Latest news with #TheCollegeDropout
Hans India
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
John Legend reflects on Kanye West's decline: ‘It's shocking to see where he is now'
Grammy-winning jazz musician John Legend has expressed his sorrow over the dramatic transformation of his former friend and business partner, rapper Kanye West. Speaking candidly in an interview with The Times of London, Legend shared his shock at how West, once a prolific and passionate artist, has evolved into a figure defined by controversy and divisiveness. Legend reminisced about their early days together, recalling how West was a visionary with a boundless sense of optimism and creativity. 'Back then Kanye was very passionate, very gifted, and he had big dreams not only for himself but also for all the people around him,' Legend said. 'He had so much optimism, so much creativity. It does feel sad, sometimes shocking, to see where he is now.' In the mid-2000s, West played a pivotal role in turning around Legend's career. After being turned down by multiple labels, Legend was signed to West's label, GOOD Music, in 2004. The partnership not only gave Legend exposure but also allowed him to witness firsthand the meteoric rise of West, who was already making waves with his production on Jay-Z's The Blueprint and his own solo albums like The College Dropout. Legend explained how the success of The College Dropout, which sold 400,000 copies in its first week, turned the tables for both of them, making Legend a sought-after artist in his own right. However, despite their professional achievements, the two friends drifted apart after a public falling-out in 2022, when West voiced his support for former U.S. President Donald Trump. While Legend had hoped for a resolution, he never anticipated the further escalation of West's behavior, particularly his recent embrace of harmful 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 admitted. He speculated that the passing of West's mother in 2007 marked a turning point in his life, with a noticeable shift in his behavior that has only accelerated in recent years. As the world watches Kanye West's increasingly controversial public persona, John Legend's reflection offers a somber look at the downfall of a once-promising artist who once inspired hope and creativity.
Time Business News
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Business News
Kanye West Merch: A Cultural Phenomenon
Kanye West Merch is a musician, he is also recognized as an important figure in culture. Kanye West's brand includes merchandise called Kanye West merch which mixes fashion, art and pop culture. No matter the release, whether limited or a collaboration, Kanye West's products are always in high demand and sold out in mere styles of Kanye West Merch have reflected his personal growth as an artist. During his 'The College Dropout' and Late Registration albums, his early merch only showed the album artwork and the planned tour tournaments. However, when Kanye got further into fashion, his goods became more original and unique. With the Yeezy Season lines and the merch from Life of Pablo Kanye added bold typography, used distressed prints and presented minimalist looks that made streetwear seem like high fashion. Joining forces with major companies has allowed Kanye West to take his merch to another level. Adidas and Balmain's collaborations with West have made his clothes more luxurious. Although different from regular Gap merchandise, the Yeezy Gap collection holds the same easy-to-like and attention-grabbing designs for both types of fashion enthusiasts. They help Kanye unite music, fashion and business effortlessly. Besides fashion, Kanye West merch is now viewed as a cultural symbol. Selecting Band's dress can reflect a person's connection to his artistic choices and music. His merchandise range: 'Sunday Service' gave religious hints, while '2020 Vision' involved politics. With every release, Kanye West tells a story, so his merch becomes unique wearable art. The Enduring Allure of the Lucky Me I See Ghost Hoodie Over the past few years, streetwear has seen many more collaborations, limited edition items and clothing that mixes style with pop culture. The Lucky Me I See Ghost Hoodie is a piece that has attracted the attention of those who like high-end fashion and urban style. Through the music album Kids See Ghosts by Kanye West and Kid Cudi, the hoodie became a fashion symbol and statement of identity for many young people interested in fashion. Design Aesthetics That Resonate Lucky Me I See Ghosts Hoodie's popularity remains due to its unique and stirring design. It stands out with its large print, unique artwork and lively colors. Using both humorous and existential expressions creates an atmosphere that inspires both interest and thought. All the elements have a clear point—both the fonts, the patches and the graphics join together to highlight how raw and strong the emotions in the music are. This design is like a story and individuals who care about the deeper theme wear it. Cultural Impact and Celebrity Endorsement Many celebrities rocking this hoodie have helped it become a mainstay in street fashion today. Both as a musician and a fashion leader, Kanye West was often seen wearing a hoodie in public or during his tours. Because of the visibility, the piece became more interesting and sought-after than ever before. Many individuals in the public eye began wearing hoodies which showcased the trend on social media and in their music videos. The hoodie shifted from being a simple product to a symbol that sheds light on how people belonging to such a community value being original and authentic. You can wear Kanye West Merch, but it is also a celebrated part of culture involving music, fashion and art. With there being little stock and high-fashion trends, every drop fascinates people. With each step in Kanye's career, his merch will keep fascinating people and ensuring it becomes a valuable and recognizable aspect of his life. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Express Tribune
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
John Legend talks Kanye West's fall from grace
