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John Legend Reflects on Friendship and Rift With Kanye West
John Legend is reflecting on his bond — and subsequent split — with Kanye West, the controversial rapper. In a recent interview, the “All of Me” singer shared his thoughts on how their relationship evolved over time, offering insights into West’s transformation. The pair, once close collaborators, experienced a fallout that has been a subject of public interest.
Early Days and “College Dropout” Era
Speaking to The Times, Legend recalled a different West from their initial meeting in the early 2000s. He noted the “Bound 2” rapper’s initial drive and vision.
“In those days, Kanye was very enthusiastic, exceptionally talented, and possessed ambitious aspirations not only for himself but for everyone in his circle,” Legend stated. “He exuded immense optimism and boundless creativity. It feels disheartening and, at times, startling to witness his current state.”
Legend reminisced about their friendship during the period when West released his impactful album, College Dropout. “Kanye achieved widespread recognition after producing Jay-Z’s album The Blueprint in 2001,” he recounted. “Subsequently, he garnered attention as a solo performer. Throughout this period, I accompanied him, performing at shows and gaining exposure not only as his vocalist and keyboardist but also as a solo artist. Prior to this, I had faced rejections from numerous labels.”
The spotlight on West had a ripple effect that positively influenced Legend’s career. “When The College Dropout achieved remarkable sales of 400,000 copies within its debut week, there was a surge of interest in our camp. Suddenly, those who had previously dismissed me began to perceive my music as significantly improved,” Legend added.
Turning Point: A Shift After Loss
The “Ordinary People” performer identified a significant personal tragedy in West’s life as a pivotal moment for his transformation. When questioned about West’s apparent change, Legend responded: “I don’t believe we are qualified to provide a professional diagnosis, but following his mother’s passing in 2007, a discernible shift occurred. His decline commenced around that period and appears to have intensified lately.”
Kanye West’s Controversies and Custody Battle
In recent years, West has been embroiled in controversy, notably for his antisemitic remarks and actions, as well as his ongoing custody dispute with Kim Kardashian. On April 30, the rapper delivered an impassioned speech during a livestream, expressing his frustration over limited access to their four children: North, 11, Saint, 9, Chicago, 7, and Psalm, 5.
West’s Frustration Over Parental Rights
“[DJ] Akademiks fueled my determination. I was alone in the airport, and I resolved to retrieve my children,” the rapper stated, according to a video from Hollywood Unlocked. “I’m consulting with my legal team because I refuse to normalize being separated from my kids.”
West has previously characterized the situation as akin to “visitation” in “jail.”
“I DONT WANT TO JUST ‘SEE’ MY KIDS. I NEED TO RAISE THEM. I NEED TO HAVE SAY SO OF WEAR [sic] THEY GO TO SCHOOL AND WHO THEIR FRIENDS ARE AND WHOS [sic] HOUSES THEY SLEEP OVER WEATHER [sic] MY DAUGHTERS WEAR LIPSTICK AND PERFUME,” he conveyed in a since-deleted post from March. “ALL THESE RIGHTS HAVE BEEN TAKEN FROM ME BY THE KARDASHIAN MOB HULU AND DISNEY AND THE BIGGER AGENDA TO USE THE SELECTIVELY BRED BLACK CHILDREN TO BE PLATFORMS TO INFLUENCE BLACK PEOPLE.”