Speaking on the track Michelle stated in an interview with Billboard magazine "Birthday is just the fun song going out, but I can honestly say this is my best vocal album and you will get those in ballads like "Brain On Love" and "No Not You". That speaks to who I am and the person and the woman that I’ve become. So I just say it's a little piece on this roller coaster journey that the album takes you in."[3]
Critical reception
The song gained positive reviews from critics.
HotNewHipHop gave the track a positive review rating it a 3.7 out of 5 stars stating "Heavy enough for the club but slow enough for the bedroom, "Birthday" starts out as an aqueous R&B track akin to Rihanna's "Needed Me." However, K has some tricks up her sleeve; intensifying her vocal delivery as the song progresses, moving from a cooed approach to a more rhythmic, but still half-sung second verse."[4]Vibe praised the song stating "The song, which is the second single from the forthcoming Kimberly: The People I Used to Know, is perfect for both the club scene and the bedroom, as K. provides smooth, sultry vocals that later transition into a rap that brings major vibes."[3]Rap-Up stated "On the seductive “Birthday,” the Memphis songstress caters to her man. After rolling an L and pouring a drink, K gets right. “Come on eat this cake, it’s your birthday,”".[5]
Music video
"Birthday" was directed by Art by Child in, October 25, 2017.
