Keyshia Cole#Reality television

Keyshia Myeshia Johnson was born in Oakland, California on October 15, 1981.{{cite news |last1=Kellman |first1=Andy |last2=Birchmeier |first2=Jason |title=Keyshia Cole > Biography, Discography and Credits |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/keyshia-cole-mn0000092107 |access-date=September 30, 2013 |work=AllMusic |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615015520/https://www.allmusic.com/artist/keyshia-cole-mn0000092107 |archive-date=June 15, 2015}} She is the biological daughter of Francine "Frankie" Lons (1960–2021), who struggled with alcohol and crack cocaine addiction, and boxing trainer Virgil Hunter, who was notably absent from her upbringing.{{cite news |last1=Ho |first1=Rodney |title=Frankie Lons on VH1's 'Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew' |url=https://www.ajc.com/blog/radiotvtalk/frankie-lons-vh1-celebrity-rehab-with-drew/vH6RusJXtzAkAQM9V8HOdK/ |work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |date=November 29, 2010 |access-date=January 26, 2014}} The instability resulting from her mother’s addiction, combined with the absence of her biological father, forced an early intervention in Cole’s life; as a result, she was adopted at the age of two by family friends Leon and Yvonne Cole, subsequently changing her last name to Cole.{{cite web |title=Keyshia Cole Meets Her Biological Father After 34 Years |url=https://www.rap-up.com/2016/05/13/keyshia-cole-meets-biological-father/ |work=Rap-Up|author=Andres |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160514102342/https://www.rap-up.com/2016/05/13/keyshia-cole-meets-biological-father/ |archive-date=May 14, 2016 |date=May 13, 2016 |access-date=May 18, 2016 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Williams |first1=Ashley |title=Meet Virgil Hunter ... Keyshia Cole's Biological Father |url=https://www.hiphollywood.com/2016/05/meet-virgil-hunter-keyshia-coles-biological-father/ |work=HipHollywood |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160516160220/https://www.hiphollywood.com/2016/05/meet-virgil-hunter-keyshia-coles-biological-father/ |archive-date=May 16, 2016 |date=May 13, 2016 |access-date=May 18, 2016 |url-status=live}} Cole has biological and adopted siblings; including her brothers Sean and Sam, her younger sister Elite Noel, and her older sister Neffeteria "Neffe" Pugh.{{cite news |last1=Bain |first1=Ellissa |title=How many siblings does Keyshia Cole have? Meet her brothers and sisters |url=https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2021/07/20/keyshia-cole-siblings/ |access-date=November 6, 2021 |work=HITC |date=July 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210722100657/https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2021/07/20/keyshia-cole-siblings/ |archive-date=July 22, 2021}}

At an early age, Cole discovered a passion for music.{{cite web |last1=Smith |first1=Christopher |title=Keyshia Cole "Has A Lot To Say" on Season Premiere of TV One's 'Uncensored' |url=https://103weup.com/2022/03/06/keyshia-cole-has-a-lot-to-say-on-season-premiere-of-tv-ones-uncensored/ |publisher=WEUP-FM |access-date=May 2, 2022 |date=March 6, 2022}} When she was 12 years old, her brother Sean (also known as Nutt-So), himself involved in local music, introduced her to MC Hammer, with whom she had the opportunity to record background vocals for. During this formative period, she also formed a friendship with rapper Tupac Shakur, who promised to support her burgeoning music career. Tragically, Shakur was fatally shot in a drive-by shooting the same night he asked Cole to write a hook for his upcoming project at the time.{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/nydn-features/cole-mines-mettle-keyshia-cole-doesn-play-nice-article-1.648491|title=Keyshia Cole Doesn't Play Nice|newspaper=New York Daily News|first=Jim |last=Farber|date=April 7, 2006|access-date=December 12, 2011}}{{cite web|url=http://www.ohio.com/the330entertainment/r-b-singer-keyshia-cole-tries-to-show-different-side-1.105048|title=R&B singer Keyshia Cole tries to show different side|website=Contra Costa Times|first=Chuck |last=Barney|date=December 31, 2008|access-date=December 12, 2011|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120908065039/http://www.ohio.com/the330entertainment/r-b-singer-keyshia-cole-tries-to-show-different-side-1.105048|archive-date=September 8, 2012}}

At the age of 16, she became a participant at the East Oakland Youth Development Center (EOYDC), a local nonprofit dedicated to empowering young people through educational and recreational programs.{{Cite web|url=http://www.oaklandmagazine.com/Oakland-Magazine/July-August-2009/EOYDC-A-Beacon-for-Oakland-Youth/|title=EOYDC: A Beacon for Oakland Youth - Oakland Magazine|first=Marcus W. |last=Thompson II |date= July–August 2009 |location= Oakland, California|work=oaklandmagazine.com|language=en|access-date=January 26, 2014|archive-date=August 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819102521/http://www.oaklandmagazine.com/Oakland-Magazine/July-August-2009/EOYDC-A-Beacon-for-Oakland-Youth/|url-status=dead}} Cole initially attended Fremont High School in Oakland before transferring to and graduating from Tracy High School in Tracy, California, in the class of 2000.{{cite web |last1=Young |first1=Susan |title=Keyshia Cole comes home |url=https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2006/07/13/keyshia-cole-comes-home/ |work=East Bay Times |access-date=August 23, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200725182132/https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2006/07/13/keyshia-cole-comes-home/ |archive-date=July 25, 2020 |date=July 13, 2006 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Keyshia Cole - Class of 2000 |url=http://tracyhighschool.org/tracy-ca/alumni/3992895/keyshia-cole.html |work=Tracy High School |access-date=September 26, 2019}} Reflecting on her formative years, Cole stated, "My childhood was not easy. I went through a lot of trials and tribulations [...] no matter what their situation is, no matter where [you] come from, no matter where [you] are, no matter who [you] are - with faith, you can always accomplish your goals. I did it and survived, and so can [you]."{{cite web |title=The Compelling Finale of BET's Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is Captures the Essence of a Young Star's Real-Life Struggle for Success |url=https://www.top40-charts.com/news.php?nid=25947&cat= |website=Top40-Charts |access-date=January 26, 2014 |date=August 15, 2006}}

At the age of 17, Cole departed from her foster home in Oakland to live with her then-boyfriend after her adoptive mother rejected her artistic ambitions.{{cite web |last=Hope |first=Clover |title=Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is Album Review |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/keyisha-cole-the-way-it-is/ |access-date=December 18, 2022 |website=Pitchfork |date=December 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221218052043/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/keyisha-cole-the-way-it-is/ |archive-date=December 18, 2022 |url-status=live}} After discovering his infidelity, Cole soon moved from Oakland to Los Angeles to pursue a professional music career. Within weeks of arriving, she secured a day job and moved into one of three apartments owned by her uncle.{{cite web |author=Grouchy Greg Watkins |title=Keyshia Cole: It's Like That |url=https://allhiphop.com/alternatives/keyshia-cole-its-like-that/ |website=AllHipHop|date=December 14, 2004 |access-date=August 23, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220327141344/https://allhiphop.com/alternatives/keyshia-cole-its-like-that/ |archive-date=March 27, 2022 |url-status=live}} Cole began working with Bay Area artists; appearing on the remix of Messy Marv's "Nubian Queen", featured on his third album Still Explosive (2001), and contributing backing vocals to the D'Wayne Wiggins–produced soundtrack for the independent film Me & Mrs. Jones (2002). Cole was initially poised to join a short-lived girl group called Grip while working with producer Damon Elliott.{{cite magazine|last=Diehl|first=Matt|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yiYEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA122|title=Keyshia Cole: California Love|date=October 1, 2004|magazine=Vibe|volume=12|number=10|page=122|issn=1070-4701|accessdate=September 23, 2014}}{{cite magazine |title=Keyshia Cole: Soul Survivor |url=https://www.essence.com/news/keyshia-cole-soul-survivor/ |access-date=September 23, 2014 |magazine=Essence |date=December 16, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227051552/https://www.essence.com/news/keyshia-cole-soul-survivor/ |archive-date=February 27, 2021 |url-status=live}} However, Elliott offered her a solo production contract instead, recognizing her talent. Reflecting on the opportunity, Cole stated, "I'd rather be solo because I do everything in the group anyway. They're just pretty. We were gonna get, like, a $30,000 advance and split it ten/ten/ten; but I figured, 'Why should I give them my $20,000 when I can get it myself?'". Cole ultimately declined the group deal and went on to record songs with Elliott. In 2002, Cole was introduced to A&M Records{{'}} A&R executive Ron Fair, whom signed her to the label signed her after hearing an unfinished demo, immediately mentoring her on artist development and studio production techniques.{{cite book |last1=George |first1=Nelson |last2=Carr |first2=Daphne |title=Best Music Writing 2008 |date=October 20, 2008 |isbn=978-0-306-81734-2 |page=43 |publisher=Hachette Books |edition=1st |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vtBj4psmJlcC&pg=PA43 |access-date=August 23, 2014}}

Cole's first official release was the single "Never", featuring Eve, which appeared on the soundtrack of the Kevin Rodney Sullivan-directed comedy film Barbershop 2: Back in Business (2004); it combined hip hop beats with her vocals and was released to urban radio formats in March 2004.{{cite news |last1=Brown |first1=Preezy |title=10 Years Later: Keyshia Cole's Debut Album 'The Way It Is' Speaks to a Generation of Women Looking for Loyalty and Love |url=https://theboombox.com/keyshia-cole-the-way-it-is-album/ |access-date=October 9, 2015 |work=The Boombox |date=June 19, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150620232849/https://theboombox.com/keyshia-cole-the-way-it-is-album/ |archive-date=June 20, 2015}}{{AllMusic | id= never-mw0000330908 | title= Keyshia Cole - "Never" | access-date= October 9, 2015}} In anticipation of her debut album, Cole and DJ Green Lantern issued the mixtape, Team Invasion Presents Keyshia Cole in February 2005, featuring remixes of popular hip hop instrumentals alongside original song snippets.{{cite web |title=Keyshia Cole - Team Invasion Presents Keyshia Cole |url=https://www.albumoftheyear.org/album/430585-keyshia-cole-team-invasion-presents-keyshia-cole.php |work=Album of the Year |access-date=December 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230218012003/https://www.albumoftheyear.org/album/430585-keyshia-cole-team-invasion-presents-keyshia-cole.php |archive-date=February 18, 2023 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Love |first=Gale |title=Keyshia Cole's Best Collaborations |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/645769-keyshia-cole-collaborations |website=HotNewHipHop |date=March 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230314164030/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/645769-keyshia-cole-collaborations |archive-date=March 14, 2023 |url-status=live |access-date=June 24, 2023}}

Cole released her debut album, The Way It Is, on June 21, 2005, through A&M Records; it debuted at number six on the Billboard 200 and sold 89,000 copies in its first week.{{cite web | url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-way-it-is-mw0000352485 | title=The Way It Is – Keyshia Cole > Overview | work=AllMusic | access-date=September 26, 2012 | last=Kellman|first=Andy}}{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/62433/coldplay-logs-a-third-week-a-no-1 |title=Coldplay Logs A Third Week A No. 1 |last=Whitmir |first=Margo |magazine=Billboard |access-date=May 27, 2009 |date=June 29, 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140622205816/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/62433/coldplay-logs-a-third-week-a-no-1 |archive-date=June 22, 2014 |url-status=live}} The album features guest appearances from Jadakiss, Chink Santana, Metro City and Eve; and was produced by Cole, Ron Fair, Sean Garrett, Kerry Brothers Jr., John Legend, Chink Santana and Kanye West, among others.{{cite AV media notes|title= The Way It Is |year= 2005 |type= booklet |publisher= A&M}} It spawned the singles "I Changed My Mind", "(I Just Want It) To Be Over", "I Should Have Cheated" and "Love". All appeared within the top-40 of the Billboard{{'}}s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, with "I Should Have Cheated", and "Love" reaching the top-ten.{{Cite magazine|title=Keyshia Cole - Chart History |url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=keyshia cole|chart=all}}|access-date=July 12, 2012|magazine=Billboard|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121193933/https://www.billboard.com/artist/keyshia-cole/chart-history/|archive-date=November 21, 2021}} Upon its release, The Way It Is received generally positive reviews from music critics, who praised Cole's vocals and musical themes.{{cite web |title=Reviews for The Way It Is by Keyshia Cole |url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/the-way-it-is/keyshia-cole |access-date=September 26, 2012 |work=Metacritic |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202025438/https://www.metacritic.com/music/the-way-it-is/keyshia-cole |archive-date=February 2, 2015 |url-status=live}} It received a platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and earned her several accolades, including an NAACP Image Award nomination and two Soul Train Music Award nominations at both ceremonies in 2006, respectively.{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=KEYSHIA+COLE|title=Searchable Database|publisher=Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA)|at=Search: Keyshia Cole|access-date=March 19, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170303042646/https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=KEYSHIA+COLE|archive-date=March 3, 2017 |url-status=live}}{{cite magazine |title=R. Kelly Leads Soul Train Award Nominees |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/r-kelly-leads-soul-train-award-nominees-59821/ |access-date=December 14, 2008 |magazine=Billboard |date=February 2, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424190938/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/r-kelly-leads-soul-train-award-nominees-59821/ |archive-date=April 24, 2022 |url-status=live}}{{cite magazine |title=Mariah, Kanye, Alicia Lead NAACP Image Noms |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/mariah-kanye-alicia-lead-naacp-image-noms-60063/ |access-date=November 29, 2008 |magazine=Billboard |date=January 11, 2006}} To further promote the album, Cole served as a supporting act on Kanye West's Touch the Sky Tour, which took place from October to December 2005.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/61456/kanye-confirms-fall-tour-with-common-fantasia|title=Kanye Confirms Fall Tour With Common, Fantasia|date=September 14, 2005|magazine=Billboard|access-date=January 27, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180624141317/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/61456/kanye-confirms-fall-tour-with-common-fantasia|archive-date=June 24, 2018|url-status=live}}

In June 2006, Cole was featured on "(When You Gonna) Give It Up to Me" by Sean Paul from the soundtrack of the romantic dance film Step Up (2006).{{cite web|url=http://www.fmqb.com/article.asp?id=69239#2005|title=FMQB: CHR|work=FMQB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130602195200/http://fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=69239#2005|archive-date=2 June 2013|access-date=October 11, 2014}} It reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a top-20 hit in several other countries, including Canada, Switzerland and Finland.{{cite web |title=Sean Paul feat. Keyshia Cole – (When You Gonna) Give It Up To Me |url=http://swisscharts.com/song/Sean-Paul-feat.-Keyshia-Cole/(When-You-Gonna)-Give-It-Up-To-Me-251182 |work=Swiss Hitparade |publisher=Hung Medien |access-date=June 25, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170925172711/http://swisscharts.com/song/Sean-Paul-feat.-Keyshia-Cole/(When-You-Gonna)-Give-It-Up-To-Me-251182 |archive-date=September 25, 2017 |url-status=live}} On July 9, 2006, it was reported that Cole had signed with BET for a reality series, Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is.{{cite news |title=BET To Televise Reality Series Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is |url=https://singersroom.com/content/2006-07-09/bet-to-televise-reality-series-keyshia-cole-the-way-it-is/ |access-date=September 19, 2014 |work=Singersroom |date=July 9, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808064655/https://singersroom.com/content/2006-07-09/bet-to-televise-reality-series-keyshia-cole-the-way-it-is/ |archive-date=August 8, 2020}} Chronicling her personal life, family dynamics and professional career, the series premiered three days following its announcement.{{cite web |title=BET's Top Reality Show Stars |url=https://www.bet.com/photo-gallery/34x0ws/bet-s-top-reality-show-stars/6wmewe |website=BET |access-date=September 19, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230710205452/https://www.bet.com/photo-gallery/34x0ws/bet-s-top-reality-show-stars/6wmewe |archive-date=July 10, 2023 |url-status=live}} The first season of the series, which consisted of six episodes, concluded on August 16, 2006.{{cite web |title=Watch Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is |url=https://www.yidio.com/show/keyshia-cole-the-way-it-is |website=Yidio |access-date=September 19, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100717190613/https://www.yidio.com/show/keyshia-cole-the-way-it-is |archive-date=July 17, 2010 |url-status=live}}

File:Keyshia Cole.jpg in 2007]]

After A&M Records folded through a merger with Octone Records in early 2007, Cole was drafted by the Universal Music Group and Interscope Records boss Jimmy Iovine to its subsidiary label Geffen Records.{{cite magazine | last = Todd | first = Martens | title = Interscope Geffen A&M Shifting To Octone | magazine = Billboard | date = February 20, 2007 | url = http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/content_display/industry/e3i00c30daf8fb3b8f13ac1a1dbdc1e2cb2 | access-date = February 8, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080401155957/http://www.billboard.biz:80/bbbiz/content_display/industry/e3i00c30daf8fb3b8f13ac1a1dbdc1e2cb2 |archive-date=April 1, 2008}} In March 2007, Cole was featured on Diddy's single "Last Night", taken from his fourth album Press Play (2006).{{cite web|last1=Saney |first1=Daniel |title=P Diddy: 'Last Night' |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/music/music-videos/a43282/p-diddy-last-night/ |access-date=October 11, 2014 |work=Digital Spy |date=February 28, 2007}} A worldwide success, it reached the top-ten in over five countries, including the United States, where it spent 22 consecutive weeks charting on the Billboard Hot 100.International chart positions of "Last Night":

