Keyshia Cole is an American singer, songwriter, TV personality, and actress from Oakland, California. She started her career singing backup for MC Hammer and later signed with A&M Records. Her debut album, "The Way It Is" (2005), went platinum, featuring the hit single "Love." The album's success led to a BET reality series, "Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is," which showcased her life and career, becoming one of the network's most popular shows.
1960: Birth of Francine Lons
Francine "Frankie" Lons, Keyshia Cole's biological mother, was born in 1960.
October 15, 1981: Birth of Keyshia Cole
Keyshia Myeshia Cole was born on October 15, 1981, in Oakland, California.
2002: Signing with A&M Records
Keyshia Cole was introduced to A&M Records A&R Ron Fair in 2002, and subsequently signed to the label.
March 2004: Debut Single Release
Keyshia Cole's debut single, "Never," featuring Eve, was released in March 2004 as part of the "Barbershop 2: Back in Business" soundtrack.
February 2005: Mixtape Release
Keyshia Cole and DJ Green Lantern released a mixtape titled "Team Invasion Presents Keyshia Cole" in February 2005.
June 21, 2005: Release of Debut Album: "The Way It Is"
Keyshia Cole released her debut album, "The Way It Is," on June 21, 2005.
August 2005: Feud with Lil' Mo
A feud between Keyshia Cole and Lil' Mo began in August 2005, sparked by comments made on the radio series "Star and Buc Wild Morning Show." Lil' Mo reportedly downplayed the vocal abilities of a new generation of R&B artists, suggesting they relied heavily on dancing. Cole, feeling targeted, confronted Lil' Mo's manager and a stylist, expressing her disapproval. Lil' Mo downplayed the incident, implying that Cole might have been intoxicated at the time, a claim Cole denied.
December 2005: Supporting Act on Kanye West's Touch the Sky Tour
Keyshia Cole joined Kanye West's Touch the Sky Tour as a supporting act from October to December 2005.
2005: Debut Album and Rise to Fame
Keyshia Cole released her debut album, "The Way It Is," in 2005. The album went platinum and earned her recognition in the music industry.
June 2006: Featured on Sean Paul's "(When You Gonna) Give It Up to Me"
Keyshia Cole was featured on Sean Paul's single "(When You Gonna) Give It Up to Me" in June 2006, which was included on the "Step Up" film soundtrack.
July 9, 2006: Signing with BET for Reality Series
Keyshia Cole signed with BET for her reality series, "Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is," on July 9, 2006.
July 2006: Premieres "Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is"
Keyshia Cole's six-episode docu-series, "Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is," premiered on BET in July 2006. The show, which offered a glimpse into Cole's life as an artist, daughter, and sister, was a ratings success.
2006: Signing with Geffen Records
Following the merger of A&M Records with Octone Records, Keyshia Cole was signed to Geffen Records, a subsidiary of Universal Music Group and Interscope Records, in early 2006.
March 2007: Collaboration with Diddy
Keyshia Cole was featured on Diddy's single "Last Night" from his album "Press Play" in March 2007.
September 25, 2007: Release of "Just Like You"
Keyshia Cole's second album, "Just Like You," was released on September 25, 2007.
2007: Release of "Just Like You" and Grammy Nominations
Keyshia Cole's second album, "Just Like You," was released in 2007 and achieved platinum status. It also garnered her four Grammy Award nominations.
January 2008: How She Move Film Debut
Keyshia Cole made her acting debut in January 2008 with a cameo appearance in the dance film "How She Move," directed by Ian Iqbal Rashid. The film performed well commercially, grossing $8.6 million worldwide.
August 2008: Just Stand Up! Release
In August 2008, Keyshia Cole joined forces with other female singers to record "Just Stand Up!" This charity single served as the theme song for the Stand Up to Cancer campaign, raising awareness and funds for cancer research.
November 11, 2008: Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is Season 3 Premiere
On November 11, 2008, the third season of Keyshia Cole's reality show, "Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is," premiered on BET. The season premiere drew in 1.94 million viewers, making it the highest-rated season premiere for the network.
December 16, 2008: A Different Me Release
Keyshia Cole released her third studio album, "A Different Me," on December 16, 2008. The album was a commercial success, debuting at number two on the Billboard 200 and eventually achieving platinum certification.
2008: Continued Success with "A Different Me"
In 2008, Keyshia Cole released her third album, "A Different Me," which also reached platinum status and solidified her presence in the music scene.