John Legend is reflecting on what he calls the "descent" of his former friend and collaborator Ye, formerly known as Kanye West. In a candid interview with The Times published on Saturday, the EGOT-winning singer opened up about the painful shift in Kanye's personality and politics over the years. "Back then Kanye was very passionate, very gifted, and he had big dreams not only for himself but also for all the people around him," Legend said, recalling the early 2000s when their creative partnership blossomed. Kanye played a pivotal role in launching Legend's career, featuring him on 2004's The College Dropout and later signing him to G.O.O.D. Music. That early bond, though once defined by artistic synergy and mutual admiration, began to fray as Kanye moved deeper into public controversy. Their relationship suffered after Ye's vocal support for Donald Trump in 2016 and ultimately broke down during his 2020 presidential run. But for Legend, what's most painful isn't the political disagreement, but watching someone he once admired become a purveyor of hate. "I didn't see a hint of what we're seeing now," Legend said. "His obsessions with antisemitism, anti-blackness; it is sad to see his devolution." Ye has drawn widespread condemnation in recent years for antisemitic comments and inflammatory online behaviour. In 2022, he praised Adolf Hitler in interviews, tweeted a swastika merged with a Star of David, and said, "I like Hitler" on far-right conspiracy theory outlet Infowars, resulting in multiple platform bans. Most recently, he claimed his new single, Hitler, was banned from all digital platforms. He's also shown public support for embattled figures like Diddy, who is currently facing sex trafficking charges. Legend is clear that he's not here to psychoanalyse his former friend, but he does suspect a key turning point: the death of Kanye's mother, Donda, in 2007. "His descent started then and seems to have accelerated recently," he said. Still, Legend hasn't forgotten Ye's early influence. "Kanye blew up after producing Jay-Z's The Blueprint in 2001," he recalled. "Then The College Dropout sold 400,000 copies in its first week, suddenly everyone wanted to know who I was." Now, though, that shared origin story is shadowed by what Legend sees as a tragic unravelling. "It does feel sad, sometimes shocking, to see where he is now," he said.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
John Legend Believes Donda West's Death Could Be Cause Of Ye's 'Devolution'
Grammy-winning artist John Legend opened up about the troubling transformation of longtime collaborator and friend Kanye West in a candid interview with The London Times published on Saturday (May 10). Legend, who rose to prominence alongside West during the early 2000s, reflected on the stark contrast between the man he first met and the one who now frequently makes headlines for his controversial and inflammatory views. 'Kanye was very passionate, very gifted, and he had big dreams not only for himself but also for all the people around him,' said Legend in the interview. 'He had so much optimism, so much creativity. It does feel sad, sometimes shocking, to see where he is now.' Legend recalled the breakthrough moment when West's debut album The College Dropout changed everything for their circle. '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,' he said. But despite the triumphs, Legend admits he never foresaw the dramatic behavioral changes that would follow. '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 said, referencing the disturbing rhetoric and actions that have alienated West from much of the industry and the public. Legend stopped short of offering a clinical diagnosis, but suggested that a pivotal life event may have sparked the shift. 'I don't think we're qualified to psychoanalyze him, but after his mother passed in 2007, there was definitely a difference. His descent started then and seems to have accelerated recently.' The emotional weight of Donda West's passing, combined with the pressures of fame, may have played a profound role in shaping Kanye's current reality—a possibility that adds layers of tragedy to an already complex figure. More from Cam'ron Wants To Find And Interview Cousin Ye Had Alleged "Incestuous" Relationship With Ye Sends Ex-Wife Kim Kardashian Cease-And-Desist, Claims She Violates His Parental Rights Ye Shares Militant Music Video For "Heil Hitler"
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
John Legend on Kanye West's 'Descent': It's 'Sad, Sometimes Shocking to See Where He Is Now'
John Legend didn't anticipate Kanye West's 'descent.' The two artists used to have a strong personal and professional relationship after they began working together on music in the early 2000s. However, the two have since gone their separate ways, and Legend admitted in a Saturday profile with The Times that 'it does feel sad, sometimes shocking, to see where [West] is now.' More from The Hollywood Reporter Johnny Rodriguez, Hispanic Country Music Star and "That's the Way Love Goes" Singer, Dies at 73 Dump Truck Crashes Into Whisky a Go Go Music Venue on Sunset Strip SoundCloud Says It "Has Never Used Artist Content to Train AI Models" After Backlash on Terms of Service Change 'Back then Kanye was very passionate, very gifted, and he had big dreams not only for himself but also for all the people around him,' the 13-time Grammy Award winner recalled of his time working with West. 'He had so much optimism, so much creativity… 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 added that while he doesn't 'think we're qualified to psychoanalyze him,' he began noticing a 'difference' in the 'Stronger' rapper after the death of his mother in 2007. 'His descent started then and seems to have accelerated recently,' he said. Even though they aren't close anymore, partly because of West's support of Donald Trump, Legend acknowledged his influence on the trajectory of his career as an artist who had previously 'been turned down by labels everywhere.' 'Kanye blew up after producing Jay-Z's album The Blueprint in 2001,' he said. '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. 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.' Legend added, 'All those people who turned me down suddenly decided that my music sounded a lot better than it did the first time round.' In recent years, West's career has taken a turn as he has continued to make aggressive antisemitic and pro-Nazi remarks. Most recently, he made headlines after firing off controversial and antisemitic tweets, including praising Adolf Hitler, identifying as a Nazi, promoting a Yeezy T-shirt design with a swastika, denouncing the #MeToo movement and reigniting his controversial comments on slavery. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Most Anticipated Concert Tours of 2025: Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar & SZA, Sabrina Carpenter and More Hollywood's Most Notable Deaths of 2025 Hollywood's Highest-Profile Harris Endorsements: Taylor Swift, George Clooney, Bruce Springsteen and More
