'4' CD Cover

100 Of Beyonce’s Hottest Looks!view gallery

After last night’s mentor appearance on American Idol and the debut of her Run The World (Girls) video, the [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Beyonce[/lastfm] bandwagon is officially off and rolling with the release of her sexy 4 CD cover and finally, an official announcement of the CD’s release date.

Sony has announced that Beyonce‘s fourth studio album will be released on June 28th.  The tracks, which were recorded between 2009 and 2010 include [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Jim Jonsin[/lastfm], [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Ne-Yo[/lastfm], [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Sean Garrett[/lastfm], [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]The Dream[/lastfm], [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Diplo[/lastfm], [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Switch[/lastfm], [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Derek Miller[/lastfm] and [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Frank Ocean[/lastfm] as producers and songwriters.

Beyonce talked about the new CD to Billboard and had this to say:

I started off being inspired by [Afrobeat music pioneer] Fela Kuti. I actually worked with the band from Fela! [the hit Broadway musical based on his life] for a couple of days, just to get the feel for the soul and heart of his music; it’s so sexy, and has a great groove you get lost in. I loved his drums, all the horns, how everything was on the one. What I learned most from Fela was artistic freedom: he just felt the spirit. I also found a lot of inspiration in ’90s R&B, Earth, Wind & Fire, DeBarge, Lionel Richie, Teena Marie… I listened to a lot of Jackson 5 and New Edition, but also Adele, Florence + the Machine, and Prince.

It sounds like Bey‘s musical influences for this CD will be all over the map!  To continue the Beyonce momentum, she’s just filmed a performance to be included in Oprah‘s star-studded finale show next week.

Will you be picking up a copy of 4 when it comes out next month?  Let us know in the comments below.

Related stories:

• VEVO Video Premiere: Beyonce – Run The World (Girls)
• Celebs Come Out To Say Goodbye To The ‘Oprah Winfrey Show’
• Beyonce Let’s Her Fans Choose Her Album Title
• Beyonce Talks About Dropping Dad Inside Billboard Magazine Interview
• Beyonce Is Being Honored By Billboard.com

All-Star Weekend 2011: Beyonce And Jay-Z’s All-Star Date!view gallery

Beyonce Hosts ’2BHAPPY’ Jewelry Launch!view gallery

Beyonce Attends ‘I AM…World Tour’ Screeningview gallery