Yung Lean Opens Up About His Decision to Distance Himself from Kanye West
In a recent interview, Yung Lean shared his thoughts on his former friendship with Kanye West and why he chose to cut ties with the artist. He explained that his decision was primarily driven by a concern for his mental health and the impact of Kanye's behavior on his well-being.
Yung Lean and Kanye West had a brief association last year, but it didn't last long due to Kanye's erratic behavior and controversial statements. During the interview, Yung Lean revealed that Kanye's mental health struggles played a significant role in his decision to distance himself. He stated, 'Kanye is mentally ill. I've been there, and I feel for him. I think all this stuff he says about Jewish people... I can't defend him, but it's a mentally ill person who still did 'Flashing Lights.' I haven't seen him for a long time because it's too much; I can't be around it.'
He further elaborated on his experience with Kanye, saying, 'When we had dinner three years ago, it was lovely and fun. It was like two kids sharing ideas. But the next time I saw him, the vibe had changed, and the tweets started coming. It was too much.'
Yung Lean emphasized that his decision to distance himself was not about protecting his public image but about safeguarding his mental health. He stated, 'I don't really care about the public stuff, but I felt like I was being dragged into something I didn't want to be a part of. The best thing I could do was not make a song with him. It's more about acknowledging that we've both experienced mania and psychosis, and medication like Lithium works. But he's not going to listen to anyone.'
Despite the distance, Yung Lean acknowledged that Kanye's creativity and contributions to music should be respected. He added, 'I'm not saying I have it all figured out, but right now, I feel very close to my own mental health journey.'
This interview provides insight into the complex dynamics between artists and the challenges they face in maintaining healthy relationships while navigating their careers and personal struggles.