• Finland: {{cite web |title=P. Diddy feat. Keyshia Cole – Last Night |url=https://finnishcharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=P%2E+Diddy+feat%2E+Keyshia+Cole&titel=Last+Night&cat=s |work=Musiikkituottajat |publisher=Hung Medien |access-date=August 2, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019112046/https://finnishcharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=P%2E+Diddy+feat%2E+Keyshia+Cole&titel=Last+Night&cat=s |archive-date=October 19, 2012 |language=Finnish |url-status=live}}
• Ireland: {{cite web |title=The Irish Charts – Search Results – Last Night |url=http://irishcharts.ie/search/placement?page=1&search_type=title&placement=Last+Night |work=Irish Singles Chart |access-date=September 4, 2009}}
• Bulgaria and Portugal: {{cite web |url = https://acharts.co/song/11888 |title = Diddy and Keyshia Cole  – Last Night  – Music Charts |access-date = August 2, 2010|publisher = aCharts.co}} At the 2007 BET Awards, "Last Night" received a nomination for Best Collaboration and was performed by the duo alongside Lil' Kim during the award ceremony.{{cite web |title=2007 BET Awards Performances and Highlights |url=https://www.bet.com/photo-gallery/9mtk9i/2007-bet-awards-performances-and-highlights/0b4v3b |access-date=October 11, 2014 |work=BET |date=June 26, 2007}}

On September 25, 2007, Cole released her second album Just like You, to generally favorable reviews from music critics.{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Just-Like-You-Keyshia-Cole/dp/B000VDDCHO|title=Just Like You: Music: Keyshia Cole|access-date=March 16, 2010|work=Amazon|archive-date=December 5, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091205090549/https://www.amazon.com/Just-Like-You-Keyshia-Cole/dp/B000VDDCHO|url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Reviews for Just Like You by Keyshia Cole |url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/just-like-you/keyshia-cole |access-date=July 24, 2012 |work=Metacritic |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141013075227/https://www.metacritic.com/music/just-like-you/keyshia-cole |archive-date=October 13, 2014 |url-status=live}} For the album, she worked with various producers, including Scott Storch, Rodney Jerkins, Bryan-Michael Cox, Cainon Lamb and The Runners, among others.{{cite web |last1=Kellman |first1=Andy | url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/just-like-you-mw0000584895/credits | title=Just like You – Keyshia Cole > Overview | work=AllMusic | access-date=October 12, 2014 }} A commercial success, the album debuted at number two on the US Billboard 200 and number one on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts, selling 281,000 copies in its first week and was certified platinum in the United States for sales of one million copies.{{cite magazine |last1=Hasty |first1=Katy |title=Rascal Flatts Races To No. 1 In Debut-Heavy Week |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1048649/rascal-flatts-races-to-no-1-in-debut-heavy-week |access-date=October 4, 2007 |magazine=Billboard |date=October 3, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220113063254/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/rascal-flatts-races-to-no-1-in-debut-heavy-week-1048649/ |archive-date=January 13, 2022}}{{cite news |last1=Patryk |first1=Robb |title=Flashback Soul: Keyshia Cole Has Got To Get (Her) Heart Back |url=https://www.soultracks.com/flashback-soul-keyisha-cole-got-to-get |work=SoulTracks |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925195737/https://www.soultracks.com/flashback-soul-keyisha-cole-got-to-get |archive-date=September 25, 2021|access-date=October 11, 2014}}{{cite news |last1=Zisook |first1=Brian |title=Keyshia Cole's Just Like You Reaches Platinum |url=https://djbooth.net/features/keyshia-coles-just-like-you-1212071 |access-date=October 11, 2014 |work=DJBooth |date=December 12, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180222180429/https://djbooth.net/.amp/features/keyshia-coles-just-like-you-1212071 |archive-date=February 22, 2018 |url-status=live}} The lead single, "Let It Go" (featuring Missy Elliott and Lil' Kim), marked Cole's first top-ten hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 as a lead artist moreover her first number-one hit on Billboard{{'}}s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs; eventually receiving a platinum certification in the United States. The follow-up "Shoulda Let You Go" (featuring Amina Harris), reached number 41 on the Hot 100 and the top-ten of the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, peaking at number six. The third and fourth singles, "I Remember" and "Heaven Sent", both reached the top-30 of the Hot 100 and number-one on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, spending seven and nine consecutive weeks at the summit, respectively. Cole received a variety of accolades for the album, including four Grammy Award nominations and three BET Award nominations.{{cite web |title=All GRAMMY Awards and Nominations for Keyshia Cole |url=https://www.grammy.com/artists/keyshia-cole/16529 |work=Grammy.com |access-date=October 11, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529085544/https://www.grammy.com/artists/keyshia-cole/16529 |archive-date=May 29, 2022 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |author=Press, Associated |author-link=Associated Press |title=T-Pain nabs five BET Award noms |url=https://variety.com/2008/film/awards/t-pain-nabs-five-bet-award-noms-1117985734/ |access-date=August 6, 2011 |work=Variety |date=May 15, 2008}}

Aside from her music success, Cole made her acting debut with a cameo role in the Ian Iqbal Rashid-directed film How She Move, released in January 2008 and grossed $8.6 million worldwide.{{cite web |title=First Look: How She Move |url=http://www.blackfilm.com/20071108/features/howshemove.shtml |publisher=Blackfilm.com |access-date=June 10, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080725112917/http://www.blackfilm.com/20071108/features/howshemove.shtml |archive-date=July 25, 2008 |date=November 2007 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=How She Move |year=2008 |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0770810/ |work=IMDb|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200906183647/https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0770810/ |archive-date=September 6, 2020 |url-status=live}} Throughout early to mid-2008, Cole made several guest appearances on songs including the singles: "I Got a Thang for You" (with rapper Trina), "Boyfriend/Girlfriend" (with hip hop quartet C-Side), and "Game's Pain" (with rapper The Game), respectively. Additionally, Cole was scheduled to make a cameo on Missy Elliott's album, Block Party, which was originally intended to be released that year.{{cite magazine|last=Watson|first=Margeaux|title=In the studio with Missy Elliott|url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20059023,00.html|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=September 28, 2007|access-date=March 10, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071017143703/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20059023,00.html|archive-date=October 17, 2007|url-status=dead}} The third and final season of Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is premiered via BET on November 11, 2008, and marked the highest-rated season premiere for the network, with a total of 1.94 million viewers.{{cite news |title=BET Wins Big with the Record-Breaking Return of Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is and the Powerful Sneak Peek of New Series Brothers to Brutha |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/ratings/2008/11/13/bet-wins-big-with-the-record-breaking-return-of-keyshia-cole-the-way-it-is-and-the-powerful-sneak-peek-of-new-series-brothers-to-brutha--29525/20081113bet02/ |access-date=October 12, 2014 |work=The Futon Critic |date=November 13, 2008}}

Cole's third album A Different Me was released on December 16, 2008.{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/A-Different-Me-Keyshia-Cole/dp/B001MYHG0K|title=A Different Me: Music: Keyshia Cole|access-date=March 16, 2010|work=Amazon|archive-date=December 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141201184617/https://www.amazon.com/A-Different-Me-Keyshia-Cole/dp/B001MYHG0K|url-status=live}} The album debuted at number two on the US Billboard 200 chart, with 322,000 copies sold in its first-week of sales, and received a platinum certification by the RIAA for selling more than a million copies.{{cite magazine|last=Cohen|first=Jonathan|date=December 24, 2008|title=Taylor Swift Trumps Big Debuts To Stay No. 1|magazine=Billboard|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1481216/taylor-swift-trumps-big-debuts-to-stay-no-1|access-date=December 24, 2008}} The singles, "Playa Cardz Right" (featuring Tupac Shakur), "You Complete Me" and "Trust" (with Monica), all reached the lower-half of the Billboard Hot 100 and the top-ten of the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. To promote the album, she served as a supporting act for Lil Wayne's I Am Music Tour, which ran from December 14, 2008, to April 10, 2009.{{cite news |last1=Kaufman |first1=Gil |title=Lil Wayne Announces Dates For I Am Music Tour |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/8xsl1n/lil-wayne-announces-dates-for-i-am-music-tour |access-date=October 12, 2014 |work=MTV News |date=November 25, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208123129/https://www.mtv.com/news/8xsl1n/lil-wayne-announces-dates-for-i-am-music-tour |archive-date=December 8, 2022}} Shortly after the tour ended, Cole embarked on her first headlining concert tour, A Different Me Tour, which began on May 13 and concluded on June 21, 2009.{{cite news |last1=Barker |first1=Micheal |title=Keyshia Cole and The-Dream Preps A Different Me Tour |url=https://music.mxdwn.com/2009/05/03/news/keyshia-cole-and-the-dream-preps-a-different-me-tour/ |access-date=October 12, 2014 |work=Mxdwn |date=May 3, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210919120953/https://music.mxdwn.com/2009/05/03/news/keyshia-cole-and-the-dream-preps-a-different-me-tour/ |archive-date=September 19, 2021 |url-status=live}} Throughout this time, Cole was featured as the cover artist on several magazines such as the January issues of Jet and WordUp!, the March 2009 issue of Vibe, and the summer 2009 final double-cover issue of King.Magazine covers in 2009:

• Jet: {{cite news |last1=Singh |first1=Navjosh |title=Keyshia Cole covers 'Jet' Magazine |url=https://hiphop-n-more.com/2009/01/keyshia-cole-covers-jet-magazine/ |work=HipHop-N-More |date=January 7, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130601124604/https://hiphop-n-more.com/2009/01/keyshia-cole-covers-jet-magazine/ |archive-date=June 1, 2013 |url-status=live}}
• Vibe: {{cite web |author1=Vibe |title=Vibe Magazine: Keyshia Cole - Cover 1 of 2 (March 2009) |url=https://www.amazon.com/VIBE-Magazine-Keyshia-Cole-Cover/dp/B00243U1WS |via=Amazon |publisher=Wall Periodicals Online |asin=B00243U1WS |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130629022342/https://www.amazon.com/VIBE-Magazine-Keyshia-Cole-Cover/dp/B00243U1WS |archive-date=June 29, 2013 |pages=123 |year=2009 |url-status=live}}
• WordUp!: {{cite book |author1=Word Up! |title=Word Up! Magazine Keyshia Cole Unknown Binding – January 1, 2009 |url=https://www.amazon.com/Word-Up-Magazine-Keyshia-Cole/dp/B004TGPQVO |via=Amazon |asin=B004TGPQVO |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130629173535/https://www.amazon.com/Word-Up-Magazine-Keyshia-Cole/dp/B004TGPQVO |archive-date=June 29, 2013 |year=2009 |url-status=live}}
• King: {{cite news |last1=Gary |first1=Dustin |title=Keyshia Cole Covers May 2009 King Magazine (Final Issue) |url=https://gossiponthis.com/2009/04/08/keyshia-cole-covers-may-2009-king-magazine-final-issue/ |work=Gossip On This |date=April 8, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101231172153/https://gossiponthis.com/2009/04/08/keyshia-cole-covers-may-2009-king-magazine-final-issue/ |archive-date=December 31, 2010 |url-status=live}} In November 2009, at the Soul Train Music Awards, Cole earned a nomination in the Best Collaboration category for "Trust" (with Monica).{{cite news|last=Mitchell|first=Gail|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/beyonce-maxwell-keri-hilson-lead-nominations-for-soul-train-awards-return-266959/|title=Beyoncé, Maxwell, Keri Hilson Lead Nominations For Soul Train Awards Return|magazine=Billboard|date=October 23, 2009|access-date=October 13, 2014|archive-date=May 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520161200/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/beyonce-maxwell-keri-hilson-lead-nominations-for-soul-train-awards-return-266959/|url-status=live}}

On June 27, 2010, Cole returned to the public eye, filling in for Hayley Williams to perform the chorus to B.o.B's "Airplanes (Part II)" featuring Eminem during the 2010 BET Awards.{{cite news |last1=Crosley |first1=Hillary |title=Eminem Joins B.o.B At BET Awards For 'Airplanes'/ 'Not Afraid' Medley |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/8lcyqc/eminem-joins-bob-at-bet-awards-for-airplanes-not-afraid-medley |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230613222801/https://www.mtv.com/news/8lcyqc/eminem-joins-bob-at-bet-awards-for-airplanes-not-afraid-medley |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 13, 2023 |access-date=October 13, 2014 |work=MTV News |date=June 27, 2010}} Cole's fourth studio album, Calling All Hearts, was released on December 21, 2010, via Geffen Records. The album featured guest appearances from Nicki Minaj, Tank, Faith Evans, Timbaland, and her adoptive mother Yvonne Cole.{{cite press release|date=December 7, 2010|title=Calling All Hearts New CD from R&B Sensation Keyshia Cole Set for December 21st Release|agency=PR Newswire|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/calling-all-hearts-new-cd-from-rb-sensation-keyshia-cole-set-for-december-21st-release-111493629.html|access-date=December 28, 2010|archive-date=December 23, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101223121733/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/calling-all-hearts-new-cd-from-rb-sensation-keyshia-cole-set-for-december-21st-release-111493629.html|url-status=live}} The album's lead single, "I Ain't Thru" (featuring Nicki Minaj), premiered on November 23, 2010, with a Benny Boom–directed video shot on location in New York City and documented in behind‑the‑scenes footage by Rap‑Up TV.{{cite web |last=Lazerine |first=Devin |title=Keyshia Cole - 'I Ain't Thru' f/ Nicki Minaj + 'Long Way Down' |url=https://www.rap-up.com/2010/11/23/videos-keyshia-cole-i-aint-thru-f-nicki-minaj-long-way-down/ |work=Rap-Up |access-date=December 28, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101127115709/https://www.rap-up.com/2010/11/23/videos-keyshia-cole-i-aint-thru-f-nicki-minaj-long-way-down/ |archive-date=November 27, 2010 |date=November 23, 2010 |url-status=live}} The follow‑up promotional single, "Long Way Down", was similarly accompanied by a Benny Boom–directed video starring Cole and her then-fiancé Daniel Gibson, which premiered in December 2010. Calling All Hearts received mixed to positive reviews from music critics and opened at number nine on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling 128,000 copies in its first week.{{cite web |title=Reviews for Calling All Hearts by Keyshia Cole |url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/calling-all-hearts/keyshia-cole |access-date=September 26, 2012 |work=Metacritic |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160320104613/http://www.metacritic.com/music/calling-all-hearts/keyshia-cole |archive-date=March 20, 2016 |url-status=live}} In January 2011, Cole announced via Twitter that she had parted ways with longtime manager Manny Halley and left his Imani Entertainment label following the album’s lower‑than‑expected sales and chart performance.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/473524/keyshia-cole-fires-manager-in-wake-of-declining-sales|title=Keyshia Cole Fires Manager in Wake of Declining Sales|first=Jazmine|last=Gray|magazine=Billboard |date=January 21, 2011|access-date=October 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130529040548/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/473524/keyshia-cole-fires-manager-in-wake-of-declining-sales|archive-date=May 29, 2013|url-status=live}} The album's second official single, "Take Me Away", impacted urban contemporary radio in February 2011 and reached number 27 on Billboard{{'}}s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.{{Cite web |url=http://charts.bdsradio.com/bdsradiocharts/charts.aspx?formatid=5 |title=BDSRadio Charts |access-date=October 13, 2014 |archive-date=March 23, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110323201240/http://charts.bdsradio.com/bdsradiocharts/charts.aspx?formatid=5 |url-status=bot: unknown }} To support Calling All Hearts, Cole joined R. Kelly's Love Letter Tour as an opening act from June 16 to July 3, 2011, performing in arenas across the United States alongside Marsha Ambrosius and K. Michelle as part of the lineup announcement on April 19, 2011.{{cite news |last1=Lazerine |first1=Devin |title=R. Kelly Announces Love Letter Tour with Keyshia Cole, Marsha Ambrosius |url=https://www.rap-up.com/2011/04/19/r-kelly-announces-love-letter-tour-with-keyshia-cole-marsha-ambrosius/ |access-date=October 12, 2014 |work=Rap-Up |date=April 19, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013230841/http://www.rap-up.com/2011/04/19/r-kelly-announces-love-letter-tour-with-keyshia-cole-marsha-ambrosius/ |archive-date=October 13, 2012 |url-status=live}}

