Moi Renee: The Drag Legend Who Died Too Soon

Moi Renee was a Jamaican-born drag queen who rose to fame in the New York queer club scene in the early 1990s. He was known for his high-camp performance style, his iconic dance single “Miss Honey”, and his appearance on The Sybil Bruncheon Show, a local gay talk show. Moi Renee was one of the inspirations for Beyoncé’s new album, Renaissance, which samples his vocals on the song “Pure/Honey”.

The Rise of Miss Honey

Moi Renee moved to New York City in the late 1970s to study dance at the prestigious Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. He soon became a popular entertainer at various gay venues, such as The Shelter, Midtown 43, Tracks, One Hot Spot, and Better Days. He released his only known recording, “Miss Honey”, in 1992, which was produced by Franklin Fuentes. The song was a ballroom classic and an early example of a “bitch track”, a subgenre of house music that featured sassy and raunchy vocals. The song received heavy airplay at gay dance clubs, tea dances, and balls, and landed Moi Renee a spot on The Sybil Bruncheon Show, where he performed with his backup dancers and his signature neon-green wig and black cutout bodysuit.

The Mystery of Moi Renee’s Death

Moi Renee did not live long enough to see the full extent of his influence and legacy. He was found dead in a hotel room in 1997, at the age of 27. Authorities ruled his death as suicide, but some of his close friends disputed that and believed he was murdered. The exact circumstances and details of his death remain unclear and controversial. Some speculated that he was involved in drugs, prostitution, or a violent relationship. Others suggested that he was a victim of homophobia, racism, or a hate crime. Moi Renee’s death was a tragic loss for the queer community and the dance music scene, and left many questions unanswered.

The Legacy of Moi Renee

Moi Renee’s music and personality have continued to inspire and entertain generations of fans and artists. His song “Miss Honey” was revived and remixed by several DJs and producers, such as Eats Everything, who released a popular bootleg in 2020. The song was also sampled by Beyoncé on her 2022 album, Renaissance, which paid tribute to 12 Black queer icons, including Moi Renee. Beyoncé’s song “Pure/Honey” features Moi Renee’s vocals, along with Kevin Aviance’s “Cunty” and MikeQ’s “Feels Like”. Moi Renee is now remembered as one of the under-appreciated greats of underground house and a pioneer of the bitch track. He is also celebrated as a drag legend who brought joy and glamour to the New York nightlife scene.

Doms Desk

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