Beyoncé sent Madonna a reverent note of gratitude — plus a striking bouquet — days after the release of their collaboration on a new version of “Break My Soul,” which weaves in “Vogue.” At the time of its release in 1990, “Vogue” marked one of the first mainstream pop culture works to spotlight elements from the queer, Black and Latino-led ballroom scene.
“Thank you, Queen,” Beyoncé’s note read, according to an Instagram story Madonna shared on Tuesday. “I’m so grateful for you. You have opened so many doors for so many women. You are masterpiece genius.” (“Masterpiece genius” is a lyric from the third track of “Renaissance,” the immediately beloved “Alien Superstar.”)
“Thank you for allowing me to sing in your song and thank you for naming the remix!!!!” Beyoncé wrote, referencing the official name of their “Break My Soul” collaboration — “The Queens Remix.”
In their remix, Bey shouts out artists who inspire her, including “Queen Mother Madonna” and her sister, Solange, plus Lizzo, Grace Jones (twice!), Aaliyah, Aretha Franklin and her fellow “Destiny’s Child” member and best friend Kelly Rowland. Beyoncé also nods to some of the legendary houses who shaped ballroom culture, including the House of LaBeija and House of Xtravaganza, whose members helped coin much of the lingo Beyoncé dispenses across the album.
Beyoncé pays homage to LGBTQ artists across “Renaissance,” and several Black queer and trans musicians helped shape it, including DJ Honey Dijon, bounce legend Big Freedia and the late New York drag pioneer Moi Renee.
