Here’s Why Beyoncé Shouted Out Certain Black Women in Break My Soul Remix

Here’s the connection between Beyonce and the Black women she name dropped in Break My Soul Remix with Madonna

Photo: Getty Images Kevin Mazur / Contributor

Here’s a list of some of the many Black female artists that Beyoncé shouted out in her new remix from icons past, to her besties, people she’s shared the stage with, and the ones she admires from afar.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Two alligators bang on a door at a Florida home and social media is going crazy

Solange

Photo: Getty Images Myrna Suarez / ContributorPhoto: Getty Images Myrna Suarez / Contributor

We have to add the sister first! The talented duo grew up together in the music industry and although their music styles are very different, you can catch them performing together from time to time. Remember that “Get Me Bodied” performance at Coachella?

Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams

Photo: Getty Images Dave Hogan / ContributorPhoto: Getty Images Dave Hogan / Contributor

Of course Yoncé had to add her best friends and the best two people to sing beside her, Kelly and Michelle. Even throughout their solo careers, the three have come together for each other’s projects and keep the tightest lips when it comes to Beyoncé’s personal life, true friends indeed.

Lizzo

Lizzo recently released her fourth studio album, Special, and is now sharing the Billboard charts with the “Lemonade” singer. She posted a short video on Twitter explaining that she always said that she wanted to be a performer like Beyoncé, and now her idol said her name, get it?

Toni Braxton

Photo: AP Chris Pizzello/Invision/APPhoto: AP Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP

As her little sister Tamar calls her, “living legend” Toni Braxton was mentioned in the remix. Although there hasn’t been much public interaction between Beyonce and Toni, Queen Bey did dress up as her for Halloween in 2018.

Alicia Keys

Photo: Getty Images Jeffrey Ufberg / ContributorPhoto: Getty Images Jeffrey Ufberg / Contributor

Alicia Keys is one of Beyoncé’s longtime industry friends. Alicia has worked on a few projects alongside Jay-Z and Bey is also close to the “My Boo” singer’s husband, Swizz Beats. The two do have one song together, “Put It In a Love Song,” which has an unreleased music video deep in Alicia’s archives, maybe we’ll get to see the decade-old project one day.

Tierra Whack

Photo: Getty Images Tim Mosenfelder / ContributorPhoto: Getty Images Tim Mosenfelder / Contributor

Rapper Tierra Whack appeared on Beyonce’s album that accompanied The Lion King, called The Gift. Tierra was criticized for being a part of the album because people felt like featured artists should have been African artists, not Black American. Beyonce continued to support her and even wished her happy birthday on her website. The rapper took to Instagram to acknowledge her shoutout.

Jill Scott

Photo: Getty Images Michael Kovac / StringerPhoto: Getty Images Michael Kovac / Stringer

“Jilly from Philly” is a superfan of Beyonce, with a popular meme to prove her love. After attending the 2018 On the Run Tour II, she recorded a video saying “that’s wtf I’m talkin’ about!” She tweeted her praise for the album and wrote that she was “in tears” after the name drop.

Nina Simone

Photo: Getty Images David Redfern / StaffPhoto: Getty Images David Redfern / Staff

This is not the first time there has been a nod to the famed artist and activist Nina Simone on a Bey project. An audio clip of Simone expressing her love for Black people was included in the 2018 Coachella “Homecoming” performance.

Chloe and Halle Bailey

Photo: Getty Images Kevin Winter / StaffPhoto: Getty Images Kevin Winter / Staff

The princesses of harmonizing, Chloe x Halle, were one of the first talents to be signed to Beyoncé’s record label, Parkwood Entertainment. The two were not new to the “Single Ladies” singer as Chloe played a young Beyoncé in The Fighting Temptations.

Whitney Houston

Photo: Getty Images George Rose / StringerPhoto: Getty Images George Rose / Stringer

When Whitney tragically left us too soon in 2012, Bey wrote a tribute to the artist that she grew up wanting to be. She met the singer and actress when she was only 15 years old. The Beyoncé website also has a a couple of pictures and birthday posts dedicated to the pop music superstar.

