LONDON, May 11 -- John Legend has described Kanye West's recent behaviour as "shocking" and "sad" in a new interview with The Times of London.

The 46-year-old singer and pianist reflected on their past friendship and working relationship, which began in the early 2000s when West signed Legend to his GOOD Music label.

Legend said West, 47, helped revive his music career at a time when he had been turned down by multiple record labels.

West, who legally changed his name to Ye in 2021, has expressed a preference for being referred to by the mononym in public appearances and on social media.

"It does feel sad, sometimes shocking, to see where he is now," Legend told The Times of London.

"Back then, Kanye was very passionate, very gifted,...