Does Madonna really see a lot of herself in Kanye West? The iconic singer, who collaborated with the rap star on three tracks from her new album 'Rebel Heart', recently revealed that the pair forged a strong bond while working together.

Rebel Heart
'Rebel Heart' is Madonna's 13th studio album

During a recent interview with the New York Daily News, Madonna stated that West is her "comrade" and that they have a close relationship because the duo have both faced criticism in the "envelope-pushing genre" of music.

"Kanye is the black Madonna," she told the publication. "We know, and recognise, that we have that in common. We're comrades in the envelope-pushing genre."

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The 56-year-old singer also explained how 'Rebel Heart' looks back on her storied career, saying that there is "a lot of reminiscing on this album".

"I've been doing what I've been doing for over three decades, so in many ways I feel like a survivor," she said. "I see that many of my peers, and friends, and people I collaborated with are no longer with us. That gave me pause. I said, 'Wow, I can't believe I made it this far.' That was a catalyst for me."

Madonna even addressed her critics who constantly argue that she is too old to be displaying her body in a racy way with what she wears and during her performances.

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"Bitch, this is what my ass looks like - show me what your ass looks like when you're 56," she said. "I take care of myself. I'm in good shape. Who's to say when I can show my ass? It's sexism. It's ageism, and it's a kind of discrimination."

"I mostly hear it from women," the Grammy-winner added. "I feel I should be hearing support - like, 'Good for you'. I'm opening doors for women behind me who one day won't have to deal with this s**t that I deal with."