's fourth studio album, titled 4, was released on 24 June 2011 through Parkwood Entertainment and Columbia Records. It represented a significant shift in her career, as it was her first project after separating professionally from her father and longtime manager, Mathew Knowles.

Here’s a feature-style piece on Beyoncé’s fourth studio album, commonly referred to as 4.

During a year-long hiatus between 2010 and 2011, Beyoncé took time away from the spotlight to engage in "simple things," like listening to music she truly enjoyed. This period allowed her to conceive an intimate album that departed from the commercially driven sounds of her previous work. She submitted 72 songs to Columbia Records for consideration before narrowing the standard edition down to 12 tracks. Musical Style and Production

: Her daughter Blue Ivy’s middle name is a reference to the Roman numeral Artistic Evolution

End screen: Stream '4' tonight. Start with 'I Care.'

Beyoncé chose the title because the number four is deeply significant to her: her birthday is September 4th, Jay-Z’s is December 4th, and their wedding anniversary is April 4th.

Artistically, she sought to move away from the high-energy production of her previous records to create "classics"—songs that would remain relevant and singable throughout her life. The album was an evolution into a bolder, more mature sound that reflected her growth as a woman and an artist. Musical Style & Themes