[work] | Album 4 Beyonce

You're referring to Beyoncé's fourth studio album, which is actually titled "4" (pronounced "Four").

The Impact on Pop Culture

4

Released on June 24, 2011, marked a pivotal shift in ’s career, prioritizing timeless, soulful music over radio-driven pop hits. The Vision Behind "4" album 4 beyonce

Fela Kuti

: Influenced the Afrobeat-inspired energy of "Run the World (Girls)" and the brass-heavy production found elsewhere on the record. You're referring to Beyoncé's fourth studio album, which

Where I Am... Sasha Fierce was split between ballads and bangers, 4 is glorously hybrid. It draws from 1970s Afrobeat (Fela Kuti’s “Water Get No Enemy” is sampled on “Water”), 1990s R&B (the New Jack swing of “Rather Die Young”), and even country-soul (“I Care”). The lead single, “Run the World (Girls),” was dismissed by some critics as chaotic upon release—its pounding Major Lazer production and Nigerian-inspired chant felt alien on Top 40 radio. But it was a mission statement: Beyoncé was no longer playing by pop’s rules. Where I Am

In the years since its release, "4" has been recognized as a landmark album in Beyoncé's discography, marking a pivotal moment in her transition from pop star to global icon. The album's themes of self-empowerment, love, and personal growth have resonated with fans worldwide, inspiring a new generation of artists and music enthusiasts. "4" has also been celebrated for its influence on contemporary pop and R&B, paving the way for future female artists to explore experimental sounds and themes.