In a candid interview with The Times, acclaimed singer-songwriter John Legend opened up about his dismay over the recent actions and statements of his former friend and collaborator, Kanye West. Legend described West’s trajectory as a “sad devolution,” highlighting the rapper’s troubling “obsessions with antisemitism and anti-blackness.”

Reflecting on their early years, Legend recalled West’s passion and creativity, noting, “He had so much optimism, so much creativity. It does feel sad, sometimes shocking, to see where he is now.”

The two artists shared a close bond in the early 2000s, with West playing a pivotal role in launching Legend’s career by signing him to his GOOD Music label. However, their relationship began to strain over political differences, particularly following West’s public support for Donald Trump and his own presidential aspirations.   

Legend suggested that a significant turning point in West’s life was the death of his mother, Donda West, in 2007. “I don’t think we’re qualified to psychoanalyze him, but after his mother passed in 2007 there was definitely a difference. His descent started then and seems to have accelerated recently,” Legend observed.   

The singer’s comments come in the wake of West’s recent controversies, including the release of a song titled “Heil Hitler (Hooligan Version),” which features a parody of a 1935 Adolf Hitler speech. The track has been widely condemned for its offensive content.   

Legend expressed his sadness over West’s transformation, stating, “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.”

While Legend refrained from making definitive statements about West’s mental health, he emphasized the stark contrast between the man he once knew and the figure West has become. “It’s shocking to watch,” he admitted.

As West continues to face backlash for his actions and rhetoric, Legend’s reflections serve as a poignant reminder of the complexities of personal transformation and the impact of grief and loss on an individual’s path.