In September 2011, Cole began work on her fifth studio album, with a planned February 2012 release date for the then‑untitled record.{{cite web |url=https://www.rap-up.com/2011/09/20/keyshia-cole-readies-new-album-for-february/ |title=Keyshia Cole Readies New Album for February |work=Rap-Up |date=September 20, 2011 |access-date=August 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121215044633/https://www.rap-up.com/2011/09/20/keyshia-cole-readies-new-album-for-february/|archive-date=December 15, 2012|url-status=live}} That album, Woman to Woman, was released on November 19, 2012.{{cite news|first=Steve|last=Jones|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/2012/11/19/album-of-the-week-keyshia-coles-woman-to-woman/1715689/|title=Album of the week: Keyshia Cole's 'Woman to Woman'|work=USA Today|date=November 19, 2012|access-date=November 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130203063127/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/2012/11/19/album-of-the-week-keyshia-coles-woman-to-woman/1715689/|archive-date=February 3, 2013}} In the United States, the album debuted at number 10 on the Billboard 200 chart, moving 96,000 copies in its first week and securing the number two spot on the Top R&B/Hip‑Hop Albums chart.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/chart-juice-keyshia-coles-woman-to-woman-album-debuts-at-no-2-on-473940/|title=Keyshia Cole's Woman to Woman Album Debuts at No. 2 on R&B/Hip-Hop Chart|first=Keith|last=Caulfield|magazine=Billboard|date=November 30, 2012|access-date=December 12, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221030190233/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/chart-juice-keyshia-coles-woman-to-woman-album-debuts-at-no-2-on-473940/|archive-date=October 30, 2022}} The lead single from the album, "Enough of No Love" (featuring Lil Wayne), reached number 84 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number seven on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, marking her 12th top-ten entry on that chart.{{cite web|author=Miriam|title=Lil Wayne & Keyshia Cole Perform 'Enough of No Love' at iHeartRadio Festival|url=https://defpen.com/video-lil-wayne-and-keyshia-cole-perform-enough-of-no-love-at-iheartradio-festival/|work=Def Pen|access-date=October 13, 2014|date=September 22, 2012}} The album's second single, "Trust and Believe", peaked at number 32 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Both singles were accompanied with music videos directed by Benny Boom.{{cite web|last=Lazerine |first=Devin |title=New Music: Keyshia Cole - Trust and Believe |url=https://www.rap-up.com/article/2012/10/02/new-music-keyshia-cole-trust-and-believe |work=Rap-Up |access-date=October 13, 2014 |date=October 2, 2012}} Woman to Woman showcased a production roster that consisted of Darhyl Camper, Harmony Samuels, Rodney Jerkins, T-Minus, Vidal, and Wonda, while its guest features included recording artists Lil Wayne, Meek Mill, Ashanti, Elijah Blake, and Robin Thicke.{{cite AV media notes|title=Woman to Woman|others=Keyshia Cole|year=2012|type=CD booklet|publisher=Geffen Records|id=B0017723-02 |location=United States}}

Prior to the album's release, Cole's life and recording process were chronicled in the BET reality television series Keyshia & Daniel: Family First, which ran for eight episodes from October 9 to December 4, 2012, documenting her studio sessions, family dynamics, and relationship with then‑husband Daniel Gibson; the series averaged over one million viewers per episode in its initial run.{{cite news |first=Lauren Malaika |last=Cooper |title=Keyshia Cole and Daniel Gibson Bring Black Love to Reality TV |url=https://www.atlantablackstar.com/2012/10/10/keyshia-cole-and-daniel-gibson-bring-black-love-to-reality-tv/ |access-date=October 13, 2014 |work=Atlanta Black Star |date=October 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130127234228/https://www.atlantablackstar.com/2012/10/10/keyshia-cole-and-daniel-gibson-bring-black-love-to-reality-tv/ |archive-date=January 27, 2013 |url-status=live}} Cole's second headlining concert tour, the Woman to Woman Tour, began in March 2013, in support of Woman to Woman.{{cite web|last=Vena |first=Jocelyn |title=Keyshia Cole, Chrisette Michele Embarking on Woman to Woman Tour |url=https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/keyshia-cole-chrisette-michele-embarking-woman-woman-tour-138626/ |publisher=Vibe |access-date=October 13, 2014 |date=February 23, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209144801/https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/keyshia-cole-chrisette-michele-embarking-woman-woman-tour-138626/ |archive-date=December 9, 2021}} In October 2013, Cole released the music video for the album's third and final single, "I Choose You", directed by Ethan Lader.{{cite web|url=https://thesource.com/2013/10/03/keyshia-cole-releases-video-for-i-choose-you/|title=Keyshia Cole Releases Video For I Choose You|author=Matia|date=October 3, 2013|work=The Source|access-date=October 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131006174737/https://thesource.com/2013/10/03/keyshia-cole-releases-video-for-i-choose-you/|archive-date=October 6, 2013|url-status=live}}

In March 2014, Cole debuted the title and first two singles for her sixth studio album Point of No Return, "Rick James", which features American rapper Juicy J, and "Next Time (Won't Give My Heart Away)".

• {{cite web |first=Kenrya Rankin |last=Naasel |title=Keyshia Cole Drops Two New Songs |url=https://www.bet.com/article/bqe8l8/keyshia-cole-drops-two-new-songs |access-date=October 12, 2014 |work=BET |date=March 20, 2014}}
• {{cite web |last=Muhammad |first=Latifah |title=Keyshia Cole Announces Album Title |url=https://www.bet.com/article/fwuzb0/keyshia-cole-announces-album-title |access-date=October 12, 2014 |work=BET |date=March 27, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129061603/https://www.bet.com/article/fwuzb0/keyshia-cole-announces-album-title |archive-date=November 29, 2021}} On April 2, 2014, Cole and Australian rapper Iggy Azalea released a cover version of Diana Ross' "I'm Coming Out", for The Other Woman movie soundtrack.{{cite news |last1=Lazerine |first1=Devin |title=New Music: Keyshia Cole f/ Iggy Azalea - I'm Coming Out |url=https://www.rap-up.com/article/2014/04/02/new-music-keyshia-cole-f-iggy-azalea-im-coming-out |access-date=October 12, 2014 |work=Rap-Up |date=April 2, 2014}} The second single from Point of No Return, "She", was released on June 24.{{cite press release|date=June 24, 2014|title=Keyshia Cole Drops New Single She|agency=PR Newswire|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/keyshia-cole-drops-new-single-she-264349141.html|access-date=October 12, 2014|archive-date=July 3, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140703005026/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/keyshia-cole-drops-new-single-she-264349141.html|url-status=live}} The song's lyrics sparked lesbian speculations about Cole before she clarified that the true meaning of the song was self-love.{{cite news|last=Branch|first=Chris|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/keyshia-cole-she-lesbian-rumors_n_5663128|title=Keyshia Cole Addresses Lesbian Rumors Surrounding She|date=August 8, 2014|work=HuffPost|access-date=October 12, 2014}} Cole embarked on the Point of No Return Tour on July 12 in Rochester, New York; the tour included 22 dates that ran through to August 25.{{cite web |last=Elle |first=Breezy |title=Daniel Who? Keyshia Cole Readies 'Point Of No Return' Tour (Dates) |url=https://singersroom.com/content/2014-06-12/daniel-who-keyshia-cole-readies-point-of-no-return-tour-dates/ |website=Singersroom |access-date=October 12, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140614065659/https://singersroom.com/content/2014-06-12/daniel-who-keyshia-cole-readies-point-of-no-return-tour-dates/ |archive-date=June 14, 2014 |date=June 12, 2014 |url-status=live}} Point of No Return was released on October 7, 2014, featuring guest appearances from 2 Chainz, Juicy J, Future, Gavyn Rhone, Wale, and August Alsina.{{cite web |last1=Samuels |first1=Keithan |title=Keyshia Cole Shares 'Point Of No Return' Tracklisting |url=https://ratedrnb.com/2014/09/keyshia-cole-shares-point-return-tracklisting/ |work=Rated R&B |access-date=October 13, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150704161507/https://ratedrnb.com/2014/09/keyshia-cole-shares-point-return-tracklisting/ |archive-date=July 4, 2015 |date=September 23, 2014 |url-status=live}} The album became Cole's third number-one R&B album and her sixth consecutive album to debut within the top 10 in the United States.{{cite magazine |last1=Caulfield |first1=Keith |title=Keyshia Cole Collects Third No. 1 on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/keyshia-cole-collects-third-no-1-on-top-rbhip-hop-albums/ |access-date=October 18, 2014 |magazine=Billboard |date=October 16, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316030655/https://www.billboard.com/pro/keyshia-cole-collects-third-no-1-on-top-rbhip-hop-albums/ |archive-date=March 16, 2022 |url-status=live}} All of the tracks on the album received music videos, which were released separately.{{cite web |author=DJ JusMusic |title=Keyshia Cole - Do That For (B.A.B.) |url=https://singersroom.com/content/2015-01-06/keyshia-cole-do-that-for-bab/ |website=Singersroom |access-date=March 20, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150108051318/https://singersroom.com/content/2015-01-06/keyshia-cole-do-that-for-bab/ |archive-date=January 8, 2015 |date=January 6, 2015}} The same month of the album's release, American singer K. Michelle announced that she and Cole would reportedly go on a tour together in January 2015.{{cite magazine |title=K. Michelle + Keyshia Cole Hit the Concert Trail |url=https://www.ebony.com/black-pop-daily-k-michelle-keyshia-cole-hit-the-concert-trail-999/ |access-date=October 18, 2014 |magazine=Ebony |date=October 16, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919141830/https://www.ebony.com/black-pop-daily-k-michelle-keyshia-cole-hit-the-concert-trail-999/ |archive-date=September 19, 2022 |url-status=live}}

In February 2015, Cole starred in her third BET reality series, Keyshia Cole: All In.{{cite news |last1=Rodman |first1=Sarah |title=Critic's Corner: What's on TV Tuesday night |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/television/2015/02/24/critic-corner-tuesday/GGvAQioPaU0Ru5KK3y1UoL/story.html |access-date=May 2, 2015 |work=The Boston Globe |date=February 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150225164311/https://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/television/2015/02/24/critic-corner-tuesday/GGvAQioPaU0Ru5KK3y1UoL/story.html |archive-date=February 25, 2015 |url-status=live}} The series followed her professional endeavors, parenthood, and family problems.{{cite press release|title=Keyshia Cole: All In on BET |url=http://thefutoncritic.com/showatch/keyshia-cole-all-in/listings/ |access-date=May 2, 2015 |work=The Futon Critic |date=April 21, 2015 }} With Cole serving as an executive producer, the series ran for eight episodes before concluding on April 21, 2015. In September 2015, Cole independently released the London on da Track-produced song "Don't Waste My Time" (featuring Young Thug) and her own remixed version of Drake's "Hotline Bling".{{cite web |last=Gentles |first=Gary |title=Keyshia Cole – Don't Waste My Time Ft. Young Thug |url=https://singersroom.com/content/2015-09-19/keyshia-cole-dont-waste-my-time-ft-young-thug/ |website=Singersroom |access-date=October 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150921000519/https://singersroom.com/content/2015-09-19/keyshia-cole-dont-waste-my-time-ft-young-thug/ |archive-date=September 21, 2015 |date=September 19, 2015}}{{cite news |last=Samuels |first=Keithan |title=Keyshia Cole – Hotline Bling (Remix) |url=https://ratedrnb.com/2015/09/keyshia-cole-hotline-bling/ |work=Rated R&B |access-date=October 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150927202759/https://ratedrnb.com/2015/09/keyshia-cole-hotline-bling/ |archive-date=September 27, 2015 |date=September 27, 2015 |url-status=live}} That same year, Cole made two guest appearances on hip-hop albums. She was featured alongside J. Cole on "Black Heaven", a track from Boosie Badazz's Touch Down 2 Cause Hell (2015), and appeared on "Nothing to Me" with rapper E-40 from G-Eazy's When It's Dark Out (2015).

On November 11, 2016, it was revealed that Cole had finished recording her then-upcoming seventh studio album and had signed a record deal with Epic Records.{{cite web |last=Breezy |first=Elle |title=Keyshia Cole Teases What She's Been Cooking Up in the Lab |url=https://singersroom.com/content/2016-11-11/keyshia-cole-teases-what-shes-been-cooking-up-in-the-lab/ |website=Singersroom |access-date=December 14, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161112215014/https://singersroom.com/content/2016-11-11/keyshia-cole-teases-what-shes-been-cooking-up-in-the-lab/ |archive-date=November 12, 2016 |date=November 11, 2016}} On January 27, 2017, Cole released the lead single "You" (featuring Remy Ma and French Montana).{{cite magazine |last=Starling |first=Lakin |title=Keyshia Cole Is Not Here for the Bullshit on 'You' |url=https://www.thefader.com/2017/01/27/keyshia-cole-remy-ma-french-montana-you-premiere |access-date=January 27, 2017 |magazine=The Fader |date=January 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170129192159/https://www.thefader.com/2017/01/27/keyshia-cole-remy-ma-french-montana-you-premiere |archive-date=January 29, 2017 |url-status=live}} The song's music video, which was directed by Benny Boom, premiered through VH1 a month later.{{cite web |author=Andres |title=Video: Keyshia Cole feat. Remy Ma & French Montana - You |url=https://www.rap-up.com/article/2017/02/27/video-keyshia-cole-remy-ma-french-montana-you |work=Rap-Up |access-date=October 20, 2017 |date=February 27, 2017}} In July, Cole joined the main cast for the fourth season of Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood.{{cite press release|title=VH1's Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood Returns with R&B Superstar Keyshia Cole |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2017/06/19/vh1s-love-and-hip-hop-hollywood-returns-with-randb-superstar-keyshia-cole-440510/20170619vh101/ |access-date=June 21, 2017 |work=The Futon Critic |date=June 19, 2017}} Before departing the show after the season concluded, Cole's plot revolved around her co-parenting arrangement with Gibson and her preparation for the release of her album.{{cite web |last=Cummings |first=Moriba |title=Welp, 'Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood' Just Lost Another Star |url=https://www.bet.com/article/k216v2/welp-love-hip-hop-hollywood-just-lost-another-star |access-date=February 19, 2018 |work=BET |date=February 8, 2018}} On August 25, 2017, Cole released the second single "Incapable", with its Mike He-directed music video premiering on October 6.{{cite web|url=https://thegrio.com/2017/08/25/keyshia-cole-releases-new-single-incapable/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630020218/https://thegrio.com/2017/08/25/keyshia-cole-releases-new-single-incapable/|archive-date=June 30, 2019|title=Keyshia Cole releases new single 'Incapable'|publisher=TheGrio|date=August 25, 2017|access-date=October 20, 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Video: Keyshia Cole – 'Incapable' |url=https://www.rap-up.com/2017/10/06/video-keyshia-cole-incapable/ |work=Rap-Up |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008120222/https://www.rap-up.com/2017/10/06/video-keyshia-cole-incapable/ |archive-date=October 8, 2017 |access-date=October 20, 2017 |date=October 6, 2017|url-status=live}} Cole's seventh album, 11:11 Reset, was released on October 20, 2017, featuring guest appearances from Remy Ma, French Montana, DJ Khaled, Young Thug, Kamaiyah, and Too $hort.{{cite news |last=Centeno |first=Tony |title=Keyshia Cole Debuts '11:11 Reset' Album Feat. Remy Ma, DJ Khaled, Kamiyah & More |url=https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/keyshia-cole-1111-rest-album-stream-544973/ |access-date=October 20, 2017 |work=Vibe |date=October 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220124161354/https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/keyshia-cole-1111-rest-album-stream-544973/ |archive-date=January 24, 2022 |url-status=live}} Upon its release, the album debuted at number 37 on the US Billboard 200 and number 20 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. On November 25, Cole made a guest appearance on Lip Sync Battle during its Soul Train special, where she lip-synced to "Car Wash" by Rose Royce.{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcBXerKdY1c|title=Keyshia Cole Rocks...|date=November 25, 2017|via=YouTube|author=Soul Train|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171126205735/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcBXerKdY1c|archive-date=November 26, 2017|url-status=live|access-date=December 8, 2017}} In August 2018, Cole performed at the third annual Black Music Honors.{{cite news |last1=Folk |first1=Antwane |title=Keyshia Cole, Next, Jade Novah and More to Perform at 2018 Black Music Honors |url=https://ratedrnb.com/2018/08/keyshia-cole-next-jade-novah-and-more-to-perform-at-2018-black-music-honors/ |access-date=September 30, 2018 |work=Rated R&B |date=August 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930145734/https://ratedrnb.com/2018/08/keyshia-cole-next-jade-novah-and-more-to-perform-at-2018-black-music-honors/ |archive-date=September 30, 2020 |url-status=live}}

On July 22, 2019, Cole announced that she would return with a BET-syndicated biographical documentary Keyshia Cole: My New Life, which premiered on November 18, 2019. The documentary followed Cole's pregnancy with her second child and her relationship with her then-boyfriend and baby's father, Niko Khale.Media reports regarding Keyshia Cole: My New Life:

