Grammy-winning artist John Legend is open to his former collaborator Kanye West, and over the past two decades, the transformation of rappers and producers has been described as “sad” and “shocking at times.”
In a recent interview, Legend reflected their early creative partnership in the production of his debut album Cancelled, which was released in 2004. West serves as executive producer of the record, working with Dave Tozer, Will.i.am and Devo Springsteen.
Released under West’s Good Music Label, it was cancelled over 3 million copies, won three Grammy Awards, and played Legend. At the time, West also achieved success with his debut album The College Droptout and was recognized by visionary artists with unique sounds.
The legendary character described West in that era as “passionate, talented and full of optimism.”
However, he acknowledges a sharp contrast between the Kanye he once knew and the Kanye he saw in recent years. Legend says: “It’s really sad to see where he is now, and it’s sometimes shocking.”
West has attracted widespread criticism in recent years for its inflammatory public statements and controversial appearance. He faced a rebound for wearing black Ku Klux Klan Hood in public places and sold merchandise with the Swastika logo, and made offensive remarks that led to a ban on social media platforms.
The legend says: “I didn’t see what we see now – his obsession with anti-Semitism, anti-Black people – it was pathetic to see his decentralization.”
He suggested that the death of West’s mother, Donda West, in 2007, could mark a turning point. He added: “I don’t think we’re qualified for psychoanalysis, but there must be a difference after his mother passed in 2007. His decline has begun and it seems to have accelerated lately.”