Rihanna

Photo: Getty Images Kevin Mazur / ContributorPhoto: Getty Images Kevin Mazur / Contributor

Despite rumors of Rihanna and Beyonce having a falling out surrounding Jay-Z’s cheating, the two seem to be going strong. Riri made an appearance at Jay’s Oscar After-Party this past March, proving her good standings with the Carters. Jay-Z advocated for the Fenty creator to get signed by Def Jam Recordings in 2005.

Nicki Minaj

Photo: Getty Images Jamie McCarthy / StaffPhoto: Getty Images Jamie McCarthy / Staff

The “Flawless” duo first started collaborating in 2014 as Nicki Minaj was asked to be on the remix in exchange for a feature on her The Pinkprint album. They constantly give each other praise on and off social media. Beyonce has many posts on her website dedicated to her bestie.

Santigold

Photo: Getty Images Tim Mosenfelder / ContributorPhoto: Getty Images Tim Mosenfelder / Contributor

Singer and songwriter Santigold took to Twitter to express her gratitude for being mentioned in the remix, tweeting, “Thanks @beyonce Queen Bey for shouting me out amongst these greats, and even more for takin’ it back!” She also thanked her for including so many Black women that do not often get the praise they deserve.

Erykah Badu

Photo: Getty Images Tim Mosenfelder / ContributorPhoto: Getty Images Tim Mosenfelder / Contributor

The Queen of Neo Soul was received a shout out from the Queen Bey. There aren’t many public interactions between the two but a few of Beyoncé’s projects have had a Badu influence.

Janet Jackson

Photo: Getty Images KMazur / ContributorPhoto: Getty Images KMazur / Contributor

The “XO” singer is undoubtedly a Janet fan from her choreography to even dressing up as her for Halloween in 2014. Bey and Kelly Rowland were spotted dancing together at Janet’s Vegas residency show in 2020.

Missy Elliot

Photo: Getty Images JOHANNES EISELE / ContributorPhoto: Getty Images JOHANNES EISELE / Contributor

Missy Elliot gave Yoncé one of her first rapping gigs when she was a teenager on her song, “Nothing Out There for Me.” She was also featured on Missy’s, “Crazy Feelings.” Fingers crossed for more collabs in the future!

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

Halle Berry's Best Movies, Ranked By Box Office

Halle Berry’s Best Movies, Ranked By Box Office

With Halle Berry’s newest heist film in theaters, let’s take a look at some of her most successful films by the box office! …
The Worst Oscars Red Carpet Trainwrecks Over the Years

The Worst Oscars Red Carpet Trainwrecks Over the Years

As the 2026 Oscars nears, let’s take a look at some of celeb faves who’ve had their fair share of fashion misses on the famous red carpet! …
Black Leaders React to Trump's State of the Union

Black Leaders React to Trump’s State of the Union

Hakeem Jeffries, Justin J. Pearson, Scott Colom, Mandela Barnes and more Black leaders had plenty of thoughts after Trump’s State of the Union address …
Why J. Cole's "Everyman" Tour Stunt Is Getting Old

Why J. Cole’s “Everyman” Tour Stunt Is Getting Old

​The superstar rapper has been driving around the country selling CDs out of the trunk of his used Honda Civic …
It's Time For Black People to Consider Wealth Beyond Home Ownership

It’s Time For Black People to Consider Wealth Beyond Home Ownership

Black people have always leaned toward home ownership but the changing housing landscape should have us thinking about other ways to obtaining equity …
Why Black Folks Are <i>Always</i> Expected to Extend Grace When No One Else Will

Why Black Folks Are Always Expected to Extend Grace When No One Else Will

Black folks are being asked to “turn the other cheek” after the BAFTA scandal, but given the deep history of forcing Black people to submit, the wound is still too fresh …
EXCLUSIVE: NAACP President Derrick Johnson Explains His Expectations for State of the Union and What's at Stake for Black Voters

