John Legend Reflects on Friendship with Kanye West Amid Controversy
In a candid interview with The Times, John Legend revisited his complex friendship with Kanye West, touching on their early years as collaborators and West’s troubling transformation. Legend reminisced about meeting West in the early 2000s, describing him as "passionate" and "gifted," with dreams that extended beyond himself. "He had so much optimism, so much creativity," Legend noted, expressing sadness over West’s current state.
Their relationship blossomed during West’s rise, notably with the release of his iconic album The College Dropout, which significantly boosted Legend’s visibility as an artist. Legend remarked that the album’s success turned the tide for him, attracting attention from labels that had previously overlooked his talents.
However, a defining moment in their friendship came after the tragic loss of West’s mother in 2007, an event Legend believes marked a noticeable shift in West’s behavior. "His descent started then and seems to have accelerated recently," he commented, alluding to West’s recent controversial statements and actions, including antisemitic remarks and turmoil related to his custody battle with ex-wife Kim Kardashian.
West has openly expressed his struggles with parental rights, criticizing restrictions on his ability to raise his four children, which he equated to "visitation" akin to jail. Amid this controversy, he lamented the influence of external forces on his family, expressing a deep need to be actively involved in their lives.
As Legend reflects on their friendship, he acknowledges the divergence of their paths, leaving many to wonder about the future of West’s artistic endeavors and personal growth amidst ongoing challenges.
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