• {{cite web |last=Blakemore |first=Peyton |title=Keyshia Cole is Returning to Reality TV with a Baby Special |url=https://www.iheart.com/content/2019-07-22-keyshia-cole-is-returning-to-reality-tv-with-a-baby-special/ |work=iHeartRadio |access-date=November 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722230837/https://www.iheart.com/content/2019-07-22-keyshia-cole-is-returning-to-reality-tv-with-a-baby-special/ |archive-date=July 22, 2019 |date=July 22, 2019 |url-status=live}}
• {{cite magazine |last=Grant |first=Jasmine |title=Watch This Exclusive Sneak Peek for Keyshia Cole's 'My New Life' Baby Special on BET |url=https://www.essence.com/love/keyshia-cole-my-new-life-bet-baby-special-sneak-peek/ |access-date=November 20, 2019 |magazine=Essence |date=November 11, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191112034631/https://www.essence.com/love/keyshia-cole-my-new-life-bet-baby-special-sneak-peek/ |archive-date=November 12, 2019 |url-status=live}} On November 17, 2019, Cole performed a freestyle at the 2019 Soul Train Music Awards cypher.{{cite magazine |author=William E. Ketchum III |title=Soul Train Awards 2019: Watch All the Performances Here |url=https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/soul-train-awards-2019-performances-669495/ |access-date=November 20, 2019 |magazine=Vibe |date=November 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423104657/https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/soul-train-awards-2019-performances-669495/ |archive-date=April 23, 2021 |url-status=live}} On December 23, 2019, she was featured on singer Kehlani's single "All Me".{{cite magazine |last=Zemler |first=Emily |title=Hear Keyshia Cole Join Kehlani on New Track All Me |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/keyshia-cole-kehlani-all-me-930528/ |access-date=December 24, 2019 |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=December 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223144753/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/keyshia-cole-kehlani-all-me-930528/ |archive-date=December 23, 2019 |url-status=live}} That same year, she began hosting her own talk show on the digital television network Fox Soul, One on One with Keyshia Cole.{{cite web |title='One On One With Keyshia Cole': Singer Announces New Talk Show On Fox Soul|url=https://madamenoire.com/1113975/one-on-one-with-keyshia-cole-singer-announces-new-talk-show-on-fox-soul/|first=Charise |last=Frazier |work=MadameNoire |date=November 15, 2019 |access-date=November 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191115223125/https://madamenoire.com/1113975/one-on-one-with-keyshia-cole-singer-announces-new-talk-show-on-fox-soul/ |archive-date=November 15, 2019}} Described by Cole as "the show where we all come together and keep it real on everything from social media to social issues" prior to its premiere, the show aired through November 14, 2019 to May 2020.{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfH7cVAgv1YY1cZzFvGtvEJ0aBK2KvI7-|title=One on One with Keyshia Cole|via=YouTube|author=Fox Soul|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20250214160212/https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfH7cVAgv1YY1cZzFvGtvEJ0aBK2KvI7-|archive-date=February 14, 2025|url-status=live|access-date=December 8, 2017}}

In June 2020, it was reported that Cole had signed a management deal with talent management company Primary Wave, shortly after revealing that she had reunited with longtime friend and record producer Ron Fair, with whom she worked with for her first four albums.{{cite magazine |first=Gail |last=Mitchell |title=Keyshia Cole Signs with Primary Wave Music and BMG: Exclusive |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/9403859/keyshia-cole-signs-primary-wave-music-bmg-exclusive |access-date=August 2, 2020 |magazine=Billboard |date=June 17, 2020}} On July 22, 2020, speculations came out about a possible Verzuz battle between Cole and Ashanti after Cole publicly challenged her during the live streamed match between rappers DMX and Snoop Dogg.{{cite news |first=Shawn |last=Grant |title=Is Keyshia Cole Challenging Ashanti to a VERZUZ Battle? |url=https://thesource.com/2020/07/23/keyshia-cole-ashanti-verzuz/ |access-date=August 2, 2020 |work=The Source |date=July 23, 2020}}{{cite news |first=Rachel |last=George |title=Social media anticipates a Verzuz battle between Keyshia Cole and Ashanti |url=http://abcnewsradioonline.com/music-news/2020/7/27/social-media-anticipates-a-verzuz-battle-between-keyshia-col.html |access-date=August 2, 2020 |work=ABC News Radio |date=July 27, 2020 |archive-date=July 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730185543/http://abcnewsradioonline.com/music-news/2020/7/27/social-media-anticipates-a-verzuz-battle-between-keyshia-col.html |url-status=dead }} On December 2, 2020, Cole announced via her Instagram Live, while singing a few of her previous records, that she would soon be competing in a match.{{cite web|first=Brooklyn |last=White|url=https://www.essence.com/entertainment/keyshia-cole-verzuz-battle/|title=Keyshia Cole Announces She Has An Upcoming Verzuz|work=Essence|date=August 23, 2020|access-date=August 23, 2020}} Two days later, it was confirmed that the latest Verzuz battle would be between Cole and Ashanti. The in-person competition was expected to take place on December 12, 2020,{{cite tweet|user=verzuzonline|title=Yeah, it's official! The paperwork is IN 🚨🚨 It's a legendary Ladies Night on Saturday, December 12th with @Ashanti and @KeyshiaCole.|number=1334978276461309960|date=December 4, 2020|access-date=December 5, 2020}}{{cite web|first=Matthew Ismael |last=Ruiz|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/ashanti-and-keyshia-cole-announced-for-next-verzuz-battleandnbsp/|title=Ashanti and Keyshia Cole Announced for Next Verzuz Battle|website=Pitchfork|date=December 4, 2020|access-date=December 5, 2020}} though it was postponed after Ashanti tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of the event.{{cite news |last1=Vera |first1=Amir |title=Ashanti tests positive for Covid-19, leading Verzuz to postpone her battle with Keyshia Cole |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/13/entertainment/ashanti-keyshia-cole-verzuz-canceled-trnd/index.html |access-date=December 14, 2020 |work=CNN |date=December 13, 2020}} Nevertheless, the battle took place on January 21, 2021.

On February 5, 2021, Cole released the standalone single "I Don't Wanna Be in Love", under her independent record label, Hearts and Stars, created with the support of BMG.{{cite news |last1=Mahadevan |first1=Tara |title=Listen to Keyshia Cole's New Song I Don't Wanna Be in Love |url=https://www.complex.com/music/keyshia-cole-i-dont-wanna-be-in-love |access-date=November 23, 2021 |work=Complex |date=February 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302053745/https://www.complex.com/music/keyshia-cole-i-dont-wanna-be-in-love |archive-date=March 2, 2021|url-status=live}} In March 2021, Cole announced her intention to retire from the music industry after the release of her upcoming eighth studio album.{{cite news |last=Manns |first=Keydra |title=Keyshia Cole reveals she's retiring from music after upcoming album |url=https://thegrio.com/2021/03/18/keyshia-cole-reveals-shes-retiring-from-music-after-upcoming-album/ |access-date=March 18, 2021 |publisher=TheGrio |date=March 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926215854/https://thegrio.com/2021/03/18/keyshia-cole-reveals-shes-retiring-from-music-after-upcoming-album/ |archive-date=September 26, 2021 |url-status=live}} At the Lights On Festival in Concord, California on September 18, 2021, Cole performed live for the first time since the death of her biological mother.Media reports regarding Cole's Lights On Festival performance:

• {{cite web |last=Voynovskaya |first=Nastia |title=H.E.R., Erykah Badu and Other R&B Stars Shine at Lights On Festival |url=https://www.kqed.org/arts/13903394/photos-h-e-r-erykah-badu-and-other-rb-stars-shine-at-lights-on-festival |website=KQED-FM |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921142721/https://www.kqed.org/arts/13903394/photos-h-e-r-erykah-badu-and-other-rb-stars-shine-at-lights-on-festival |archive-date=September 21, 2021 |date=September 20, 2021 |url-status=live}}
• {{cite magazine |last=Abraham |first=Mya |title=R&B Is Very Much Alive as H.E.R.'s Lights On Fest Returns to the Bay |url=https://www.vibe.com/music/reviews/lights-on-festival-bay-area-recap-1234633064/ |magazine=Vibe |date=October 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023004407/https://www.vibe.com/music/reviews/lights-on-festival-bay-area-recap-1234633064/ |archive-date=October 23, 2021 |url-status=live}} On January 11, 2022, Cole signed a global deal with the Creative Artists Agency (CAA).{{cite magazine |last1=Aswad |first1=Jem |title=Keyshia Cole Signs with CAA |url=https://variety.com/2022/music/news/keyshia-cole-signs-caa-1235150842/ |access-date=January 16, 2022 |magazine=Variety |date=January 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111150129/https://variety.com/2022/music/news/keyshia-cole-signs-caa-1235150842/ |archive-date=January 11, 2022 |url-status=live}} In March 2022, Cole was profiled and interviewed by Tami Roman for her own episode in the TV One documentary series, Uncensored.{{cite web |last1=Smith |first1=Liz |title=Keyshia Cole Is Revealing All Her Truths This Sunday on TV One's Uncensored Directed by Tami Roman |url=https://bossip.com/2123867/keyshia-cole-is-revealing-all-her-truths-this-sunday-on-tv-ones-uncensored-directed-by-tami-roman/ |website=Bossip |access-date=March 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220305164946/https://bossip.com/2123867/keyshia-cole-is-revealing-all-her-truths-this-sunday-on-tv-ones-uncensored-directed-by-tami-roman/ |archive-date=March 5, 2022 |date=March 5, 2022 |url-status=live}} In support of her Lifetime-original biographical film, Keyshia Cole: This Is My Story, in which she starred in and executive produced, Cole released the standalone single "Forever Is a Thing" on June 23, 2023.{{cite web |title=Reel to Reel: Keyshia Cole: This Is My Story |url=https://grammymuseum.org/event/reel-to-reel-keyshia-cole-this-is-my-story/ |publisher=Grammy Museum |access-date=June 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240719051134/https://grammymuseum.org/event/reel-to-reel-keyshia-cole-this-is-my-story/ |archive-date=July 19, 2024 |date=June 21, 2023 |url-status=live}} Keyshia Cole: This Is My Story, which premiered on June 24, 2024, was inspired by the death of Cole's biological mother, along with other major events in her life and career. The film received three million viewers throughout its debut weekend and became one of Lifetime's highest rated films of that year.{{cite magazine |author=ArtFormss |title=Roger Alexander |url=https://industryrules.com/roger-alexander/ |magazine=Industry Rules |access-date=July 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230927043939/https://industryrules.com/roger-alexander/ |archive-date=September 27, 2023 |date=July 2, 2023 |url-status=live}}{{cite press release|title=Keyshia Cole Headlines 'Love Hard' Tour with R&B Icon Trey Songz featuring Jaheim, and K. Michelle|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/keyshia-cole-headlines-love-hard-tour-with-rb-icon-trey-songz-featuring-jaheim-and-k-michelle-302014819.html|agency=PR Newswire|publisher=Black Promoters Collective|date=December 13, 2023|access-date=December 20, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215092835/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/keyshia-cole-headlines-love-hard-tour-with-rb-icon-trey-songz-featuring-jaheim-and-k-michelle-302014819.html|archive-date=December 15, 2023}} On September 12, 2023, Cole performed "Last Night" alongside Diddy during his Global Icon set at the MTV Video Music Awards.{{cite web |author=Tony M. Centeno |title=Diddy Brings Out Keyshia Cole, Yung Miami & More During 'Global Icon' Set |url=https://www.iheart.com/content/2023-09-12-diddy-brings-out-keyshia-cole-yung-miami-more-during-global-icon-set/ |work=iHeartRadio |access-date=September 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230913040834/https://www.iheart.com/content/2023-09-12-diddy-brings-out-keyshia-cole-yung-miami-more-during-global-icon-set/ |archive-date=September 13, 2023 |date=September 12, 2023 |url-status=live}}

Through late 2023, Cole competed as "Candelabra" in the tenth season of The Masked Singer, finishing fifth place.{{cite magazine |last=Huff |first=Lauren |title=The Masked Singer reveals last finalist and unmasks hip-hop soul singer ahead of finale |url=https://ew.com/the-masked-singer-reveals-candelabra-keyshia-cole-8415748 |access-date=December 20, 2023 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=December 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231214101544/https://ew.com/the-masked-singer-reveals-candelabra-keyshia-cole-8415748 |archive-date=December 14, 2023 |url-status=live}} In December 2023, Cole featured on the soundtrack to the film The Color Purple ("No Love Lost") and on the Gag City Edition of Nicki Minaj's fifth studio album Pink Friday 2 ("Love Me Enough" with Monica).{{cite magazine |last=Abraham |first=Mya |title=The Color Purple Soundtrack, Omarion, and More Soul-Stirring R&B of the Week |url=https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/the-color-purple-soundtrack-omarion-new-rnb-music-1234834095/ |magazine=Vibe |access-date=December 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216010926/https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/the-color-purple-soundtrack-omarion-new-rnb-music-1234834095/ |archive-date=December 16, 2023 |date=December 15, 2023 |url-status=live}}{{cite magazine |last=Caulfield |first=Keith |title=Nicki Minaj Scores Third No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 with Pink Friday 2 |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/nicki-minaj-pink-friday-2-number-one-debut-billboard-200-albums-chart-1235560607/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=December 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231217200209/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/nicki-minaj-pink-friday-2-number-one-debut-billboard-200-albums-chart-1235560607/ |archive-date=December 17, 2023 |date=December 17, 2023 |url-status=live}} In 2024, Cole headlined The Love Hard Tour; joined by co-headlining act Trey Songz and featured acts Jaheim and K. Michelle. The tour began on February 22, 2024 in Macon, Georgia and concluded on April 14, 2024 in Southaven, Mississippi. In October 2024, Cole featured on the deluxe edition of Elijah Blake's fourth studio album Elijah ("Every Little Thing") and Hunxho's second studio album Thank God ("Don't Let Me Down").{{cite news |last1=Samuels |first1=Keithan |title=Elijah Blake Releases elijah! Deluxe Album |url=https://ratedrnb.com/2024/10/elijah-blake-releases-elijah-deluxe-album-stream/ |access-date=November 1, 2024 |work=Rated R&B |date=October 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241026195827/https://ratedrnb.com/2024/10/elijah-blake-releases-elijah-deluxe-album-stream/ |archive-date=October 26, 2024}}{{cite magazine |last=Grant |first=Shawn |title=Hunxho Drops Highly Anticipated Sophomore Album Thank God |url=https://thesource.com/2024/10/25/hunxho-drops-highly-anticipated-sophomore-album-thank-god/ |access-date=November 1, 2024 |magazine=The Source |date=October 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204001433/https://thesource.com/2024/10/25/hunxho-drops-highly-anticipated-sophomore-album-thank-god/ |archive-date=December 4, 2024 |url-status=live}} On April 17, 2025, Cole announced The Way It Is 20th Anniversary Tour, set to begin on July 1, 2025.{{cite magazine |last=Abraham |first=Mya |title=Keyshia Cole Announces 'The Way It Is' 20th Anniversary Tour With Lil Kim, Wale, And More |url=https://www.vibe.com/news/events/keyshia-cole-the-way-it-is-20th-anniversary-tour-1235062849/ |access-date=April 17, 2025 |magazine=Vibe}} The tour's supporting acts include Tink, Wale, Lil' Kim, Fridayy and Jeremih.

{{quote box

| width = 30%

| align = right

| quote = Ultimately, music is to reflect the artist and their artistry. I've been pretty true to that. I do appreciate my fans and I love them for being supportive from the beginning. When I'm recording, I always think about them. I always hear, 'Girl, you helped me get through a bad breakup' and 'Girl, you helped me get through my marriage,' things to that extent, so I'm always trying to look out for my fans but [at the same time] it's ultimately reflective of my life.

| source = —Keyshia Cole, Vibe{{cite news |last1=Ogbogu |first1=Stephanie |title=Reflecting, Remembering and Reemerging: Keyshia Cole Opens Up About Her '11:11 Reset' Album |url=https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/keyshia-cole-interview-1111-reset-album-544202/ |work=Vibe|date=October 20, 2017 |accessdate=October 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210613180841/https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/keyshia-cole-interview-1111-reset-album-544202/ |archive-date=June 13, 2021 |url-status=live}}

}}

Cole possesses the vocal range of a soprano, in which the Los Angeles Times has described her as a "raspy soprano" capable of communicating "pain and anguish" with equal force.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/la-xpm-2012-nov-19-la-et-ms-keyshia-cole-continues-emotional-journey-woman-to-woman-20121119-story.html | magazine=Los Angeles Times | first=Gerrick | last=Kennedy | title=Keyshia Cole continues the emotional journey with 'Woman to Woman' | access-date=November 28, 2012 | date=November 19, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423140041/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/la-xpm-2012-nov-19-la-et-ms-keyshia-cole-continues-emotional-journey-woman-to-woman-20121119-story.html |archive-date=April 23, 2019 |url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Fensterstock|first=Alison|date=April 22, 2008|title=Keyshia Cole|newspaper=Gambit|url=https://www.bestofneworleans.com/gambit/keyshia-cole/Content?oid=1249975|url-status=dead|access-date=September 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614152009/https://www.bestofneworleans.com/gambit/keyshia-cole/Content?oid=1249975|archive-date=June 14, 2018}} Alison Fensterstock of Gambit praised Cole's "thrilling, emotion‑drenched soprano" voice, noting its "urban grit that adds a rough edge to the studio shimmer and acrobatic vocalizing". Jim Farber of the New York Daily News described her voice as having a "flexible range of R&B, the muscular punch of soul and the hard character of hip hop" and suggested that it contains a "smoky flavor, and a husky texture."{{cite web|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2007/09/25/keyshia-coles-smoky-voice-powers-2nd-cd/|title=Keyshia Cole's smoky voice powers 2nd CD|work=NY Daily News|first=Jim|last=Farber|date=September 25, 2007 |access-date=September 20, 2014}} (Updated January 12, 2019.) A Billboard album roundup noted Cole's "command of vocal talent", observing how she "exhibits a growing confidence" through her vocal delivery.{{cite magazine |title=Billboard CD reviews: Fall Out Boy and Keyshia Cole |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyle/billboard-cd-reviews-fall-out-boy-and-keyshia-cole-idUSTRE5092BB/ |access-date=September 20, 2014 |magazine=Billboard |agency=Reuters |date=January 10, 2009}} Cole has openly acknowledged that she never took formal vocal lessons and she credits her hardships for forging the power and authenticity in her voice.

