 " Run the World ( Girls ) " is a song recorded by American recording artist Beyoncé , from her fourth studio album 4 ( 2011 ) , released as the lead single from the album on April 21 , 2011 . It was written by Terius " The @-@ Dream " Nash , Beyoncé , Nick " Afrojack " van de Wall , and Ester Dean , with additional songwriting by Rico Love and Patrick " J. 50 Cent " Matheny . The song was produced by The Dream, with additional production by Beyoncé and Afrojack . " Run the World ( Girls ) " is a dance-pop song with an upbeat