B’Day was the Beyoncé album named for the singer’s birthday and released in 2006.
The title is a wordplay combining the letter in Beyoncé’s name with “birthday.” The album was released on September 4, 2006, Beyoncé’s 25th birthday, making the title especially direct rather than symbolic or connected to a fictional character.
B’Day followed Dangerously in Love and continued Beyoncé’s development as a solo artist. Its songs include “Déjà Vu,” featuring Jay-Z, “Irreplaceable,” and “Beautiful Liar,” a later duet with Shakira. The record blends R&B, pop, funk, and hip-hop elements.
The title is commonly confused with the number-based album 4, which arrived in 2011. B’Day refers to the 2006 birthday-timed release, while 4 refers to Beyoncé’s fourth studio album and her personal association with that number.