Cole's songwriting process is characterized by an immediate and intuitive connection to music. She has stated, "When I hear something, I hear it — it doesn't take me three, four, five times to hear a song and say, 'OK, let's write.' If I don't write to it right off the bat, it's not working."{{cite magazine |last1=Mitchell |first1=Gail |title=Keyshia Cole Shows a New Side of 'Me' |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/keyshia-cole-shows-a-new-side-of-me-1043560/ |access-date=November 7, 2008 |magazine=Billboard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220422200228/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/keyshia-cole-shows-a-new-side-of-me-1043560/ |archive-date=April 22, 2022 |url-status=live}} The New York Times{{'}} Kelefa Sanneh wrote that she "sings love stories that could almost be war stories", highlighting the emotional weight of her songwriting.{{cite news |last=Sanneh |first=Kelefa |author-link=Kelefa Sanneh |title=A Woman Scorned, Then Empowered |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/04/arts/music/a-woman-scorned-then-empowered.html |access-date=September 22, 2014 |newspaper=The New York Times |date=September 4, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150529171020/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/04/arts/music/a-woman-scorned-then-empowered.html |archive-date=May 29, 2015 |url-status=live}} Her musical approach has been described as a "forthright approach to soul‐rooted R&B". MVRemix observed that she "brings back what many other R&B singers leave behind; soul" and appended that "she sings with enough grit and evokes enough heartache to make your mother feel it."{{cite web |last1=Vega |first1=Sarah |title=Album Reviews: Keyshia Cole - The Way It Is |url=https://www.mvremix.com/urban/reviews/keyshiacole.shtml |website=MVRemix |access-date=September 22, 2014 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250424183412/https://www.mvremix.com/urban/reviews/keyshiacole.shtml |archive-date=April 24, 2025 |url-status=live}} BroadwayWorld commented that Cole delivers her music with "unfiltered storytelling, powerhouse vocals, and signature blend of vulnerability and strength".{{cite news |last=Sharpe |first=Josh |title=Keyshia Cole Unveils 'The Way It Is 20th Anniversary Tour' |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/Keyshia-Cole-Unveils-The-Way-It-Is-20th-Anniversary-Tour-20250417 |access-date=April 17, 2025 |website=BroadwayWorld |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250424190217/https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/Keyshia-Cole-Unveils-The-Way-It-Is-20th-Anniversary-Tour-20250417 |archive-date=April 24, 2025 |url-status=live}} H&S Magazine dubbed her "a powerhouse in modern R&B", emphasizing how she "plays a pivotal role in bridging the worlds of hip-hop and soul" through her blend of emotional depth and resilience.{{cite web |title=Keyshia Cole: The Queen of Modern R&B and Hip-Hop Soul |url=https://kenya.hsmagazine.digital/keyshia-cole-the-queen-of-modern-rb-and-hip-hop-soul/ |website=H&S Magazine Kenya |date=November 22, 2023 |access-date=April 17, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122160953/https://kenya.hsmagazine.digital/keyshia-cole-the-queen-of-modern-rb-and-hip-hop-soul/ |archive-date=November 22, 2023 |url-status=live}}

In praising her musical evolution, critics also highlighted Cole's distinct vocal delivery across multiple projects. Entertainment Weekly noted that on her debut studio album The Way It Is, "Cole's street‑savvy Oakland upbringing gives her vocals depth and her songs a genuine, lived-in feel", underscoring how her background informed her musical sound.{{cite magazine |url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,1078796,00.html |title=Music Review — The Way It Is (2005) |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |first=Janet |last=Tzou |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080125011355/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,1078796,00.html |archive-date=January 25, 2008 |access-date=December 18, 2008}} In reviewing her second album Just like You, The Boston Globe described her as "a singer to be reckoned with, particularly in an urban market saturated with imitators", emphasizing her standout presence within the R&B genre.{{cite magazine|title=Tracking the new sounds of the season |url=https://archive.boston.com/ae/music/articles/2007/10/07/tracking_the_new_sounds_of_the_season/?page=full |magazine=The Boston Globe |access-date=December 20, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026083017/https://archive.boston.com/ae/music/articles/2007/10/07/tracking_the_new_sounds_of_the_season/?page=full |archive-date=October 26, 2020 |date=October 7, 2007 |url-status=live}} For her third album A Different Me, Ken Capobianco of The Boston Globe wrote that Cole "dares to be different—and pretty great", highlighting her exploration of a "sweeter and supremely sexy side" in her sound, and USA Today confirmed that "the still‑evolving singer just keeps getting better", signaling consistent artistic growth.{{cite magazine |last=Capobianco |first=Ken |title=Keyshia Cole, A Different Me |url=https://www.boston.com/ae/music/cd_reviews/articles/2008/12/15/keyshia_cole_a_different_me/ |access-date=December 16, 2008 |magazine=The Boston Globe |date=December 15, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217234809/https://www.boston.com/ae/music/cd_reviews/articles/2008/12/15/keyshia_cole_a_different_me/ |archive-date=December 17, 2008}}{{cite news|url=http://blogs.usatoday.com/listenup/2008/12/this-weeks-re-2.html|title=This week's reviews: Fall Out Boy's 'Folie', Soulja Boy's shallows, Keyshia's difference|newspaper=USA Today |last=Jones|first=Steve|date=December 15, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100418003638/http://blogs.usatoday.com/listenup/2008/12/this-weeks-re-2.html |archive-date=April 18, 2010|access-date=December 26, 2008}} Celebrating her fifth album Woman to Woman, Entertainment Weekly{{'}}s Tanner Stransky called it a "time machine to the sweet, soulful R&B of the late '90s", applauding Cole's vocal delivery on standout tracks.{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2012/11/23/albums-nov-30-2012/|title=Albums: Nov. 30, 2012|first=Tanner|last=Stransky|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=November 23, 2012|access-date=November 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807160628/https://ew.com/article/2012/11/23/albums-nov-30-2012/|archive-date=August 7, 2020|url-status=live}}

Cole's live performances have garnered a spectrum of critical responses, reflecting both her strengths and areas for growth as a performer. AllHipHop praised her efforts to revitalize R&B, noting that she was "trying to resurrect" the genre through her intimate venue performances.{{cite web |author=Grouchy Greg Watkins |title=Keyshia Cole: Nokia Theatre, New York |url=https://allhiphop.com/uncategorized/keyshia-cole-nokia-theatre-new-york%C2%978-19/ |website=AllHipHop |access-date=September 22, 2014 |date=August 20, 2007}} Similarly, during a 2008 concert at the Oakland Arena, Gabe Meline lauded Cole's performance as "completely goddamn dominating", describing it as a "nonstop firestorm of talent and amazement". The reviewer observed that she had evolved from "all energy and empty hyperactivity" to a performer who "retained the energy and tempered it with elegance and grace".{{cite news |last=Meline |first=Gabe |title=Live Review: Lil' Wayne, T-Pain and Keyshia Cole at the Oakland Arena |url=https://bohemian.com/live-review-lil-wayne-t-pain-and-keyshia-cole-at-the-oakland-arena/ |access-date=December 2, 2020 |newspaper=Oakland Bohemian |date=December 24, 2008}} G. Valentino Ball of Bay State Banner described Cole's stage presence as "infectious", with her candid banter resonating authentically with the audience.{{cite news |author=G. Valentino Ball |title=Keyshia Cole bares soul, bonds with fans at show |url=https://baystatebanner.com/2013/04/10/keyshia-cole-bares-soul-bonds-with-fans-at-show/ |access-date=September 22, 2014 |newspaper=Bay State Banner |date=April 10, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230924231603/https://baystatebanner.com/2013/04/10/keyshia-cole-bares-soul-bonds-with-fans-at-show/ |archive-date=September 24, 2023 |url-status=live}} Ball noted that her interactions felt genuine, suggesting a deep connection with her fans.

Not all critics have been uniformly complimentary, however. In May 2009, Evan Rytlewski writing for The Shepherd Express described one of her A Different Me Tour concerts as featuring "countless similarly tense, tear‑soaked numbers about romantic strife", and even quipped about her "aerobic, high‑production concert" as verging on melodrama, writing: "watching Cole dance her way up a steep, seemingly unstable set of stage stairs in a pair of four‑inch heels, I feared the crappy boyfriend she's always singing about might have taken out a life insurance policy on the R&B star."{{cite news |last1=Rytlewski |first1=Evan |title=Keyshia Cole w/ The-Dream, Keri Hilson and Bobby Valentino @ The Milwaukee Theatre |url=https://shepherdexpress.com/music/concert-reviews/keyshia-cole-w-the-dream-keri-hilson-bobby-valentino-milwaukee-theatre/ |access-date=September 22, 2014 |work=The Shepherd Express |date=May 19, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210621020627/https://shepherdexpress.com/music/concert-reviews/keyshia-cole-w-the-dream-keri-hilson-bobby-valentino-milwaukee-theatre/ |archive-date=June 21, 2021 |url-status=live}} A review from SoulTracks on one of Cole's shows during her Woman to Woman Tour pointed out that while she delivered a string of hits, her performance was marked by a "perfunctory manner" and an "alarmingly aloof" demeanor, suggesting missed opportunities for deeper audience connection.{{cite news |last=Charles |first=Melody |title=Concert Review: Keyshia Cole and Chrisette Michele |url=https://soultracks.com/concert-review-keyshia-chrisette/ |access-date=September 22, 2014 |work=SoulTracks |date=April 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130424040356/https://soultracks.com/concert-review-keyshia-chrisette/ |archive-date=April 24, 2013 |url-status=live}}

Cole grew up listening to her mentor Tupac Shakur.{{cite web|title=Keyshia Cole - In Sessions Sound Check 2006|url=https://www.amazon.com/Keyshia-Cole-Sessions-Sound-Check/dp/B07LH185VJ|work=Amazon|access-date=August 16, 2019}} In a 2004 interview, she elaborated that vocally she aspired to blend "Mary [J. Blige] mixed with Brandy", and personally looked up to both Monica and Brandy for demonstrating how young women could command respect in music. Cole has cited Blige as one of her greatest influences, and throughout her career she has been compared to or described as a "direct musical descendant" of Blige.{{cite news |last1=Uwumarogie |first1=Victoria |title='At Least She Didn't Lead Me On': Despite Her Best Efforts, Keyshia Cole Says Mary J. Blige Still Won't Do a Record with Her |url=https://madamenoire.com/1162879/keyshia-cole-mary-j-blige/ |access-date=December 2, 2020 |work=MadameNoire |date=May 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513215920/https://madamenoire.com/1162879/keyshia-cole-mary-j-blige/ |archive-date=May 13, 2020 |url-status=live}} Cole addressed the comparisons in a 2007 appearance on The Tyra Banks Show, saying, "I love Mary, she is so powerful [...] She's a wonderful figure to be like. For people to compare me to her, I definitely think that's strength. But yeah, I don't know if I'm the next Mary."{{cite magazine |last=Bennett |first=Jessica |title=10 Singers Directly Influenced by Mary J. Blige: Beyoncé, Monica, and More |url=https://www.vibe.com/lists/singers-influenced-by-mary-j-blige/k-michelle-2/ |access-date=January 15, 2024 |magazine=Vibe |date=January 11, 2024}} In 2011, Cole covered Blige's version of "I'm Going Down" while opening for R. Kelly during his Love Letter Tour.{{cite web |author=Aleajo |title=Keyshia Cole Covers 'I'm Going Down' at R. Kelly Tour |url=https://zhiphopcleveland.com/2968582/keyshia-cole-covers-im-going-down-at-r-kelly-tour/ |publisher=WENZ |access-date=September 22, 2014 |date=June 17, 2011}} Cole has also mentioned Faith Evans, Toni Braxton, and Chanté Moore as major musical influences and has acknowledged the impact of Aaliyah and Alicia Keys.{{cite web |title=Keyshia Cole Talks Biggest Musical Inspirations |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_iKKkqlK3s |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/K_iKKkqlK3s |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |url-status=live|work=Music Choice |access-date=August 16, 2019 |date=February 28, 2017}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web |title=Keyshia Cole Defends Alicia Keys After an Online Critic Said She Has 'Pretty Privilege & No Talent' |url=https://www.hot97.com/news/keyshia-cole-defends-alicia-keys-after-an-online-critic-said-she-has-pretty-privilege-no-talent/ |publisher=Hot 97 |access-date=June 24, 2023 |date=May 12, 2021}}{{cite magazine |last=Ramirez |first=Erika |title=Keyshia Cole, Monica, SWV, Ciara & More Female Singers Talk Aaliyah's Influence |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/keyshia-cole-monica-swv-ciara-more-female-singers-talk-aaliyahs-467780/ |access-date=June 24, 2023 |magazine=Billboard |date=August 24, 2011}}

In June 2005, Cole appeared in a Southpole apparel advertising campaign published in Vibe, modeling pieces from the brand's women's collection.{{cite web |author=Rap Style Archeology |title=Vibe Magazine (June 2005) |url=https://www.instagram.com/rapstylearcheology/p/CtedJVauOul/ |publisher=Instagram |access-date=June 24, 2023 |date=June 14, 2023}} In May 2006, Cole was selected to serve as the face of Akademiks' Ladies Fall/Holiday advertising campaign for the urban wear and accessories brand, appearing in promotional materials for its women's line.{{cite web |author=Grouchy Greg Watkins |title=Keyshia Cole Tapped to Serve in Akademiks Ladies 2006 Advertising Campaign |url=https://allhiphop.com/news/keyshia-cole-tapped-to-serve-in-akademiks-ladies-2006-advertising-campaign/ |website=AllHipHop |access-date=October 15, 2014 |date=May 19, 2006}} In 2008, Cole partnered with Luster Products to endorse their relaunched Pink Brand Smooth Touch hair care line. The campaign featured Cole in advertising, product packaging, and "A Day in the Life" online videos, with promotional efforts spanning radio, print, in-store events, and grassroots marketing to enhance brand visibility.{{cite press release |last=Maul |first=Kimberly |title=Luster partners with Keyshia Cole for campaign |url=https://www.prweek.com/article/1251880/luster-partners-keyshia-cole-campaign |access-date=October 15, 2014 |agency=PR Week |date=July 14, 2008}}

In October 2012, it became public knowledge that Cole and shoe designer Steve Madden, had collaborated on a three-piece shoe collection that was initially slated to debut one month later.{{cite magazine |author1=Kholmes |title=Keyshia Cole Teams Up with Steve Madden for Shoe Collection |url=https://www.vibe.com/features/vixen/keyshia-cole-teams-up-with-steve-madden-for-shoe-collection-270629/ |access-date=October 12, 2014 |magazine=Vibe |date=October 18, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206183442/https://www.vibe.com/features/vixen/keyshia-cole-teams-up-with-steve-madden-for-shoe-collection-270629/ |archive-date=December 6, 2021 |url-status=live}} It was also reported that the first pair of shoes are red platform heels with ruffles and a heart-shaped cutout on the wedge, while the second pair of shoes are "funky-patterned" strappy heels.{{cite web |last1=Ramos |first1=Dorkys |title=Keyshia Cole Shows Off Shoes from Her Steve Madden Collection |url=https://www.bet.com/article/7nxbyn/keyshia-cole-shows-off-shoes-from-steve-madden-collection |access-date=October 12, 2014 |work=BET |date=October 17, 2012}} During an appearance with WWPR-FM's The Breakfast Club, she discussed the collection and said: {{blockquote|I've been talking about this Steven Madden deal for about four years now. [...] I wanted to do a deal with Steven Madden is because, when I didn't have any money and before I got my deal, I use to buy Steve Madden shoes. So I just want to make sure that I do really cute shoes that my demographic can afford. [The shoes will debut in] November. I've already made all three and they will be featured in my videos and in the album packaging.}} On July 26, 2013, Cole posted images of more shoes from the collection.{{cite news |last1=Dornelly |first1=Tracy |title=Shoe Game On: Keyshia Cole Shares New Shoe Collection |url=https://atlantablackstar.com/2013/07/26/stylin-on-em-keyshia-cole-shares-photos-of-new-shoe-collection/ |access-date=October 14, 2014 |work=Atlanta Black Star |date=July 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130729055430/https://atlantablackstar.com/2013/07/26/stylin-on-em-keyshia-cole-shares-photos-of-new-shoe-collection/ |archive-date=July 29, 2013 |url-status=live}} In September 2013, the shoe line was launched and included seven heel styles ranging from pumps to booties to tall boots.{{cite press release|title=Steve Madden Collaborates with Keyshia Cole|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/steve-madden-collaborates-with-keyshia-cole-224393371.html|work=PR Newswire|date=September 19, 2013|access-date=June 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126035729/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/steve-madden-collaborates-with-keyshia-cole-224393371.html|archive-date=November 26, 2020}} In support of the launch, Cole embarked on a personal appearance tour; the tour began on September 19 at Pentagon City Mall in Arlington, Virginia, continued on September 21 at Towson Town Center in Towson, Maryland, and concluded on September 26 at Lenox Square Mall in Atlanta, Georgia. A second range of shoes were introduced in March 2014.{{cite press release|title=Steve Madden Launches Second Keyshia Cole Collaboration|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/steve-madden-launches-second-keyshia-cole-collaboration-250321271.html|work=PR Newswire|date=March 14, 2014|access-date=June 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140321051540/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/steve-madden-launches-second-keyshia-cole-collaboration-250321271.html|archive-date=March 21, 2014}} Regarding his collaboration with Cole, Madden stated: "Keyshia is great to work with. She brings fresh ideas to the table, and knows what girls want. It was a pleasure to work with her again."

