John Legend Condemns Ye’s Anti-Blackness and Antisemitism, Reflects on Lost Friendship

John Legend has publicly denounced his former friend and mentor, Ye (formerly known as Kanye West), for his increasingly troubling behavior, specifically citing anti-Blackness and antisemitism. In a candid interview with The Times of London, published on May 10th, the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter addressed the deterioration of their relationship and expressed his dismay at Ye’s current trajectory.

Legend, known for his hit song "Ordinary People," painted a picture of a once-promising and inspiring figure, recalling the early days of their professional and personal connection. "Kanye was very passionate, very gifted, and he had big dreams not only for himself but also for all the people around him," Legend stated. He emphasized Ye’s initial optimism and boundless creativity, making his current state all the more disheartening. "It does feel sad, sometimes shocking, to see where he is now," Legend admitted.

The crux of Legend’s condemnation lies in Ye’s embrace of hateful ideologies. "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 lamented. While acknowledging the difficulty of psychoanalyzing Ye from afar, Legend suggested that the death of Ye’s mother, Donda West, in 2007, marked a turning point. "I don’t think we’re qualified to psychoanalyze him, but after his mother passed in 2007, there was definitely a difference," he observed. He further stated that Ye’s decline seemed to have accelerated in recent times.

The article noted that USA TODAY had reached out to representatives for Ye for comment, but had not received a response.

Ye’s controversial actions have been a source of widespread concern and criticism. In February, he engaged in an antisemitic tirade on X (formerly Twitter), posting a series of offensive messages before temporarily deactivating his account. Furthermore, during the Super Bowl, he ran an ad directing viewers to his website, where he was selling a $20 T-shirt featuring a swastika. This blatant display of hate speech sparked outrage and solidified concerns about Ye’s antisemitic views.

Legend’s interview delved into the origins of their relationship, tracing back to the early 2000s when both artists were on the cusp of breakthrough success. He recalled the release of Ye’s debut album, "The College Dropout," in 2004, followed by his own debut album, "Get Lifted," later that year, which was released after he signed to Ye’s label, G.O.O.D. Music.

"Kanye blew up after producing Jay-Z’s album The Blueprint in 2001," Legend explained. "Then he experienced a buzz as a solo artist and the whole time I was travelling with him, doing shows with him, getting exposure not only as his singer and keyboard player but also as an artist myself."

Legend acknowledged the significant role Ye played in launching his own career. He revealed that he had faced numerous rejections from record labels before Ye’s success opened doors for him. "I had been turned down by labels everywhere. Then, The College Dropout sold 400,000 copies in its first week, everyone wanted to know what was happening in our camp, and all those people who turned me down suddenly decided that my music sounded a lot better than it did the first time round," Legend shared.

The article also touched upon Ye’s foray into politics, referencing his 2020 presidential campaign, where he appeared on the ballot in 12 states. This marked a significant shift in Ye’s public persona, further distancing him from his earlier image as a groundbreaking artist.

The relationship between Legend and Ye began to fray in 2021 and 2022, triggered by Ye’s vocal support for President Donald Trump and his "Make America Great Again" agenda. This political divergence led to a public feud, with Ye accusing Legend and fellow rapper Big Sean of turning against him due to his political affiliations.

In a 2021 appearance on Revolt’s "Drink Champs" podcast, Ye claimed, "Both John Legend and Big Sean, when I ran for office, got used quick by the Democrats to come at they boy that actually changed they life. … I dont rock with neither of them, and I need my apologies."

Ye continued his criticism of Legend during the interview, stating, "Im not really saying anything shocking, you know John Legend gone always show up and do whatever them folks tell him to do. That’s not a shocking thing, man."

Legend’s recent comments in The Times of London interview mark a significant escalation in his public criticism of Ye, moving beyond political disagreements to address deeply concerning issues of hate speech and prejudice. His words reflect a sense of loss and disappointment at the transformation of someone he once admired and considered a friend. They also contribute to the growing chorus of voices condemning Ye’s behavior and advocating for accountability. Legend’s statement underscores the importance of speaking out against all forms of bigotry and hate, even when it involves those with whom we once shared close relationships. The fallout from Ye’s actions continues to reverberate through the music industry and beyond, raising important questions about mental health, accountability, and the responsibility of public figures to use their platforms for good.