John Legend reflects on fallout with Kanye West

Singer John Legend has publicly criticised his former collaborator Kanye West, describing the rapper's recent actions as a “sad devolution” from the passionate and optimistic artist he once knew.

The comments were made in an interview reported by The Times, where Legend reflected on the reasons behind their fallout and the disturbing direction West’s career has taken. Legend, who was first signed by Kanye and toured with him during the early stages of his career, acknowledged the significant role the rapper played in his rise to fame. However, the pair grew distant after West voiced support for Donald Trump in 2022, and more recently due to West’s extreme behaviour and statements.

The singer said West once held big dreams not only for himself but for those around him. “Back then Kanye was very passionate, very gifted, and he had big dreams… He had so much optimism, so much creativity,” Legend said. “It does feel sad, sometimes shocking, to see where he is now.”

Among the recent controversies surrounding West is the release of a song titled Heil Hitler (Hooligan Version), which samples a 1935 speech by Adolf Hitler. The track was posted on West’s X (formerly Twitter) account and accompanied by a video featuring shirtless men wearing animal fur. The speech at the end of the song includes lines defending Hitler’s actions and seeking validation from his audience.

In the song, West references his custody battle with Kim Kardashian and blames his radicalisation on the experience. “So I became a Nazi, yeah b***h, I'm the villain,” he raps, expressing anger over losing access to his children and the freezing of his bank accounts.

Legend expressed concern over West’s increasing focus on antisemitism and anti-Black rhetoric. “I didn’t see a hint of what we’re seeing now… and it is sad to see his devolution,” he stated. While he refrained from diagnosing the cause, Legend pointed to the death of West’s mother in 2007 as a possible turning point in his mental and emotional decline.