In December 2021, Cole partnered with hair grooming company Red by Kiss, launching a line of bonnets and headscarves.{{cite magazine|title=These Are Allure Editors' Favorite New Beauty Products of December 2021 |url=https://www.allure.com/gallery/editors-favorite-new-beauty-products-december-2021 |access-date=May 25, 2022 |magazine=Allure |date=January 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220103165231/https://www.allure.com/gallery/editors-favorite-new-beauty-products-december-2021 |archive-date=January 3, 2022 |url-status=live}}

In September 2008, Cole contributed to the song "Just Stand Up!" with fifteen other female artists, who shared the stage to perform the song live on September 5, 2008, during the "Stand Up to Cancer" television special. The proceeds from the single were given to the fundraiser.{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1593043/mariah-carey-beyonce-rihanna-fergie-miley-cyrus-more-collaborate-on-cancer-benefit-single/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140906020432/http://www.mtv.com/news/1593043/mariah-carey-beyonce-rihanna-fergie-miley-cyrus-more-collaborate-on-cancer-benefit-single/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 6, 2014 |title=Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Fergie, Miley Cyrus, More Collaborate on Cancer Benefit Single |last=Kaufman |first=Gil |date=August 19, 2008 |publisher=MTV |access-date=January 31, 2022}} The television special helped raise $100 million for cancer research.{{cite magazine|last=Kaufman|first=Gil|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/female-stars-team-for-cancer-charity-tune-1044410/|title=Female Stars Team for Cancer Charity Tune|date=August 19, 2008 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=October 12, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131205714/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/female-stars-team-for-cancer-charity-tune-1044410/ |archive-date=January 31, 2022 |url-status=live}} On October 29, 2008, Cole was honored with the Dr. Betty Bahiyah Shabazz Award by the Black Cotton Foundation, a nonprofit organization in the New York metropolitan area, alongside former Black Panther Party leader Ericka Huggins. This award recognized their consistent and positive contributions to their communities, and the ceremony took place at Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center in NYC.{{cite press release|date=October 29, 2008|title=R&B Star and Former Black Panther Party Leader Honored for Exemplary Contributions to the Community|agency=PR Log|url=https://www.prlog.org/10134373-rb-star-and-former-black-panther-party-leader-honored-for-exemplary-contributions-to-the-community.html|access-date=October 19, 2014}}

On April 30, 2011, Cole performed at the Revlon Run/Walk for Women in NYC, an event focused on raising awareness and funds for women's cancer research.{{cite web |last=Wexler |first=Jamie |title=Keyshia Cole Lends Voice to Revlon 'Run/Walk for Women' |url=https://thisisrnb.com/2011/05/keyshia-cole-lends-voice-to-revlon-runwalk-for-women/ |work=ThisisRnB |access-date=October 18, 2014 |date=May 2, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211205234237/https://thisisrnb.com/2011/05/keyshia-cole-lends-voice-to-revlon-runwalk-for-women/ |archive-date=December 5, 2021 |url-status=live}} In August 2011, Cole and her then-husband Daniel Gibson contributed to the "Braids & Fades" event in Cleveland, Ohio, by donating school supplies through their foundation. The event, organized by Radio One Cleveland and sponsored by Villa, provided free haircuts, hairstyles, and school supplies to 300 underprivileged children, easing the back-to-school burden for many families in need.{{cite web |title=Keyshia Cole & Daniel Gibson Give Back: Braids & Fades |url=https://wzakcleveland.com/2948282/keyshia-cole-daniel-gibson-give-back-braids-fades-event/ |work=WZAK |access-date=October 18, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220123091936/https://wzakcleveland.com/2948282/keyshia-cole-daniel-gibson-give-back-braids-fades-event/ |archive-date=January 23, 2022 |date=August 22, 2011 |url-status=live}} On September 30, 2012, Cole returned to her hometown in Oakland, California to celebrate the fifth annual Keyshia Cole Day at the East Oakland Sports Center, an event she initiated in 2008 when the City of Oakland proclaimed August 8 as Keyshia Cole Day in recognition of her musical achievements. The family-friendly event included live entertainment, food, and children's activities.{{cite news |last=Palmer |first=Tamara |title=East Oakland Hosts Keyshia Cole Day |url=https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/east-oakland-hosts-keyshia-cole-day/1930203/ |access-date=October 18, 2014 |work=NBC News |date=September 26, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201214185955/https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/east-oakland-hosts-keyshia-cole-day/1930203/ |archive-date=December 14, 2020 |url-status=live}} In January 2015, Cole donated $15,000 to the family of Oscar Grant, an unarmed African-American man who was fatally shot by a police officer in Oakland, California.{{cite web |title=Keyshia Cole Donates 15k to the Late Oscar Grant's Family! |url=https://theshaderoom.com/tsr-exclusive-keyshia-cole-donates-15k-to-the-late-oscar-grants-family-pic-inside/ |website=The Shade Room |access-date=October 18, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160413062224/https://theshaderoom.com/tsr-exclusive-keyshia-cole-donates-15k-to-the-late-oscar-grants-family-pic-inside/ |archive-date=April 13, 2016 |date=January 10, 2015 |url-status=live}}

Cole is a devout Christian, crediting her adoptive mother's insistence on regular church attendance and Bible study with creating a spiritual foundation for her.{{cite news |last=Thomasos |first=Christine |title=Keyshia Cole Exclusive: Singer Opens Up About Faith and Healing After Public Struggles |url=https://www.christianpost.com/news/keyshia-cole-exclusive-singer-opens-up-about-faith-and-healing-after-public-struggles.html |access-date=April 9, 2018 |newspaper=The Christian Post |date=March 17, 2015}} Cole has openly recounted promising God to stop using marijuana once she secured a recording deal and has stated that any future partner "must have a strong relationship with God" to be compatible with her faith-centered values.{{cite news |last=Thomasos |first=Christine |title=Keyshia Cole Makes Promise to God to Stop Smoking Pot |url=https://www.christianpost.com/news/keyshia-cole-makes-promise-to-god-to-stop-smoking-pot.html |access-date=April 9, 2018 |newspaper=The Christian Post |date=December 4, 2015}}{{cite news |title=Keyshia Cole: My Next Man Will Have a Strong Foundation in Christ |url=https://www.ebony.com/keyshia-cole-love/ |access-date=April 9, 2018 |work=Ebony |date=March 1, 2018}}

Cole became romantically involved with rapper and record executive Birdman in January 2014. On September 19, 2014, Cole was arrested and charged with misdemeanor battery after allegedly assaulting a woman at Birdman's condominium home in Los Angeles, California; which led to him cutting ties with Cole soon after.{{cite news |last1=Finn |first1=Natalie |title=Keyshia Cole Arrested, Booked on Battery Charge After Allegedly Attacking a Woman at Birdman's Condo |url=https://www.eonline.com/news/581161/keyshia-cole-arrested-booked-on-battery-charge-after-allegedly-attacking-a-woman-at-birdman-s-condo |access-date=October 13, 2014 |work=E! |date=September 19, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140920201557/https://www.eonline.com/news/581161/keyshia-cole-arrested-booked-on-battery-charge-after-allegedly-attacking-a-woman-at-birdman-s-condo |archive-date=September 20, 2014 |url-status=live}} The woman, Sabrina Mercadel, sued Cole for $4 million over the alleged assault. Mercadel claimed that Cole threw objects at her, punched her in the face, pulled her hair, and slashed her with fingernails.{{cite magazine |last=Espinoza |first=Joshua |title=Keyshia Cole Loses Battery Case After Failing to Show Up to Court |url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/cmplxjoshua-espinoza/keyshia-cole-loses-2014-battery-case |access-date=January 4, 2018 |magazine=Complex |date=December 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207122626/https://www.complex.com/music/a/cmplxjoshua-espinoza/keyshia-cole-loses-2014-battery-case |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |url-status=live}} On December 28, 2017, the lawsuit was finalized after Cole purportedly didn't show up to court resulting in her being ordered to pay $100,000 toward Mercadel.{{cite magazine |last1=Penrose |first1=Nerisha |title=Keyshia Cole Ordered to Pay $100,000 Settlement Over 2014 Assault Allegation: Report |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/keyshia-cole-assault-settlement-8085531/ |access-date=January 4, 2018 |magazine=Billboard |date=December 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121213922/https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/keyshia-cole-assault-settlement-8085531/ |archive-date=January 21, 2022 |url-status=live}}

In January 2025, Cole's Los Angeles residence was destroyed during the 2025 Palisades Fire, leaving her family's belongings lost to the blaze.{{cite news |last1=Inman |first1=DeMicia |title=Keyshia Cole's Home Burned Down in LA Wildfires |url=https://www.vibe.com/news/entertainment/keyshia-cole-home-burned-down-la-wildfires-1234967864/ |access-date=January 15, 2025 |work=Vibe |date=January 14, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250115081700/https://www.vibe.com/news/entertainment/keyshia-cole-home-burned-down-la-wildfires-1234967864/ |archive-date=January 15, 2025 |url-status=live}}

Between November 2005 to October 2007, Cole was discreetly involved in a romantic relationship with rapper Jeezy.{{cite web |last=Hynes |first=Hayley |title=Keyshia Cole's Dating History |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/426891-keyshia-coles-love-life-a-history-news |work=HotNewHipHop |date=May 25, 2022 |access-date=May 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230615174714/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/426891-keyshia-coles-love-life-a-history-news |archive-date=June 15, 2023 |url-status=live}} During a 2008 interview with Vibe, Jeezy alleged that Cole had proposed to him, stating: "Keyshia asked me to marry her, bought me a ring and everything. She not gonna tell you different. I was grown enough to tell her, 'Look, baby, that isn't what it is right now. I'm trying to get my shit together. I'm trying to get my money, take care of me and mine."

Cole began dating NBA player Daniel Gibson in May 2009, announcing their engagement and her pregnancy in January 2010.{{cite news |title=Keyshia Cole confirms pregnancy, engagement to Boobie |url=https://www.stlamerican.com/entertainment/keyshia-cole-confirms-pregnancy-engagement-to-boobie/ |access-date=October 13, 2014 |work=The St. Louis American |date=January 8, 2010}} On March 2, 2010, she gave birth to her son, Daniel Hiram Jr., with Gibson. The couple were married at a ceremony in Las Vegas, on May 21, 2011,{{cite news|last=Chandler|first=D.L.|url=http://rapfix.mtv.com/2011/05/24/keyshia-cole-and-daniel-gibson-reveal-wedding-pics/|title=Keyshia Cole And Daniel Gibson Reveal Wedding Pics|work=RapFix|publisher=MTV News|date=May 24, 2011|access-date=October 13, 2014|archive-date=October 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141020060327/http://rapfix.mtv.com/2011/05/24/keyshia-cole-and-daniel-gibson-reveal-wedding-pics/|url-status=dead}} before renewing their vows in Hawaii in September 2011.{{cite web|url=http://www.s2smagazine.com/stories/2011/09/keyshia-cole-weds-again-hawaii|title=Keyshia Cole weds again in Hawaii|work=S2SMagazine.com|access-date=October 13, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130121001413/http://s2smagazine.com/stories/2011/09/keyshia-cole-weds-again-hawaii|archive-date=January 21, 2013}} The entire wedding weekend was filmed and aired on Keyshia and Daniel: Family First, in October 2012.{{cite web |url=http://www.equities.com/news/news-headline-story?dt=2012-08-07&val=353358&d=1&cat=headline |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130122150558/http://www.equities.com/news/news-headline-story?dt=2012-08-07&val=353358&d=1&cat=headline |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 22, 2013 |title=BET Networks Presents Fall 2012 Preview |publisher=Equities.com |date=August 7, 2012 |access-date=August 18, 2012 }} In March 2014, Cole confirmed during an interview on The Breakfast Club that she and Gibson were separated, succeeding the rumors that Gibson had cheated on Cole with a stripper.{{cite news|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/21/keyshia-cole-breaks-silence-daniel-gibson-divorce-rumors_n_5009518.html|title=Keyshia Cole Breaks Her Silence On Daniel Gibson, Divorce Rumors (VIDEO)|date=March 21, 2014|work=HuffPost|access-date=October 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140322121459/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/21/keyshia-cole-breaks-silence-daniel-gibson-divorce-rumors_n_5009518.html|archive-date=March 22, 2014|url-status=live}} In April 2017, Cole announced that they had filed for divorce,{{cite news |last=Berger |first=Tia |title=Keyshia Cole's Adorable Photo with Her Son Sends Fans Overboard: Awww I Just Can't! |url=https://atlantablackstar.com/2019/01/12/keyshia-coles-adorable-photo-with-her-son-sends-fans-overboard-awww-i-just-cant/ |access-date=January 16, 2019 |work=Atlanta Black Star |date=January 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203212958/https://atlantablackstar.com/2019/01/12/keyshia-coles-adorable-photo-with-her-son-sends-fans-overboard-awww-i-just-cant/ |archive-date=February 3, 2019 |url-status=live}} which was finalized on September 3, 2020.{{cite news |last=Richmond |first=Shayler |title=Keyshia Cole celebrates her divorce: I'm so damn happy |url=https://thegrio.com/2020/09/04/keyshia-cole-divorce-so-happy/ |access-date=September 26, 2020 |publisher=TheGrio |date=September 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201213035037/https://thegrio.com/2020/09/04/keyshia-cole-divorce-so-happy/ |archive-date=December 13, 2020 |url-status=live}}

On May 3, 2019, Cole announced that she was expecting her second child, with her then-boyfriend Niko Khale.{{cite news |last=Muhammed |first=Latifah |title=Keyshia Cole and Boyfriend Expecting Child Together |url=https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/keyshia-cole-pregnant-with-second-child-646878/ |access-date=May 6, 2019 |work=Vibe |date=May 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210622070404/https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/keyshia-cole-pregnant-with-second-child-646878/ |archive-date=June 22, 2021 |url-status=live}} Cole gave birth to her second son, Tobias Khale, on August 1, 2019.{{cite news |last=Berger |first=Tia |title='You So Damn Pretty': Keyshia Cole Fans Lose It Over Her Gorgeous Looks |url=https://atlantablackstar.com/2020/08/05/you-so-damn-pretty-keyshia-cole-fans-lose-it-over-her-gorgeous-looks/ |access-date=August 23, 2020 |work=Atlanta Black Star |date=August 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807074039/https://atlantablackstar.com/2020/08/05/you-so-damn-pretty-keyshia-cole-fans-lose-it-over-her-gorgeous-looks/ |archive-date=August 7, 2020 |url-status=live}} In October 2020, Khale confirmed that he and Cole had ended their relationship.{{cite news |last=Berger |first=Tia |url=https://atlantablackstar.com/2020/10/03/my-heart-is-broken-niko-khale-confirms-he-and-keyshia-cole-are-over/ |title='My Heart Is Broken': Niko Khale Confirms He and Keyshia Cole Are Over |date=October 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006202007/https://atlantablackstar.com/2020/10/03/my-heart-is-broken-niko-khale-confirms-he-and-keyshia-cole-are-over/ |archive-date=October 6, 2020}} In April 2022, Cole was briefly linked to former NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown.{{cite news |last=Barilla |first=Chris |title=Keyshia Cole and Antonio Brown's Romance Dissolved Rather Quickly |url=https://www.distractify.com/p/keyshia-cole-antonio-brown-dating |access-date=May 25, 2022 |work=Distractify |date=May 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519192224/https://www.distractify.com/p/keyshia-cole-antonio-brown-dating |archive-date=May 19, 2022 |url-status=live}} Their short-lived fling garnered media attention but did not develop into a serious relationship. In April 2024, Cole was seen at a nightclub in Atlanta, Georgia, with rapper Hunxho, sparking rumors of a romance. The speculation was confirmed when Hunxho publicly revealed that he and Cole were dating.{{cite news |last=Schube |first=Will |title=Hunxho Confirms He's Dating Keyshia Cole After Gloss Up Causes Drama |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/hunxho-keyshia-cole-relationship-gloss-up-drama |access-date=May 6, 2024 |work=HipHopDX |date=May 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240511071042/https://hiphopdx.com/news/hunxho-keyshia-cole-relationship-gloss-up-drama |archive-date=May 11, 2024 |url-status=live}} On March 16, 2025, Cole confirmed that she and Hunxho had broken up.{{cite web |last=Fisher |first=Caroline |title=Keyshia Cole Confirms Hunxho Split by Lamenting Over Her Single Lady Struggles |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/894734-keyshia-cole-confirms-hunxho-split-relationship-news |website=HotNewHipHop |access-date=April 17, 2025 |date=March 16, 2025}}