March 2009: Vibe Magazine Cover Feature
Keyshia Cole was featured on the cover of Vibe magazine's March 2009 issue, further solidifying her presence in the music industry.
May 2009: Begins Dating Daniel Gibson
Keyshia Cole began dating former NBA player Daniel Gibson in May 2009.
June 21, 2009: A Different Me Tour Concludes
Keyshia Cole concluded her first headlining tour, the "A Different Me Tour," on June 21, 2009. This tour, which kicked off on May 13, 2009, marked a significant milestone in her career.
January 1, 2010: Engaged to Daniel Gibson
Keyshia Cole and former NBA player Daniel Gibson got engaged on January 1, 2010.
March 2, 2010: Welcomes First Child
Keyshia Cole and Daniel Gibson welcomed their first child, a son, on March 2, 2010.
June 27, 2010: Performance at 2010 BET Awards
Keyshia Cole made a return to the spotlight on June 27, 2010, at the BET Awards. Filling in for Hayley Williams, she delivered a memorable performance of the chorus for B.o.B's "Airplanes (Part II)," featuring Eminem.
October 16, 2010: Performance at Black Girls Rock!
Keyshia Cole graced the stage at the fifth annual Black Girls Rock! ceremony on October 16, 2010. The event, celebrating the accomplishments of black women, took place at the Paradise Theater in The Bronx, New York.
December 21, 2010: Calling All Hearts Release
On December 21, 2010, Keyshia Cole released her fourth studio album, "Calling All Hearts." The album featured collaborations with notable artists including Nicki Minaj, Tank, Faith Evans, Timbaland, and her adoptive mother, Yvonne Cole.
2010: Release of "Calling All Hearts"
Keyshia Cole's fourth album, "Calling All Hearts," was released in 2010.
January 2011: Departure from Imani Entertainment
In January 2011, Keyshia Cole announced via Twitter that she had parted ways with her manager, Manny Halley, and his label, Imani Entertainment. This marked a significant shift in her career.
February 2011: "Take Me Away" Release
Keyshia Cole released "Take Me Away" to urban contemporary radio in February 2011 as the second single from her album "Calling All Hearts." The song performed well, reaching number 27 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
May 21, 2011: Marries Daniel Gibson
Keyshia Cole and Daniel Gibson married on May 21, 2011.
July 3, 2011: Love Letter Tour Concludes
Keyshia Cole completed her stint as the opening act for R. Kelly's "Love Letter Tour" on July 3, 2011. The North American leg of the tour, which began on June 16, helped promote her album "Calling All Hearts."
July 2011: Announces New Reality TV Show
Keyshia Cole announced in July 2011 that she, her then-husband Daniel Gibson, and James DeBose would be launching a new reality TV show titled "Keyshia & Daniel: Family First."
September 2011: Renew Wedding Vows
Keyshia Cole and Daniel Gibson renewed their wedding vows in Hawaii in September 2011.
September 2011: Begins Working on Fifth Album
Keyshia Cole turned her attention towards her fifth studio album in September 2011. With the initial aim of releasing it within five months, this marked the beginning of a new creative chapter.
March 16, 2012: Responds to Gucci Mane's "Truth" Lyrics
Keyshia Cole responded to Gucci Mane's controversial lyrics in his song "Truth," released on March 16, 2012. Gucci Mane's lyrics implied that Cole had been unfaithful in a past relationship. Cole took to the radio to express her displeasure, calling out Gucci Mane for spreading what she perceived as falsehoods.
July 3, 2012: "Enough of No Love" Release
Keyshia Cole released "Enough of No Love," featuring Lil Wayne, on July 3, 2012, as the lead single from her album "Woman to Woman." The song, co-written by Cole and Redd Stylez, showcased a mid-tempo R&B sound and achieved chart success, reaching number seven on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and number 84 on the Billboard Hot 100.
October 9, 2012: "Keyshia & Daniel: Family First" Premieres on BET
The first episode of Keyshia Cole's reality TV show, "Keyshia & Daniel: Family First," aired on BET on October 9, 2012, drawing 2.9 million viewers. The show chronicled her life with then-husband Daniel Gibson.
October 2012: Wedding Special Airs on BET
Keyshia Cole and Daniel Gibson's wedding weekend, including the renewal of their vows, was filmed and aired on their BET reality TV series, "Keyshia and Daniel: Family First," in October 2012.
