John Legend Reflects on Ye’s “Devolution” In Recent Years: “He Had So Much Optimism”

John Legend is reflecting on his past friendship with Ye and just how much things have changed throughout the years.

In a recent interview with The London Times, Legend opened up about his former close collaborator and label head’s controversial actions.

Legend first met Ye in 2001, and they became collaborators.

“Kanye was very passionate, very gifted, and he had big dreams not only for himself but also for all the people around him,” Legend recalled. “He had so much optimism, so much creativity. It does feel sad, sometimes shocking, to see where he is now.”

Legend remembered standing by Ye when he gained fame after producing Jay-Z’s “The Blueprint” in 2001, and the shift that came after “The College Dropout” dropped in 2004.

“Then ‘The College Dropout’ sold 400,000 copies in its first week…everyone wanted to know what was happening in our camp,” Legend shared. “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.”

Legend believes Ye’s struggles worsened after the death of his mother in 2007.

“There was definitely a difference. His descent started then and seems to have accelerated recently,” the songwriter added.

As their relationship faded, Legend remarked, “I just think we’re doing our own thing.” With both having growing families, the former collaborators no longer have a formal business relationship.

“It’s just part of the natural cycle of life,” Legend concluded.

This isn’t Legend’s first time calling out Ye. In 2016, he expressed disappointment in his former friend’s allegiance to Donald Trump, calling it a “publicity stunt.”