Frankie & Neffe, a 10-episode BET spin-off of Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is, debuted on August 25, 2009, and followed the lives of Cole's mother Frankie Lons and her older sister Neffeteria Pugh.{{cite web |title=BET's New Reality Show Spin Off 'Frankie & Neffe' Premieres Tuesday, August 25 at 10:30 PM |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2009/08/20/bets-new-reality-show-spin-off-frankie-and-neffe-premieres-tuesday-august-25-at-1030-pm*-32450/20090820bet01/ |work=The Futon Critic |access-date=October 14, 2014 |date=August 20, 2009}} According to reports, Cole was displeased with the series and her family's attempts to exploit their lives for reality television.{{cite news |title=Keyshia Cole Reportedly Blocking New Frankie and Neffe Reality Show |url=https://chicagodefender.com/keyshia-cole-reportedly-blocking-new-frankie-and-neffe-reality-show/ |access-date=October 14, 2014 |work=The Chicago Defender |date=June 11, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229195844/https://chicagodefender.com/keyshia-cole-reportedly-blocking-new-frankie-and-neffe-reality-show/ |archive-date=February 29, 2024 |url-status=live}} In December 2011, Lons published her memoir The Best Years I Never Had, which detailed her personal hardships.{{cite web |title=Keyshia Cole's Mom Frankie Debuts Memoir, The Best Years I Never Had |url=https://theboxhouston.com/8742432/keyshia-coles-mom-frankie-debuts-memoir-the-best-years-i-never-had/ |website=97.9 The Box |publisher=KBXX |access-date=October 14, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201008114453/https://theboxhouston.com/8742432/keyshia-coles-mom-frankie-debuts-memoir-the-best-years-i-never-had/ |archive-date=October 8, 2020 |date=December 9, 2011 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Keyshia Cole's Mom Set to Release {{as written|Mem|ior [sic]}} on Drugs, Prostitution and Fame |url=https://singersroom.com/content/2012-01-03/keyshia-coles-mom-releases-memior-on-drugs-prostitution-and-fame/ |work=Singersroom |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120524212227/https://singersroom.com/content/2012-01-03/keyshia-coles-mom-releases-memior-on-drugs-prostitution-and-fame/ |archive-date=May 24, 2012 |date=January 3, 2012 |access-date=October 14, 2014 |url-status=live}} Cole asserted in a December 2012 interview on BET{{'}}s 106 & Park that she was biracial, despite not knowing her father's true identity or race at the time.{{cite web |last1=Victorian |first1=Brande |title=So Keyshia Cole Wasn't Sure About Doing Black Girls Rock Because…She's Biracial? |url=https://madamenoire.com/236511/so-keyshia-cole-wasnt-sure-about-doing-black-girls-rock-because-shes-biracial/ |website=MadameNoire |access-date=October 13, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130129134503/https://madamenoire.com/236511/so-keyshia-cole-wasnt-sure-about-doing-black-girls-rock-because-shes-biracial/ |archive-date=January 29, 2013 |date=November 26, 2012 |url-status=live}} The reason for this was that Cole's mother claimed an unknown Italian man was Cole's biological father. In May 2016, Cole met her biological father, Virgil Hunter, after a paternity test confirmed their connection.{{cite news |date=May 14, 2016 |title=Keyshia Cole meets with biological father |url=http://theybf.com/2016/05/14/keyshia-cole-lets-us-in-on-her-meeting-with-her-biological-father-and-frankie |newspaper=Theybf.com |access-date=May 18, 2016 |archive-date=October 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191001003544/https://theybf.com/2016/05/14/keyshia-cole-lets-us-in-on-her-meeting-with-her-biological-father-and-frankie |url-status=dead }}

As displayed on Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is, Cole and her sister Neffeteria had a tense relationship. Pugh's autobiographical book The Price I Paid, which was published in 2012, was perceived as a "tell-all book" that mainly discussed her relationship and disputes with Cole.{{cite magazine |last1=Canada |first1=Danielle |title=Keyshia Cole blasts her sister, Neffe, for tell-all book |url=https://rollingout.com/2013/01/10/keyshia-cole-blasts-her-sister-neffe-for-tell-all-book/ |access-date=October 14, 2014 |magazine=Rolling Out |date=January 10, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404221236/https://rollingout.com/2013/01/10/keyshia-cole-blasts-her-sister-neffe-for-tell-all-book/ |archive-date=April 4, 2016 |url-status=live}} Pugh claimed that the book explores her life and the lives of her family following their appearances on reality TV. In a series of tweets on January 10, 2013, Cole vented her annoyance at the book.{{cite web |last1=Brown |first1=Lea |title=Keyshia Cole Blasts Sister Neffe and Her Book on Twitter |url=https://singersroom.com/content/2013-01-12/keyshia-cole-blasts-sister-neffe-and-her-book-on-twitter/ |website=Singersroom |access-date=October 14, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130114175802/https://singersroom.com/content/2013-01-12/keyshia-cole-blasts-sister-neffe-and-her-book-on-twitter/ |archive-date=January 14, 2013 |date=January 12, 2013}} Through an Instagram post, Pugh publicly apologized to Cole on March 19, 2018, for their prior disagreements.{{cite news |last1=Nelson |first1=Shamone |title=Keyshia Cole Responds to Her Sister Neffe's 'Public' Apology |url=https://atlantablackstar.com/2018/03/19/keyshia-cole-responds-sister-neffes-apology/ |access-date=April 9, 2018 |work=Atlanta Black Star |date=March 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320073259/https://atlantablackstar.com/2018/03/19/keyshia-cole-responds-sister-neffes-apology/ |archive-date=March 20, 2018 |url-status=live}} In March 2021, Cole's younger sister Elite Noel disclosed on her Instagram story that she was estranged from Cole.{{cite web |last1=Marie |first1=Erika |title=Keyshia Cole's Sister Elite Noel Voices Frustrations with Singer: It Wasn't No Respect |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/318379-keyshia-coles-sister-elite-noel-voices-frustrations-with-singer-it-wasnt-no-respect-news |website=HotNewHipHop |access-date=November 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240406155518/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/318379-keyshia-coles-sister-elite-noel-voices-frustrations-with-singer-it-wasnt-no-respect-news |archive-date=April 6, 2024 |date=March 2, 2021}}

Cole's mother, Lons, died on July 18, 2021,{{cite news|last=Henderson|first=Cydney|title=Keyshia Cole opens up about her mother Frankie Lons' death: 'I love you so much!'|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2021/07/22/keyshia-cole-mother-frankie-lons-death/8018479002/|access-date=January 1, 2022|work=USA Today|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210723193442/https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2021/07/22/keyshia-cole-mother-frankie-lons-death/8018479002/|archive-date=July 23, 2021|url-status=live|language=en-US}} from a drug overdose.{{cite web |last1=Eustice |first1=Kyle |title=Keyshia Cole's Mother's Cause Of Death Confirmed |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.64921/title.keyshia-cole-mother-frankie-lons-official-cause-of-death-tragically-confirmed |work=HipHopDX |access-date=November 6, 2021 |date=October 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211002234730/https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.64921/title.keyshia-cole-mother-frankie-lons-official-cause-of-death-tragically-confirmed#signup |archive-date=October 2, 2021}} On November 14, 2021, Cole announced that her adoptive father, Leon Cole, Jr., died from complications from COVID-19.{{cite magazine |last1=Heching |first1=Dan |title=Keyshia Cole's Adoptive Father Leon Cole Dies After Being Hospitalized Due to COVID Complications |url=https://people.com/music/keyshia-coles-adoptive-father-leon-cole-dies-from-covid-complications/ |access-date=November 16, 2021 |magazine=People |date=November 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211116091051/https://people.com/music/keyshia-coles-adoptive-father-leon-cole-dies-from-covid-complications/ |archive-date=November 16, 2021 |url-status=live}} While struggling to cope with both losses, Cole was hospitalized following an anxiety attack, in May 2022.{{cite magazine |last=Baruch |first=Yolanda |title=Keyshia Cole Admitted to Emergency Room for a Severe Anxiety Attack |url=https://www.blackenterprise.com/keyshia-cole-admitted-to-emergency-room-for-a-severe-anxiety-attack/ |access-date=May 14, 2022 |magazine=Black Enterprise |date=May 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220508143136/https://www.blackenterprise.com/keyshia-cole-admitted-to-emergency-room-for-a-severe-anxiety-attack/ |archive-date=May 8, 2022 |url-status=live}}

The dispute between Cole and Lil' Mo is believed to have begun around 2005.{{cite web |url=http://www.crunktastical.net/2005/10/15/buzz-notes-31/ |title=Buzz Notes > Keyshia "Troll" Cole Clears the Air |date=October 15, 2005 |website=Crunk + Disorderly |publisher=crunktastical.net |access-date=January 16, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203090008/http://www.crunktastical.net/2005/10/15/buzz-notes-31/ |archive-date=February 3, 2014 |url-status=live }} In an interview with HipHollywood on April 3, 2013, Lil' Mo disparaged Cole, citing Cole's divisive tirade against Beyoncé's "Bow Down (I Been On)" from the previous month, saying, "Sit down, get off Twitter, if you can't handle it, keep your opinions to yourself. Who is your publicist? Who is tweeting for you?".{{cite magazine |last1=Daniels |first1=Sharifa |title=Lil Mo and The-Dream Criticize Keyshia Cole for Beyoncé Remarks |url=https://www.vibe.com/features/vixen/lil-mo-and-the-dream-criticize-keyshia-cole-for-beyonce-remarks-277627/ |access-date=October 16, 2014 |magazine=Vibe |date=April 4, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726174113/https://www.vibe.com/features/vixen/lil-mo-and-the-dream-criticize-keyshia-cole-for-beyonce-remarks-277627/ |archive-date=July 26, 2021 |url-status=live}} Cole instantly reacted, captioning an Instagram picture with the words "You gotta be able to smile through the bullsh--".{{cite web |last1=Joszor |first1=Njai |title=Keyshia Cole Responds To Lil Mo, Smiling Through The Bull |url=https://singersroom.com/content/2013-04-04/keyshia-cole-responds-to-lil-mo-smiling-through-the-bull/ |website=Singersroom |access-date=October 16, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130407143044/https://singersroom.com/content/2013-04-04/keyshia-cole-responds-to-lil-mo-smiling-through-the-bull/ |archive-date=April 7, 2013 |date=April 4, 2013}} Lil' Mo again dissed Cole during an appearance with The Breakfast Club on May 2, 2013.{{cite news |last1=Robinson |first1=Nicholas |title=Lil Mo names the singers she believes she can outsing |url=https://rollingout.com/2013/05/02/lil-mo-names-the-singers-she-believes-she-can-out-sing/ |access-date=October 16, 2014 |work=Rolling Out |date=May 2, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029082713/https://rollingout.com/2013/05/02/lil-mo-names-the-singers-she-believes-she-can-out-sing/ |archive-date=October 29, 2020 |url-status=live}} She went so far as to mention Cole as a vocalist she thinks she can surpass vocally. Amid rumors that Cole had thrown eggs at the car of rapper Bow Wow (with whom Cole was rumored to have dated at the time), Lil' Mo dubbed Cole a "thot" on an episode of her podcast, The Lil' Mo Show, on March 11, 2016.{{cite web |last=Diaz |first=Evelyn |title=Lil Mo Has the Worst Insult for Keyshia Cole After Egging Incident |url=https://www.bet.com/article/o4r3la/lil-mo-insults-keyshia-cole-after-egging-incident |access-date=May 18, 2016 |work=BET |date=March 11, 2016}}

Cole negatively tweeted about Michelle Williams' Super Bowl XLVII halftime show performance on February 4, 2013, when she performed onstage alongside fellow Destiny's Child members, Kelly Rowland and Beyoncé.{{cite news |last1=Harvey |first1=Kyle |title=Keyshia Cole slams Michelle Williams' Super Bowl performance |url=https://thegrio.com/2013/02/04/keyshia-cole-slams-michelle-williams-super-bowl-performance/ |access-date=October 16, 2014 |publisher=TheGrio |date=February 4, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130206141313/http://thegrio.com/2013/02/04/keyshia-cole-slams-michelle-williams-super-bowl-performance/ |archive-date=February 6, 2013 |url-status=live}} Because of this, Cole faced online criticism from supporters. Cole said that Williams' accusation that Cole had utilized an auto-tune microphone at a prior Soul Train Music Awards performance was the reason behind it.{{cite magazine|last=Robinson |first=Nicholas |title=Keyshia Cole disses Michelle Williams, again |url=http://rollingout.com/music/keyshia-cole-disses-michelle-williams-again/ |access-date=October 16, 2014 |magazine=Rolling Out |date=February 8, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130511222152/http://rollingout.com/music/keyshia-cole-disses-michelle-williams-again/ |archive-date=May 11, 2013 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Thomasos |first1=Christine |title=Keyshia Cole Said She Was Hurt By 'Church Girl' Michelle Williams' Criticism |url=https://www.christianpost.com/news/keyshia-cole-said-she-was-hurt-by-church-girl-michelle-williams-criticism.html |access-date=October 16, 2014 |newspaper=The Christian Post |date=March 23, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701021112/https://www.christianpost.com/news/keyshia-cole-said-she-was-hurt-by-church-girl-michelle-williams-criticism.html |archive-date=July 1, 2022 |url-status=live}} In a March 2013 interview with Rolling Stone, Kelly Rowland responded to a query on the circumstances by saying, "We matter to a lot more people, with all due respect, than her. So, I really don't care what she said".{{cite magazine |last=Krishnamurthy |first=Sowmya |author-link=Sowmya Krishnamurthy |title=Q&A: Kelly Rowland on Getting 'Stripped Away and Naked,' Bringing Back Destiny's Child |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/qa-kelly-rowland-on-getting-stripped-away-and-naked-bringing-back-destinys-child-194958/ |access-date=October 16, 2014 |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=March 4, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813064241/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/qa-kelly-rowland-on-getting-stripped-away-and-naked-bringing-back-destinys-child-194958/ |archive-date=August 13, 2020 |url-status=live}} Williams addressed the matter in a September 2013 interview with Hot 107.9's morning show in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, stating: "I don't even do twitter beef [...] Can't wait to see [Keyshia Cole] in person so we can talk and say, 'Hey, what happened?'".{{cite web |last=Muhammed |first=Latifah |title=Michelle Williams Wants In-Person Chat with Keyshia Cole |url=https://www.bet.com/article/i5z2k4/michelle-williams-wants-in-person-chat-with-keyshia-cole |access-date=September 5, 2013 |work=BET |date=October 16, 2014}} Later that month, both Williams and Cole publicly made amends over the situation.{{cite magazine |last1=Penn |first1=Charli |title=Keyshia Cole Apologizes to Michelle Williams for Super Bowl Diss |url=https://www.essence.com/news/keyshia-cole-apologizes-michelle-williams-super-bowl-diss/ |access-date=October 16, 2014 |magazine=Essence |date=September 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200106184629/https://www.essence.com/news/keyshia-cole-apologizes-michelle-williams-super-bowl-diss/ |archive-date=January 6, 2020 |url-status=live}}

In March 2013, Cole posted a rant on her Twitter page, in which she criticized Beyoncé for her audio track "Bow Down (I Been On)".Media reports regarding the Beyoncé tweets:

• {{cite magazine |last1=Chen |first1=Joyce |title=Keyshia Cole Slams Beyonce's New Song Bow Down/I Been On, Calls Her Self-Righteous |url=https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/keyshia-cole-slams-beyonces-new-song-bow-downi-been-on-calls-her-self-righteous-2013183/ |magazine=US Weekly |access-date=October 16, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130321101130/https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/keyshia-cole-slams-beyonces-new-song-bow-downi-been-on-calls-her-self-righteous-2013183/ |archive-date=March 21, 2013 |date=March 18, 2013 |url-status=live}}
• {{cite news |last=Maresca |first=Rachel |title=Keyshia Cole slams Beyonce's new single, 'Bow Down/I Been On' via Twitter |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2013/03/19/keyshia-cole-slams-beyonces-new-single-bow-downi-been-on-via-twitter/ |access-date=October 17, 2014 |newspaper=New York Daily News |date=March 19, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628041717/https://www.nydailynews.com/2013/03/19/keyshia-cole-slams-beyonces-new-single-bow-downi-been-on-via-twitter/ |archive-date=June 28, 2024 |url-status=live}} As a result, Cole received backlash from urban media outlets and fans of Beyoncé.
• {{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vc4HIjp5_Ns |title=Donkey of the Day: Keyshia Cole Goes At Beyoncé |date=March 19, 2013 |author=The Breakfast Club|via=YouTube |access-date=January 16, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219112125/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vc4HIjp5_Ns |archive-date=December 19, 2013 |url-status=live }}
• {{cite news |last1=Finn |first1=Natalie |title=Keyshia Cole Slams Beyoncé's "Bow Down/I Been On" for Mixed Message, Gets Stung by BeyHive |url=https://www.eonline.com/news/398892/keyshia-cole-slams-beyonce-s-bow-down-i-been-on-for-mixed-message-gets-stung-by-beyhive |access-date=October 17, 2014 |work=E! |date=March 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130323104656/https://www.eonline.com/news/398892/keyshia-cole-slams-beyonce-s-bow-down-i-been-on-for-mixed-message-gets-stung-by-beyhive |archive-date=March 23, 2013 |url-status=live}}
• {{cite web |author1=DJ Supreme |title=Trending Topic: Is Keyshia Cole Hating? |url=https://wblk.com/trending-topic-is-keyshia-cole-hating/ |website=WBLK |access-date=October 17, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130524235316/https://wblk.com/trending-topic-is-keyshia-cole-hating/ |archive-date=May 24, 2013 |date=March 18, 2013 |url-status=live}} American singer-songwriter and record producer The-Dream announced in an interview on April 3, 2013, that he would no longer be working with Cole because of the situation.{{cite news |last=Boardman |first=Madeline |title=The-Dream & Keyshia Cole: Songwriter Says He Won't Work with Singer After Beyoncé Diss |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/the-dream-keyshia-cole-songwriter-beyonce_n_3015383 |access-date=October 17, 2014 |work=HuffPost |date=April 4, 2013}} Previously, The-Dream wrote Cole's song "Hey Sexy" from her Woman to Woman album.{{cite web |last1=Bennett |first1=Deborah |title=Keyshia Cole Responds to The-Dream, Beyoncé Dances with Herself & More |url=https://hellobeautiful.com/2633034/keyshia-cole-responds-to-the-dream/4/ |work=HelloBeautiful |access-date=October 17, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130408085441/https://hellobeautiful.com/2633034/keyshia-cole-responds-to-the-dream/4/ |archive-date=April 8, 2013 |date=April 4, 2013 |url-status=live}} Cole responded to this by tweeting that it was fine for him to not work with her again. In an interview on March 20, 2014, Cole explained why she tweeted a rant about the song, saying: "I was not hating on Beyoncé. It was not directed at all as hate. I love Beyoncé. I've seen Beyoncé a few times. She's always a very sweet girl. To me, that just wasn't her thing. Like dude said, she switched it up or something. But that's just not what I know of her, so it kinda hurt my feelings."{{cite web |last1=Lazerine |first1=Devin |title=Keyshia Cole Talks Beyoncé, Divorce Rumors, & Family 'Chaos' on The Breakfast Club |url=https://www.rap-up.com/article/2014/03/20/keyshia-cole-talks-beyonce-divorce-rumors-family-chaos-on-the-breakfast-club |website=Rap-Up |access-date=October 17, 2014 |date=March 20, 2014}} In an October 2018 interview, Cole stated that she loves Beyonce and looks up to her, clarifying that her intentions were not to ignite a feud.{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=391yNJoAiwA |title=Keyshia Cole talks Looking at Beyoncé for Inspiration on Hollywood Unlocked [UNCENSORED] |date=October 1, 2018 |author=Hollywood Unlocked|via=YouTube |access-date=January 16, 2019 }}

