Washington [US], May 11: Grammy-winning singer John Legend has opened up about his past collaborations with Kanye West, describing the rapper’s transformation over the past two decades as “sad” and at times “shocking.”
In a recent interview, Legend looked back at their work on his debut album Get Lifted (2004), which West executive produced. The album, released under West’s GOOD Music label, was a massive success, selling over three million copies and earning three Grammy Awards, helping launch Legend’s career.
“He had big dreams for himself and the people around him,” Legend said of West during those early days, as quoted by Deadline. “He was passionate, gifted, and full of optimism.”
However, the John Legend of today sees a stark contrast in the man who helped bring him to stardom. “It does feel sad, sometimes shocking, to see where he is now,” he admitted.
Kanye West has faced mounting controversy in recent years, including public appearances in offensive attire — such as wearing a Klu Klux Klan-style hood — and peddling antisemitic and anti-Black rhetoric, which has drawn widespread condemnation. He was also banned from X (formerly Twitter) for several inflammatory posts.
“I didn’t see a hint of what we’re seeing now,” Legend said. “His obsessions with antisemitism, anti-Blackness — it’s really sad to see his devolution.”
Legend pointed to a turning point in West’s life: the death of his mother, Donda West, in 2007, which he believes triggered a noticeable shift. “I don’t think we’re qualified to psychoanalyse him, but after his mother passed, there was definitely a difference. His descent started then and seems to have accelerated recently.”
The comments come as Legend embarks on a tour marking the 20th anniversary of Get Lifted. Reflecting on the album’s themes, he shared that many lyrics were based on personal experiences — like infidelity — but often dramatized for storytelling.
“I was 25 when the album was made. I had cheated, and felt guilty about it,” he said of tracks like She Don’t Have to Know. “It’s a soap opera. I don’t think my life was ever that interesting.”
Legend’s candid remarks highlight not only the evolution of his career but also the complex and troubled trajectory of one of hip-hop’s most influential and controversial figures.