John Legend Speaks Out About Kanye West’s Downfall
John Legend has expressed his disappointment and shock at Kanye West’s recent behavior, stating that he did not expect the rapper’s "descent" into anti-Semitism and pro-Nazi ideology. The two artists were once close friends and collaborators, working together on music in the early 2000s.
A Strong Friendship and Collaboration
Legend recalled that West was "very passionate, very talented, and had great dreams not only for himself, but also for everyone around him" during their time together. He remembered West’s optimism and creativity, saying, "I saw no indication of what we are now seeing, his obsessions with anti-Semitism, anti-blackness, and it’s sad to see his downfall."
A Turning Point in Their Relationship
Legend noted that he started to notice a "difference" in West after the death of his mother in 2007. Although they are no longer close, Legend attributed their drift apart to West’s support of Donald Trump, which influenced the trajectory of his career as an artist. West’s career had previously taken off after producing Jay-Z’s album "The Blueprint" in 2001, and Legend had been by his side as he experienced a buzz as a solo artist.
The Rise to Fame
Legend remembered the excitement surrounding West’s debut album "The College Dropout", which sold 400,000 copies in its first week. He said, "All the people who rejected me suddenly decided that my music sounded much better than the first time." This newfound attention and success had brought Legend and West closer together, but their friendship would eventually fade.
West’s Controversial Behavior
In recent years, West’s career has taken a turn for the worse due to his aggressive anti-Semitic and pro-Nazi remarks. He has made headlines for his controversial tweets, including praise for Adolf Hitler and promotion of a Yeezy T-shirt design with a swastika. These actions have led to widespread criticism and condemnation, with many calling for him to be held accountable for his words and actions. Legend’s comments about West’s downfall serve as a reminder of the importance of speaking out against hate speech and promoting inclusivity and respect.