On December 7, 2019, O.T. Genasis released "Never Knew", a parody of Cole's 2005 song "Love".{{cite web|last1=Droke |first1=Carolyn |title=OT Genasis Remade Keyshia Cole's Signature Song 'Love' as a Crip Anthem and the People Love It |url=https://uproxx.com/music/ot-genasis-keyshia-cole-crip-anthem/ |access-date=August 2, 2020 |work=Uproxx |date=December 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191208142734/https://uproxx.com/music/ot-genasis-keyshia-cole-crip-anthem/ |archive-date=December 8, 2019 |url-status=live}} Cole voiced her disapproval of the song during a One on One with Keyshia Cole episode; the video was then taken down from YouTube.{{cite news |last1=Mowatt |first1=Robyn |title=Keyshia Cole is Very Unhappy About OT Genasis Remaking Her Song: I Really Would Like My Classics To Be Left Alone |url=https://www.okayplayer.com/music/keyshia-cole-ot-genasis-love-remake.html |access-date=August 2, 2020 |work=Okayplayer |date=December 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191222145035/https://www.okayplayer.com/music/keyshia-cole-ot-genasis-love-remake.html |archive-date=December 22, 2019 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Jennn |first1=London |title=O.T. Genasis Blasted by Keyshia Cole's Sisters After Onstage Apology |url=https://allhiphop.com/news/o-t-genasis-blasted-by-keyshia-coles-sisters-after-onstage-apology/ |website=AllHipHop |access-date=May 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240402100005/https://allhiphop.com/news/o-t-genasis-blasted-by-keyshia-coles-sisters-after-onstage-apology/#google_vignette |archive-date=April 2, 2024 |date=April 2, 2024 |url-status=live}} This resulted in social media exchanges and insults between Cole and Genasis.{{cite news |last1=Ivey |first1=Justin |title=O.T. Genasis Says Keyshia Cole's 'Pussy Smelling Like Fish Sticks' — Gets Combative Response |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.55418/title.o-t-genasis-says-keyshia-coles-pussy-smelling-like-fish-sticks-gets-combative-response |access-date=August 2, 2020 |work=HipHopDX |date=April 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200414111224/https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.55418/title.o-t-genasis-says-keyshia-coles-pussy-smelling-like-fish-sticks-gets-combative-response |archive-date=April 14, 2020 |url-status=live}} Presumably, their feud was resolved when Genasis sung "Love" with Cole during her Verzuz battle in January 2021.{{cite web |last=Okon |first=Wongo |title=Keyshia Cole and O.T. Genasis Are Back on Good Terms After Performing 'Love' Together on Verzuz |url=https://uproxx.com/music/keyshia-cole-ot-genasis-end-beef-love-duet-verzuz/ |access-date=January 23, 2021 |work=Uproxx |date=January 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302110239/https://uproxx.com/music/keyshia-cole-ot-genasis-end-beef-love-duet-verzuz/ |archive-date=March 2, 2021 |url-status=live}} During her Love Hard Tour concert in Los Angeles, California on March 30, 2024, Cole invited Genasis to the stage, where he performed two songs and then publicly apologized to Cole in front of the crowd.{{cite magazine |last1=Turner-Williams |first1=Jaelani |title=O.T. Genasis Gives Onstage Apology to Keyshia Cole for Unauthorized 'Love' Cover: I Love You, and I'm Sorry |url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/jaelaniturnerwilliams/ot-genasis-apologize-keyshia-cole |access-date=May 6, 2024 |magazine=Complex |date=April 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240418181132/https://www.complex.com/music/a/jaelaniturnerwilliams/ot-genasis-apologize-keyshia-cole |archive-date=April 18, 2024 |url-status=live}}

In December 2021, Cole publicly criticized Muni Long for taking a song she had written for Cole and giving it to another musician without getting Cole's permission.{{cite web |last1=Whiteside |first1=Jade |title=Celebs Muni Long & Keyshia Cole Speak Out After Keyshia Called Her Out for Giving Their Song Away to Another Artist |url=https://theshaderoom.com/muni-long-keyshia-cole-speak-out-after-keyshia-called-her-out-for-giving-their-song-away-to-another-artist/ |website=The Shade Room |access-date=May 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211219214740/https://theshaderoom.com/muni-long-keyshia-cole-speak-out-after-keyshia-called-her-out-for-giving-their-song-away-to-another-artist/ |archive-date=December 19, 2021 |date=December 19, 2021 |url-status=live}} In response, Long revealed that she had done this because of Cole declaring that she would soon be retiring from music and possibly scrapping her album.

{{Main|List of awards and nominations received by Keyshia Cole}}

As of 2025, Cole has sold over 15 million albums worldwide.{{cite web |last1=Sharpe |first1=Josh |title=Keyshia Cole Unveils 'The Way It Is 20th Anniversary Tour' |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/Keyshia-Cole-Unveils-The-Way-It-Is-20th-Anniversary-Tour-20250417 |publisher=BroadwayWorld |access-date=April 17, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250424190110/https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/Keyshia-Cole-Unveils-The-Way-It-Is-20th-Anniversary-Tour-20250417 |archive-date=April 24, 2025 |url-status=live}} In 2010, Billboard{{'}}s The Juice ranked Cole at number 28 on their list of Top 50 R&B/Hip-Hop Artists of the Last 25 Years, and she was subsequently honored in Billboard{{'}}s all-time Greatest R&B/Hip-Hop Artists compilation.{{cite magazine |title=The Top 50 R&B/Hip-Hop Artists of the Past 25 Years |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/950681/the-top-50-rb-hip-hop-artists-of-the-past-25-years |access-date=January 17, 2012 |magazine=Billboard |date=November 18, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101123022823/http://www.billboard.com/column/the-juice/the-top-50-r-b-hip-hop-artists-of-the-past-1004127916.story?page=3#/column/the-juice/the-top-50-r-b-hip-hop-artists-of-the-past-1004127916.story?page=3 |archive-date=November 23, 2010}}{{cite magazine |title=Greatest of All Time Top R&B/Hip-Hop Artists |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/greatest-r-b-hip-hop-artists/ |access-date=March 20, 2025 |magazine=Billboard |date=March 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170307002404/https://www.billboard.com/charts/greatest-r-b-hip-hop-artists/ |archive-date=March 7, 2017}} Furthermore, she was ranked 63rd on Complex{{'}}s The 100 Hottest Female Singers of All Time and 27th on Forbes{{'}} 50 Black Female Singers with Incredible Vocals lists.{{cite web|title=The 100 Hottest Female Singers of All Time|url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/lauren-nostro/the-100-hottest-female-singers-of-all-time|work=Complex|access-date=August 11, 2013|first1=Lauren|last1=Nostro|first2=Julian|last2=Patterson|date=December 10, 2012|archive-date=July 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230715084855/https://www.complex.com/music/a/lauren-nostro/the-100-hottest-female-singers-of-all-time|url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Yongo |first=Sughnen |title=50 Black Female Singers With Incredible Vocals |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/entertainment/article/black-female-singers/ |website=Forbes |access-date=March 14, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250309044345/https://www.forbes.com/sites/entertainment/article/black-female-singers/ |archive-date=March 9, 2025 |date=March 8, 2025 |url-status=live}} On Billboard{{'}}s Top Women Artists of the 21st Century list in 2025, the author noted that her first six studio albums each reached the top-ten of the US Billboard 200, that she secured seven top-40 hits on the US Billboard Hot 100 and that "her biggest stretch aligned with R&B's heyday in the mid-2000s", leading to her placement within the list.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/top-women-artists-21st-century-chart/no-58-keyshia-cole/|title=Billboard's Top 100 Women Artists of the 21st Century Chart, Nos. 100–1|magazine=Billboard|date=March 19, 2025|archive-url=https://archive.today/20250320174838/https://www.billboard.com/lists/top-women-artists-21st-century-chart/no-100-danity-kane/|archive-date=March 20, 2025|access-date=March 20, 2025}}

As Revolt observed, "Her influence can still be heard in the artists who follow in her footsteps", reflecting Cole's imprint on music.{{cite web |last=Johnson |first=Sharmaine |title=9 R&B artists who should have Grammy Awards… but don't |url=https://www.revolt.tv/article/9-r-b-artists-who-should-have-grammys-but-dont |website=Revolt |access-date=March 20, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250218131318/https://www.revolt.tv/article/9-r-b-artists-who-should-have-grammys-but-dont |archive-date=February 18, 2025 |date=February 1, 2025 |url-status=live}} American singer Betty Wright listed Cole as one of the artists who she believed were "still holding the torch" for R&B music.{{cite web |last1=Folk |first1=Antwane |title=Interview: Betty Wright Talks New Album, Names Musical Daughters and More |url=https://ratedrnb.com/2013/10/interview-betty-wright-talks-new-album-names-musical-daughters/ |work=Rated R&B |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609222449/https://ratedrnb.com/2013/10/interview-betty-wright-talks-new-album-names-musical-daughters/ |archive-date=June 9, 2021 |date=October 17, 2013 |access-date=July 11, 2022 |url-status=live}} Referred to as "The Princess of Hip-Hop Soul", Cole has been credited as one of the most influential R&B singers. Cole has been credited as an influence or inspiration by Ahzie,{{Cite web|url=https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/ahzie-closure-music-video/|title=Ahzie unveils an appealing audiovisual for her "Closure" single|first=Zangba|last=Thomson|date=September 10, 2020|website=Bong Mines Entertainment}} Celestia,{{Cite web|url=https://undergroundunderdogs.com/2018/01/31/celestia/|title=A Conversation with CELESTIA|first=Kufre|last=McIver|date=January 31, 2018|website=Underground Underdogs}} Cocona,{{Cite web|url=https://rollingstoneindia.com/xg-we-want-to-be-remembered-as-a-one-and-only-group/|title=XG: "We Want to be Remembered as a 'One and Only' Group"|first=Divyansha|last=Dongre|date=August 1, 2022}} Chxrry22,{{Cite web|url=https://ratedrnb.com/2022/10/chxrry22-the-other-side-interview/|title=Chxrry22 Embraces the Good and Bad on 'The Other Side' EP: Interview|first=Keithan|last=Samuels|date=October 26, 2022}} Giveon,{{Cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/when-its-all-said-and-done-apple-music-edition-ep/1534079644|title=When It's All Said And Done (Apple Music Edition) - EP by GIVĒON on Apple Music|date=October 9, 2020|via=music.apple.com}} Hyejin,{{Cite web|url=https://ktru.org/author/jacobp/|title=Jacob Pellegrino, Author at ktru|website=ktru}} Kanii,{{Cite web|url=https://people.com/summer-2023-emerging-artists-cobrah-saleka-destroy-lonely-rowan-drake-exclusive-7555801|title=Meet the Talented Emerging Artists PEOPLE Will Be Listening to All Summer 2023|website=People.com}} Lay Bankz,{{Cite web|url=https://people.com/lay-bankz-on-viral-success-ignoring-negativity-wanting-to-kick-ass-like-beyonce-exclusive-8661213|title=Lay Bankz on Viral Success, Ignoring Negativity and Wanting to 'Kick Ass' Like 'Favorite Artist' Beyoncé (Exclusive)|website=People.com}} Layton Greene,{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/brittanychambers/2023/12/08/layton-greene-shares-how-healing-has-fueled-new-music/|title=Layton Greene Shares How Healing Has Fueled New Music|first=Dr Brittany|last=Chambers|website=Forbes}} Mariah Angeliq,{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2023/music/news/mariah-angeliq-new-single-diva-ep-1235636564/|title=Mariah Angeliq Embraces Her Inner 'Diva' in Fresh Single Ushering Urbano Artist's 'New Era in My Life and Music'|first=Thania|last=Garcia|date=June 9, 2023}} Ray BLK,{{Cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/big-reads/ray-blk-cover-interview-2021-access-denied-2916264|title=Ray BLK: "I'm not going to conform. I'm going to be bossy; I'm going to flex"|first=Kyann-Sian|last=Williams|website=NME |date=April 9, 2021}} Rayven Justice,{{Cite web|url=https://www.rapreviews.com/2022/11/rayven-justice-interview/|title=Rayven Justice Interview – RapReviews|first=Sy|last=Shackleford|date=May 5, 2025}} Riley Lanezz,{{Cite web|url=https://www.flaunt.com/blog/meet-rileyy-lanez-from-the-bronx|title=Meet Rileyy Lanez from The Bronx|website=www.flaunt.com}} Tiana Kocher,{{Cite web|url=https://wimitla.com/music/tiana-kocher|title=Tiana Kocher|website=When I Make It To LA.}} and Queen Naija.https://x.com/queennaija/status/1527420676931567633

{{main|Keyshia Cole discography}}

• The Way It Is (2005)
• Just like You (2007)
• A Different Me (2008)
• Calling All Hearts (2010)
• Woman to Woman (2012)
• Point of No Return (2014)
• 11:11 Reset (2017)

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

Headlining

• A Different Me Tour (2009)
• Woman to Woman Tour (2013)
• Point of No Return Tour (2014)
• The Way It Is 20th Anniversary Tour (2025)

Co-headlining

• Love Hard Tour {{small|(with Trey Songz)}} (2024)

Opening act

• R. Kelly - Double Up Tour (2007){{cite news |title=Keyshia Cole kicks-off tour on a bad note |url=https://www.stlamerican.com/entertainment/hot-sheet/keyshia-cole-kicks-off-tour-on-a-bad-note/ |access-date=October 23, 2014 |newspaper=The St. Louis American |date=November 21, 2007}}
• R. Kelly - Love Letter Tour (2011)

{{col-2}}

Supporting act

• Nelly - Sweatsuit Tour (2005){{cite web|url=http://www.jimdero.com/News2005/NellyConcertReviewApr13.htm|title=Label's roster brings down Nelly show {{sic|hide=y|Center}} – April 11, 2005: Keyshia Cole Opens the Show|first=Jim|last=Derogatis|author-link=Jim Derogatis|page=1|publisher=Chicago Sun-Times|access-date=October 23, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070219163908/http://www.jimdero.com/News2005/NellyConcertReviewApr13.htm|archive-date=February 19, 2007|url-status=live}}
• Kanye West - Touch the Sky Tour (2005)
• Lil Wayne - I Am Music Tour (2008)

Promotional tours

• Just like You Promo Tour (2007){{cite web |last1=Mayers |first1=Norman |title=Keyshia Cole readies album and promo tour |url=https://www.prefixmag.com/news/keyshia-cole-readies-album-and-promo-tour/11334/ |website=Prefixmag |access-date=October 14, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071222174837/https://www.prefixmag.com/news/keyshia-cole-readies-album-and-promo-tour/11334/ |archive-date=December 22, 2007 |date=August 23, 2007 |url-status=dead}}

{{col-end}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Sister project links|wikt=no |commons=Keyshia Cole |b=no |n=no |q=Keyshia Cole |s=no |voy=no |v=no |species=no |d=Q233229 |display=Keyshia Cole}}

• [https://www.keyshiacoleofficial.com/ Official website]
• {{AllMusic}}
• {{IMDb name|01919229|Keyshia Cole}}

{{Keyshia Cole}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Cole, Keyshia}}

Category:1981 births

Category:Living people

Category:21st-century African-American actresses

Category:21st-century African-American women singers

Category:21st-century American actresses

Category:21st-century American women singers

Category:African-American record producers

Category:African-American women singer-songwriters

Category:African–Hispanic and Latino American relations

Category:American adoptees

Category:American contemporary R&B singers

Category:American film actresses

Category:American hip-hop singers

Category:American musicians of Mexican descent

Category:American sopranos

Category:American women hip-hop musicians

Category:American women pop singers

Category:American women record producers

Category:American women singer-songwriters

Category:Fremont High School (Oakland, California) alumni

Category:Hispanic and Latino American musicians

Category:Participants in American reality television series

Category:Record producers from California

Category:Singer-songwriters from California

Category:Singers from Oakland, California

Category:Tracy High School alumni