October 22, 2012: "Trust and Believe" Digital Release
On October 22, 2012, Keyshia Cole released "Trust and Believe" as a digital download. This marked the second single from her album "Woman to Woman."
November 13, 2012: "Trust and Believe" Second Digital Release
Keyshia Cole re-released "Trust and Believe" for digital download on November 13, 2012, following its initial release on October 22, 2012. This strategic move aimed to further promote the single and the album "Woman to Woman."
November 19, 2012: Woman to Woman Release
On November 19, 2012, Keyshia Cole released "Woman to Woman," her fifth studio album. This project marked a departure for Cole, being her first without the involvement of A&R executive Ron Fair and manager Manny Halley. Despite the changes, the album was a commercial success, debuting at number 10 on the Billboard 200 and solidifying Cole's consistent presence in the charts.
2012: Releases "Woman to Woman"
Keyshia Cole's fifth studio album, "Woman to Woman," was released in 2012. The album, described as a reflection on tumultuous romantic relationships, explored themes of love, heartache, empowerment, and self-respect.
2012: Release of "Woman to Woman"
Keyshia Cole's fifth album, "Woman to Woman," was released in 2012.
January 2013: Woman to Woman Sales Milestone
By January 2013, Keyshia Cole's album "Woman to Woman" had sold over 246,300 copies, highlighting its continued success since its release in November 2012.
March 2013: Keyshia Cole Criticizes Beyoncé's "Bow Down/I Been On"
In March 2013, Keyshia Cole faced backlash from urban media outlets after criticizing Beyoncé's song "Bow Down/I Been On" on Twitter, sparking a feud with singer Lil' Mo.
May 2013: Keyshia Cole and Lil' Mo's Public Feud Continues
Despite claims of no animosity, Keyshia Cole and Lil' Mo continued their public dispute in May 2013, exchanging heated messages on Instagram and Twitter, further fueling their ongoing feud.
August 2013: "I Choose You" Release and Woman to Woman Tour
In August 2013, Keyshia Cole released "I Choose You" as the third single from her album "Woman to Woman." She also embarked on her third headlining tour, promoting the album across North America and Europe with 27 shows. Singer Chrisette Michele joined the tour as the supporting act for the North American leg.
September 2013: Geffen Records Deal Transferred
Following the closure of Geffen Records, Keyshia Cole's contract was moved to the parent label, Interscope Records, in September 2013. This transition marked a change in her label affiliation but allowed her to continue working on new music.
September 2013: Collaborates with Steve Madden
Keyshia Cole announced a collaboration with fashion designer Steve Madden in September 2013. They created a shoe collection that included high heels, wedges, and boots.
October 2, 2013: Reconciliation with Manny Halley
Keyshia Cole and her former manager, Manny Halley, publicly resolved their differences on October 2, 2013. Halley returned to manage Cole, marking a reunion after their previous professional split.
March 2014: "Rick James" Release
Alongside "Next Time (Won't Give My Heart Away)," Keyshia Cole released "Rick James," featuring rapper Juicy J, as a digital download in March 2014. This double release aimed to build anticipation for her upcoming album, "Point of No Return."
March 21, 2014: Announces Separation from Daniel Gibson
Keyshia Cole revealed during an interview on March 21, 2014, that she and Daniel Gibson had separated but had not yet filed for divorce.
March 31, 2014: "Next Time (Won't Give My Heart Away)" Release
Keyshia Cole released "Next Time (Won't Give My Heart Away)" as a digital download on March 31, 2014, serving as the lead single from her album "Point of No Return." The song's official impact on US Rhythmic radio followed on April 1.
July 8, 2014: "She" Release
Keyshia Cole released "She" as the third single from her album "Point of No Return" on July 8, 2014, following the releases of "Next Time (Won't Give My Heart Away)" and "Rick James."
October 7, 2014: Point of No Return Release
Keyshia Cole released her sixth studio album, "Point of No Return," on October 7, 2014. The album, which featured singles like "Next Time (Won't Give My Heart Away)," "Rick James," and "She," achieved moderate sales figures.
November 2014: BET Confirms "Keyshia Cole: All In"
BET confirmed in November 2014 that Keyshia Cole would return with her third reality TV show, "Keyshia Cole: All In."
2014: Release of "Point of No Return"
Keyshia Cole's sixth album, "Point of No Return," was released in 2014.
February 2015: Announces Departure from Interscope
In February 2015, Keyshia Cole revealed that she was no longer signed to Interscope Records, becoming an independent artist after the release of "Point of No Return." She also shared that she was working on her seventh studio album, having already recorded ten tracks.
February 24, 2015: "Keyshia Cole: All In" Premieres on BET
Keyshia Cole's third reality TV show, "Keyshia Cole: All In," premiered on BET on February 24, 2015.
May 2016: Meets Biological Father
Keyshia Cole met her biological father, Virgil Hunter, in May 2016, after a paternity test confirmed their relationship.
December 2016: Signs with Epic Records
Keyshia Cole secured a new record deal with Sony's Epic Records in December 2016, marking a new chapter in her career after her time as an independent artist.
January 27, 2017: "You" Release
On January 27, 2017, Keyshia Cole released "You," featuring Remy Ma and French Montana, as the lead single from her upcoming seventh studio album.
April 2017: Files for Divorce from Daniel Gibson
Keyshia Cole announced in April 2017 that she and Daniel Gibson were filing for divorce.
August 25, 2017: "Incapable" Release
Keyshia Cole unveiled "Incapable" on August 25, 2017, serving as the second single from her album "11:11 Reset."
October 20, 2017: 11:11 Reset Release
Keyshia Cole released her seventh studio album, "11:11 Reset," on October 20, 2017. The album's title held personal significance for Cole, referencing the recurring number sequence she had been seeing and its spiritual meaning.
2017: Release of "11:11 Reset"
Keyshia Cole's seventh album, "11:11 Reset," was released in 2017.
May 3, 2019: Announces Second Pregnancy
Keyshia Cole announced on May 3, 2019, that she was expecting her second child, a son, with her then-boyfriend, Niko Khale.
August 1, 2019: Welcomes Second Son
Keyshia Cole welcomed her second son with Niko Khale on August 1, 2019.
November 2019: "Keyshia Cole: My New Life" Premieres
Keyshia Cole returned to BET with her fourth reality show, "Keyshia Cole: My New Life," which premiered in November 2019.
2019: Featured on "All Me" and Starts Talk Show
Keyshia Cole was featured on Kehlani's song "All Me" in 2019. That same year, she also began hosting her own talk show, "One on One with Keyshia Cole," which aired on Fox Soul.
2019: Host of "One on One with Keyshia Cole"
From 2019 to 2020, Keyshia Cole hosted the Fox Soul syndicated television talk show, "One on One with Keyshia Cole."
June 2020: Signs with Primary Wave and Reunites with Ron Fair
Keyshia Cole signed a management deal with talent management company Primary Wave in June 2020. She also reunited with her longtime friend and record producer, Ron Fair, with whom she worked on her first four albums.
September 3, 2020: Finalizes Divorce from Daniel Gibson
Keyshia Cole and Daniel Gibson officially divorced on September 3, 2020.
October 2020: Ends Relationship with Niko Khale
Keyshia Cole and Niko Khale ended their relationship in October 2020.
December 12, 2020: Verzuz Battle with Ashanti (Postponed)
Keyshia Cole was scheduled to compete in a Verzuz battle against Ashanti on December 12, 2020. The event was postponed after Ashanti tested positive for COVID-19.
2020: End of "One on One with Keyshia Cole"
Keyshia Cole's run as host of "One on One with Keyshia Cole" on Fox Soul ended in 2020.
July 18, 2021: Mother, Frankie Lons, Passes Away
Keyshia Cole's mother, Frankie Lons, died on July 18, 2021, due to a drug overdose.
2021: Death of Francine Lons
Francine "Frankie" Lons passed away in 2021.
June 23, 2023: Releases "Forever is a Thing" and Premieres Biographical Film
Keyshia Cole released "Forever is a Thing," her first single since "I Don't Wanna Be in Love," on June 23, 2023. The song was released in support of her biographical television film, "Keyshia Cole: This Is My Story," which premiered on Lifetime on June 24, 2023.
December 2023: Featured on "Love Me Enough" and "The Color Purple" Soundtrack
In December 2023, Keyshia Cole appeared alongside Nicki Minaj and Monica on the song "Love Me Enough" from the deluxe version of Minaj's album "Pink Friday 2." She also contributed the original song "No Love Lust" to the soundtrack of the 2023 film remake of "The Color Purple."
2023: Competes on "The Masked Singer"
Keyshia Cole participated in season ten of the singing competition show "The Masked Singer" in 2023, performing as "Candelabra." She was eliminated during the Group C finals.