Beyoncé releases first new song in two years, 'Morning Dew (Donk)', on Fourth of July
The 35-time Grammy winner surprised fans with a previously unreleased track from the B'Day sessions, kicking off a 60-day countdown to the album's 20th anniversary reissue.
Surprise Fourth of July release
Beyoncé released a new song, "Morning Dew (Donk)," on 4 July 2026 without prior announcement. The track is her first new music since the Cowboy Carter album in March 2024. It arrived on streaming platforms at 9:00 a.m. EST, accompanied by a lyric video.
a direct nod to her loyal BeyHive to commemorate the upcoming epic celebration of B'Day
Song details and credits
The song was co-written by Beyoncé, Pharrell Williams, The-Dream and Darius Dixon, and produced by Beyoncé and Williams. It was reportedly originally intended for the 2006 B'Day album. The lyric video repurposes two-decade-old footage shot by Cliff Watts, who also photographed Beyoncé for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover in 2007.
Countdown to B'Day reissue
The release marks the start of a 60-day countdown to 4 September 2026, which is both Beyoncé's birthday and the 20th anniversary of her second album B'Day. The song will appear on an upcoming 20th anniversary reissue of the album, due on that date. No further details about the reissue have been disclosed.
- B'Day album released, sells 541,196 copies in first week, tops charts in US and Japan.
- Surprise release of 'Morning Dew (Donk)' kicks off 60-day countdown to reissue.
- 20th anniversary reissue of B'Day arrives, featuring the new track.
B'Day's legacy
B'Day was Beyoncé's second number-one album, selling 541,196 copies in its first week after a worldwide release on 4 September 2006 (5 September in the United States). It topped the US Billboard 200 and reached number one on Japan's International Album Chart within three days. The album included singles like "Deja Vu," "Irreplaceable" and "Ring the Alarm," and won Best Contemporary R&B Album at the 2007 Grammy Awards.
Beyoncé's recent work
Beyoncé's previous album, Cowboy Carter, was released in March 2024. It featured collaborations with Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson and Shaboozey, debuted at number one in several countries, and became her first album to top the Top Country Albums chart. A supporting tour followed. The third instalment of a reported trilogy that also includes 2022's Renaissance has not yet been announced.
