Keyshia Cole

Keyshia Myeshia Cole (née Johnson; born October 15, 1981) is an American singer, songwriter, television personality, and actress. Born and raised in Oakland, California, she emerged in the mid-2000s as a prominent figure in contemporary R&B, known for her emotionally direct vocal style and autobiographical songwriting, with critics often dubbing her the "Princess of Hip-Hop Soul". Cole began pursuing music professionally in the early 2000s after relocating to Los Angeles, working with Bay Area artists and producers before signing with A&M Records. Her debut studio album, The Way It Is (2005), marked her commercial breakthrough, debuting within the top 10 of the US Billboard 200 and receiving platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA); it spawned the hit song "Love".