Beyoncé Releases Second Solo Album B'Day in the United States

B'Day is the second studio album by American singer Beyoncé. It was released to coincide with her twenty-fifth birthday on September 4, 2006, by Columbia Records, Music World Entertainment, and Sony Urban Music. The album was originally planned as a 2004 follow-up to Beyoncé's debut album Dangerously in Love (2003), but was delayed to accommodate the recording of Destiny's Child's final studio album Destiny Fulfilled (2004) and her starring role in the film Dreamgirls (2006). While on vacation after filming Dreamgirls, Beyoncé began contacting various producers and rented Sony Music Studios, completing B'Day in two weeks. Most of the lyrical content of the album was inspired by Beyoncé's role in the film Dreamgirls, particularly the female empowerment themes of her character, Deena Jones, and her relationship with her bandmates. Musically, B'Day is a mix of R&B, hip hop, and funk, with elements of 1970s and 1980s music. The album features production from a variety of producers, including Swizz Beatz, Rich Harrison, and Rodney Jerkins, as well as Beyoncé herself. B'Day received generally positive reviews from music critics, who complimented its musical diversity and Beyoncé's vocal performance. The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200, selling over 541,000 copies in its first week, and was certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). It also topped the charts in several other countries and has sold over eight million copies worldwide. The album's lead single, 'Déjà Vu', featuring Jay-Z, peaked at number four on the US Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Other singles from the album include 'Ring the Alarm', 'Irreplaceable', and 'Beautiful Liar'. B'Day won several awards, including the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B Album at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards.