John Legend Says He Has No Regrets Working With Kanye West Despite Fallout
John Legend has said he doesn’t regret his past collaborations with Kanye West, even though their relationship has soured in recent years.
Speaking during an interview on Ebro in the Morning, Legend responded to recent jabs from West, including a bizarre comment about how he smells. “He was fixated on sweaters and said I smell like mashed potatoes,” Legend said with a laugh. “What kind? Cheesy? Garlic? Honestly, all of it just makes me sad. Not because I take it personally – I know I smell great – but because of what it says about where he is now.”
The singer, who was once signed to West’s G.O.O.D. Music label, said the real sadness lies in how much West has changed. “To see someone who once created some of the most inspiring music and fashion, who made the world more interesting and beautiful, turn into a voice for hate and ugliness – it’s heartbreaking,” Legend said.
Looking back on their early days together, Legend recalled the excitement and sense of purpose they shared. “He had so much energy, so much optimism,” he said. “We truly believed we were starting something special in music. The stuff we made – those G.O.O.D. Fridays, those first few albums – it was amazing to be part of that. I don’t regret it at all.”
Legend also pointed to a noticeable shift in West’s behaviour following the death of his mother in 2007. “I’m not here to diagnose him,” he said, “but there was definitely a change after that. Things have only gotten worse.”
In earlier interviews, Legend has openly criticised West’s controversial statements, calling out what he described as antisemitic and anti-Black rhetoric. Despite all of this, he maintains pride in the work they created together: “Even though he’s gone in a completely different direction now, I’m glad we had that time. I’ll always be grateful for it.”
