Diplo Praises Madonna, Says Newfound Friendship Was Unexpected

There’s no way around it: Diplo — known equally for his music and for his Twitter jabs at celebs like Taylor Swift — had a massively successful 2015. From earning the most streamed song of the year with Major Lazer’s “Lean On” to winning an American Music Award for his work with Justin Bieber and Skrillex on the Jack U track “Where Are U Now," to working with Madonna on her latest release Rebel Heart -- it's been a good year.

Diplo's choosing to shine a spotlight on his relationship with Madonna in particular, praising her for the way she fully integrated him in the recording process and extended herself as a friend in a way he didn't think possible. Diplo posted a photo of the two attending the 2015 Met Gala together to Instagram along with the following lengthy caption:

When I first got a chance to work with @madonna I didn't expect much to come from it. Maybe because she is one of the biggest pop stars of all time. I didn't think she would take me serious just another producer working on a huge album. I didn't expect to make a great friend for life and didn't expect to be such a big part of her record. She showed me a whole other level of dedication and old school work ethic when it comes to writing. I'm proud of the work we did. Those sessions were some of the most fun I have done to date. I played some shows and shot videos with her later in the year but going to the Met ball with Madonna was a highlight of 2015.

And it’s not the first time Diplo’s publicly praised Madonna. Back in July, Diplo spoke with Rolling Stone about the ageism even a living legend like Madonna faces.

He said, "She created the world we live in. It already sucks to be a woman in the music industry, but to be a boss woman is even harder. She sold out her tour in minutes, but no one seems to want her to succeed — ‘Madonna, we’ve been there, done that, now we’re about Kim Kardashian.’ Her song ‘Ghosttown’ was a guaranteed Number One for anybody else, but she didn’t get a fair shot. With ‘Bitch I’m Madonna,’ everyone said there’s no way it will go anywhere, but I’m like, ‘Screw it, it represents you more than anything.'”

See Yearbook Photos of Madonna + More Celebrities