EXCLUSIVE: NAACP President Derrick Johnson Explains His Expectations for State of the Union and What’s at Stake for Black Voters

The Root spoke to NAACP President Derrick Johnson about why he has “no expectations” for Trump’s State of the Union address …
How the Barbz Are Responding to Nicki Minaj Going Full MAGA

How the Barbz Are Responding to Nicki Minaj Going Full MAGA

Following her MAGA events, Nicki Minaj has the Barbz divided with some stuck between sticking beside their Queen or stepping away…for good …
Proof That Jim Crow Era Was Not That Long Ago And Why This is Important to Know

Proof That Jim Crow Era Was Not That Long Ago And Why This is Important to Know

Jim Crow laws were in place not that long ago. Even though many photos from that time are in black and white, the history is far from ancient and the remnants are all around us …
Mississippi Black Woman Desegregated High School—Then Faced Terror and Isolation

Mississippi Black Woman Desegregated High School—Then Faced Terror and Isolation

Mary Smith-Blackmon was among the first Black students in a Canton, MIssissippi school and shared what it was like to eperience integration in isolation …
A Look at Trump’s Most Misleading Claims Before His State of the Union Address

A Look at Trump’s Most Misleading Claims Before His State of the Union Address

Before Trump’s State of the Union address, let’s get into all of the false claims he’s made about the country and what’s really at stake for Republicans …
Black and MAGA Folks Angry At Gavin Newsom For Implying Black People Can't Read... But That's Not The Full Story

Black and MAGA Folks Angry At Gavin Newsom For Implying Black People Can’t Read… But That’s Not The Full Story

Gavin Newsom Is Receiving Backlash Online After Telling Black Folks He’s Just Like Them Because He Can’t Read… Except That’s Not What Happened …
Celeb With Tourette Syndrome Speaks Out After N-Word Remark at BAFTAs, But the Internet Isn't Here for It

Celeb With Tourette Syndrome Speaks Out After N-Word Remark at BAFTAs, But the Internet Isn’t Here for It

John Davidson has finally broken his silence about the racist ordeal at the 2026 BAFTA Awards. But what he has to say isn’t landing too well with folks online …
Why This New York Mom Was Forced to Deliver Her Own Baby Alone in a Hospital Bathroom

Why This New York Mom Was Forced to Deliver Her Own Baby Alone in a Hospital Bathroom

Long Island parents are demanding a hospital to take accountability after they delivered their newborn on-site…but in a bathroom …
DMX's Son Shares 'Spiritual' Moment With His Father As He Transitioned

DMX’s Son Shares ‘Spiritual’ Moment With His Father As He Transitioned

DMX’s son Xavier Simmons is opening up about a truly unbelievable moment he shared with his father as he transitioned …
The State of the Union Address Was <i>Not</i> Supposed to Look As It Does Today

The State of the Union Address Was Not Supposed to Look As It Does Today

Which president gave a 10-minute State of the Union address? Which U.S. president came up with the name? What do Obama and Trump’s speeches have in common? …
7 Times Black Folks Almost Became U.S. President

7 Times Black Folks Almost Became U.S. President

Jesse Jackson, Charlene Mitchell and other Black Americans who ran for president …
Gabourey Sidibe's Husband Has Shocking Health Scare

Gabourey Sidibe’s Husband Has Shocking Health Scare

‘Precious’ star Gabourey Sidibe’s husband is facing a startling health challenge and is now sharing where he stands now with fans …
Black Woman Explains Why She Only Dates AI

Black Woman Explains Why She Only Dates AI

A 34-year-old Black woman told a CBS News correspondent that a chatbot has given her the same satisfaction as a relationship with a human being, but eliminates the risk …
White NYC College Professor Makes Racist Comments on Work Zoom When She Thought She Was on Mute

White NYC College Professor Makes Racist Comments on Work Zoom When She Thought She Was on Mute

Allyson Friedman has identified herself as the college professor caught spewing racist language during a virtual council meeting …