John Legend Believes Kanye Identified With Trump As An "Underdog Narcissist"

BY Erika Marie 20.2K Views
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Kanye West, John Legend
The singer said that his former friend didn't even vote before 2020 and was never a person who cared about politics.

Their relationship isn't as close as it used to be, but that hasn't kept John Legend from speaking openly about Kanye West. The pair of Chicago natives met way back when in those early days before they were rich and famous, and while there are plenty of photos showing the musicians double dating with their wives and enjoying time together, Legend and West are no longer bosom buddies. 

The "All of Me" crooner caught up with author Danny Goldberg who released Bloody Crossroads 2020: Arts, Entertainment, and Resistance to Trump this week. During the conversation, Legend gave his assessment on why West was so enamored with former President Donald Trump.

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West's presidential bid in 2020 confused the masses and was riddled with conspiracy theories. The rapper laid out his platform, somewhat, at the time, but Legend does not believe that Kanye is truly looking to become the next big voice in the political arena.

"I don't see Kanye as a political person at all. We never talked about politics. He had never voted before 2020," the singer told Goldberg. Instead, Legend theorizes that West's aspirations were driven by the Rap mogul identifying with the controversial president. "He saw in Trump the kind of underdog narcissist that he sees in himself."

Watch a news report of Kanye's highly publicized 2018 MAGA White House meeting with Trump below.

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About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.