India, May 11 -- John Legend expressed his views regarding Kanye West, his former business partner and friend. Calling the rapper's latest moves as a "sad devolution" from the buoyant artist he once knew, Legend expressed shock over what has happened to the formerly prolific musician in a recent interview with The Times of London.

Legend opened up about the startof their personal and professional connection, saying that "Kanye was very passionate, very gifted, and he had big dreams not only for himself but also for all the people around him."

"He had so much optimism, so much creativity. It does feel sad, sometimes shocking, to see where he is now," Legend continued.

In 2004, West signed the Grammy-winning pianist to his company, GOOD ...