Conversations about record deals are always controversial conversations within Hip Hop, and John Legend is giving some insight into his relationship with G.O.O.D. Music. The Chicago crooner's career developed thanks to his connection to Kanye West's label, as the two Windy City artists collaborated extensively. They partnered on several albums and delivered classic hits, but a fallout over Ye's antics caused a divide. Legend took issue with West advocating for Donald Trump, and later, the Rap icon's inclusion in the 2020 Presidential Election also gave Legend pause.
However, the R&B hitmaker doesn't regret a moment with G.O.O.D. Music. West's label has endured a bit of unraveling in recent years due to his ongoing controversies. Legend recently chatted with The Breakfast Club and spoke about his decision to sign with West's label amid pushback from his team. "All of these decisions, though, there were people in my camp that didn't want me to sign with Kanye when I signed with him," Legend revealed. "'Cause I signed with G.O.O.D. Music, and I signed through G.O.O.D. Music to Columbia Records. So, all of my first few albums were through G.O.O.D. Music to Columbia Records."
John Legend Recalls Uncertainty With G.O.O.D. Music
"And you give up certain things when you sign to an artist's production company, he continued. "But, I felt like it was the right move for me because creatively, we were in a great place together and his star was ascending as a producer and as an artist. I felt like being a part of that team was gonna propel my career to a place that it needed to be. And it did! And, it was really important for me to be with G.O.O.D. Music for my first few albums. My career wouldn't be where it is without that. And then, when it's time to move on, it's time to move on. But we had a really successful run together."
Legend noted that "hindsight is 20/20" because it all worked out well for everyone involved. However, at the time, Legend was unsure about his future. He did his best to "plan ahead" but admitted that after inking the G.O.O.D. Music deal, he was like any other budding artist, hoping for the best. Their career paths have taken them to extraordinary heights, but these days, the personal relationship between West and Legend is strained.
Changes In Kanye West
In a November 2022 interview with the On With Kara Swisher, LEgend spoke about changes he'd seen in his former friend. “I do find him different than he was back then." He added, "I didn’t see hints of this kind of harmful behavior back then. We have not been friends for a while now, and so, I’m not personally doing anything. But I do know people who are, and a lot of people are concerned about him.”
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