracks like “Hey Mama” to more recent vulnerable moments that hinted at a man grappling with grief, identity, and mental health.
“There was definitely a difference” in the “All of the Lights” artist following the death of his mother,” said John.
💬 Their Complicated Friendship
Though they had a longstanding friendship and spent years together successfully collaborating on numerous projects, their difference in opinions regarding topics of social justice and politics have caused an immediate wedge between the two.
“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.”
📉 Fans React: “We All Watched Him Spiral…”
On social media, fans echoed John Legend’s sentiments — acknowledging that Kanye’s transformation over the past decade seemed rooted in deep pain. However he believes it is no ones place to psychoanalyze the rapper.
“We all know this, he was never the same after.”
“Losing a parent is earth shattering. It does not excuse everything, but that kind of loss breaks you.”
“I used to love Kanye but Kanye could afford to get the finest help in the land if he wanted..❤️”
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