John Legend linked up with Ludacris to perform their collaboration “Tonight (Best I Ever Had)” off the Think Like a Man soundtrack on Thursday’s “106 & Park.” Backstage, the Grammy-winning crooner spoke about the G.O.O.D. Music album, 2 Chainz’ affiliation with his label, and his upcoming album. He also defended his friend and boss Kanye West against remarks President Obama made about him being a “jackass.”
On the G.O.O.D. Music album: “The camp is growing. Every week there’s like a new person added, but I believe Q-Tip just signed on and we got a great crew of people. I was the first one in that crew, so I’m honored to be a founding member. I’ve done a few hooks for the album and everybody’s putting in verses.”
On 2 Chainz’ affiliation with G.O.O.D. Music: “He’s already part of the crew ’cause he’s been on at least one song and I think he’s gonna be on some more.”
On the possibility of a Best of Both Worlds-type album with Rick Ross: “If we compiled all the joints we did together, it would almost be a Best of Both Worlds album. I think something about his voice and my voice, they’re both very rich in their tone, and we both like that kinda music that’s hard, but it’s still really luxurious and lush at the same time.”
His response to President Obama calling Kanye a “jackass”: “Kanye is my friend and he’s never treated me like a jackass. He’s one of the most talented artists we know in this generation and I feel very fortunate to be able to work with him.”
John Legend is close to completing his new album, due in September. “It should be done in the next month or two,” he said.