Cole’s voice is uniquely tuned to convey pain rooted in her Oakland upbringing. She eschews "bubblegum pop" lyrics for stories of infidelity and mistrust that feel genuine and unpolished.

from a particular international edition, or more details on the 20th-anniversary tour

Keyshia Cole ’s debut, The Way It Is , is a high-stakes masterclass in emotional transparency that redefined the "hip-hop soul" blueprint for a new generation.

The repackaged versions of the album often include essential bonus tracks that further flesh out its narrative:

: Written while Cole watched an ex with a new partner, this track is often cited as the definitive heartbreak anthem

: International and deluxe editions frequently feature contributions from artists like Jadakiss and Chink Santana , emphasizing the album’s strong hip-hop roots. Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is Album Review - Pitchfork

Keyshia Cole's music has had a lasting impact on the R&B genre, influencing a new generation of artists. Her soulful, heartfelt approach to songwriting has been cited as an inspiration by artists such as Jhené Aiko and Kehlani.