4

4 is the fourth studio album by American singer-songwriter Beyonce. It was released on June 24, 2011, by Parkwood Entertainment and Columbia Records. Beyoncé was inspired to create a record with a basis in traditional rhythm and blues that stood apart from contemporary pop music.

The title and number 4 because it’s her fourth album and the number four is “special” to her, as her and her husband Jay-Z’s birthdays are on the fourth of the month, her wedding anniversary fall on the fourth day of the month and other dates of family and friends involve the number 4.

Following the release of her third album I Am… Sasha Fierce (2008) and a world tour, Beyoncé took a career hiatus in 2010 “to live life and to be inspired by things again”. She severed professional ties with father and manager Mathew Knowles, who had guided her career since the 1990s with Destiny’s Child, noting that the decision made her feel vulnerable.

4 was promoted in mid-2011 by television performances and festival appearances, such as Beyoncé’s headlining Glastonbury Festival set.

During her Life is But a Dream documentary (2013), she said:

“I said I’m going to take a risk and I’m going to bring R&B music back and I’m going to add bridges to songs and chord changes. I’m going to sing about love and do the opposite of what I thought I was going to do. I’m not going to try to be cool, forget being cool, I’m going to be honest, I’m going to be sad, I’m going to be passionate, I’m going to be vulnerable, I’m going to sing from my heart.”

The album came out prematurely, because of a leak. That’s why the deluxe version was released simultaneously with the standard edition in several countries.

Beyoncé did multiple performances of songs during television shows. Beyoncé held the 4 Intimate Nights with Beyoncé concerts at the Roseland Ballroom, subsequently, the Live at Roseland: Elements of 4 DVD was released in November 2011.

Because of her first pregnancy, Beyoncé didn’t go on a world tour, but songs from the album were prominently featured on The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour (2013-2014).

At the 55th Annual Grammy Awards (2013), “Love On Top” won Best Traditional R&B Performance. As of November 2016, 4 had sold 5 million copies worldwide.