It’s not uncommon for artists to collaborate and form friendships, but sometimes, for personal reasons, those connections need to be severed. Yung Lean recently sat down to discuss his past association with Kanye West and the difficult decision he made to step away from their relationship.
A Shift in Vibe
In a candid conversation on the New York Times Popcast, Yung Lean revealed that his brief connection with Kanye West last year ended for a significant reason. He described West as someone who is ‘mentally ill’ and expressed empathy, stating, ‘I feel for him.’ However, he couldn’t defend the controversial statements West has made, particularly those targeting Jewish people, noting that his own grandfather was Jewish.
Yung Lean explained that he hasn’t seen West in a long time because ‘it’s too much’ and he ‘can’t really be around it.’ He recalled a positive dinner they shared about three years prior, describing it as a fun experience where they were ‘like two kids sharing ideas.’ But the next time they met, he felt a distinct shift: ‘the vibe had gone darker, and then the tweets started coming. It was too much.’
Protecting His Own Mental Health
Yung Lean clarified that his decision to distance himself wasn’t about protecting his public image, but rather his own mental well-being. He felt he was being ‘dragged into something’ and that the best course of action was to avoid further collaboration.
He drew parallels to his own experiences, mentioning, ‘I’ve been manic, too, I’ve been psychotic. Lithium works, this works.’ However, he noted that West seems unwilling to listen to advice, which is part of the challenge. Yung Lean emphasized that managing mental health issues, even while maintaining creativity, is possible, and he feels he’s currently in a good place with his own well-being.
The Importance of Boundaries
This situation highlights the delicate balance artists must strike when navigating complex personal relationships, especially when those relationships involve public figures facing significant challenges. Setting boundaries is crucial for self-preservation, even when it means stepping away from potentially high-profile collaborations.
What are your thoughts on Yung Lean’s decision? How do you think artists should handle collaborations with figures facing controversy? Share your views in the comments below!