Sometimes you just need to talk woman to woman, and that’s exactly what Keyshia Cole is doing on her newly released album of the same name. But us gays know heartbreak and soul aren't confined to just the ladies. The R&B star knows the struggles of working hard for a successful career, maintaining healthy relationships and the importance of not letting random Tweets from strangers get her down. But appreciating friends (and fans!) for their differences? That’s where she clearly shines.
Keyshia, your first song released off the new album, “Enough Of No Love,” with Lil Wayne, is full of soul! Does this mood carry out across the other songs on the album?
This album is classic. I hope my fans like it, and hopefully they really connect with the song “Woman to Woman,” the title track off the album, featuring Ashanti. “Trust and Believe” is also another song that is classic and stands out. They are full of emotion. I put a lot of hard work into the album and I hope you can feel that on every song.
Do you have a tour set or series of shows lined up for the new album?
We are doing a few small shows at first. The full tour won’t happen until February or March. We are looking toward partnering with Brandy and/or Melanie Fiona. I want this to be the “Woman to Woman” tour with a lot of powerful voices.
You’ve always stayed true your R&B roots, keeping it soulful and honest. Do you think that’s something we’ve lost a bit with some of today’s newer artists?
I think Melanie has been doing a great job at keeping with that. I do like Estelle and Eva Garner. You know Brandy has been doing her thing, too. I’m excited about all these ladies and now this album, too. I’m excited for all these strong women. People want to relate and feel music. That’s what I’m giving them.
Do you spend much time on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter?
I search my name on Twitter to see what people are saying. I don’t look for the direct messages, but what people are saying without saying it to me. I want to know the real of how people feel, not the Tweets of people hoping to get a response. When I see something on there that could be an insult or taken as disrespect, I’ve got to remind myself that these people don’t know me. I try not to get upset. I respond just like I would to a fan that says they love me or like what I’m doing. I don’t want someone feeling a certain way without them hearing my side.
What do you think about how so many new artists are being discovered through reality television shows?
I’m not a hater. If it’s easier for them, God bless them. [For me,] coming from Oakland and driving to L.A. and trying to meet people, work with people, work in a group, break up with the group, being signed, then being sucked dry... it was a lot of work. But then there’s the joy of putting out a record, finally, working hard on different tours, performing just to be heard. So if you are able to go on TV and preview your craft to the world and it work out, then God bless you. Just make sure it’s always about the music. That’s where the love and respect will come from.
Do you have many gay friends in your life?
My hair stylist and makeup artists are very close friends and around me a lot. They are gay. I’ve known my makeup artist for seven years now. But I don’t see them any different, you know. I love them the same. I don’t see the difference in people, like that.
What are your thoughts on the fact that most people do see a “difference” in someone because they are gay?
I don’t like it. I think it’s unfair. You never know what someone has gone through in life. You never know people if you don’t try. You should get to know people, you could truly be missing out on someone special.
Has a fan truly changed your life before?
There are a few. I’ve made friends from having some good fans, as weird as that may sound. I talk to them regularly now. They have been able to relate and understand the things that I have been through in life. I think very highly of them. We’ve encouraged each other and have been able to support one another. They’ve made me appreciate life and I hope I have for them too.
When you’re not working, what do you like to do for fun?
I like to go to the movies. If I’m in New York I like to go see plays. If I’m in L.A. I like to be by the beach—Malibu and Santa Monica. I love to sing! When nothing’s going on, me and my son and husband just hang out and watch Tom And Jerry.
Follow Keyshia on Twtitter: @keyshiacole
Photo by Derek Blanks
Comments (19)
... written by Fat boy ,
December 13, 2012
Yo kyshia you are the badiest in the game shorty and I fuck with a lot of your music stay real I smile when I see you cause your mother reminds me of mine so I couldn't amagin what you have been through but you stay beautiful and keep this good work up
+2
... written by donna mckee,
December 13, 2012
keshia cole u are the best i love u so much reason is because u respect everyone and u dont judge people. i was a addict for 28 years with four children and my children never turned there back on me and you did the same thing when it came to ur moms. i am 53 years old and i have 12 years clean with the gracie of god. my children and grand children love me to death . we r one big happy family. my dream before i leave this eath is to meet u and ur moms face to face. i love
-1
... written by tameika frm jamaica,
December 13, 2012
I think keyshia is a stronge black woman and look s at her music in a real touching way she and has change ma life,I use her music to get through so much,I LOVE U KEYSHIA keep up the good work u r truely an artist
+0
... written by tara keyshia cole grant,
December 13, 2012
@keyshiacole...real talk girl...i love everything you say. dont let fans break you down..sometimes fans make you say and do things you dont want to say...so keep it real...I love your new album..every song...stay bless
Big Fan...i even do a tattoo mark KC Follow me on twitter @xmoodie4life
+0
... written by shaneka johnson,
December 13, 2012
That's my shit keisha keep doing it
+0
... written by lakecia kelly ,
December 13, 2012
Hello keshia keep your head up no matter what comes your way you have ur upps and downs and that's life period point blank what I like about you the most is you keep on moving forward ur beautiful smile gods got your back you have gift from god you change folks keep doing you stay strong love all your music keep them coming take it easy peace & blessings keshia
+0
... written by abumphis,
December 14, 2012
I luv ur music I can relate to alot of ur music I pray that God keeps blessing u just keep doin ur thing n dnt worry about wat others say
+0
... written by Erica ,
December 14, 2012
Keyshia Cole you are the best female rap I love you and your family and also I love your song keep up the good work don't let them hater stress you just do your thang they just mad causa they ain't got no life Keyshia I love you stay strong
+0
... written by sandy aka-grown&sexy:),
December 14, 2012
I have always loved keshia
-1
... written by SALSA,
December 14, 2012
KEEP THE BEAUTIFUL MUSIC COMING KC. IT'S MY ADDITION. WISH IT WAS TWICE A YEAR. LOVE YA. NORMA
+0
... written by nagima,
December 14, 2012
love this sexy girl with the sexy voice
+0
... written by Dominique a. Drayton,
December 14, 2012
I love ur song everyone of them.
+0
... written by Nichellee,
December 19, 2012
Keyshia you are the BOMB! I truly love all your songs. Your are a strong very beautiful black woman! Keep doing your thing! Love ya girl!
+1
... written by twebb,
December 21, 2012
kc is the shit #period!
-1
... written by Jameson Junebug Bennett,
December 22, 2012
I am also gay, and you are such a inspiration to me.. You music is THA REAL SHIT,, I can hear the pain in your voice when you sing...I have every album you released abd actually know every song ... Next album rap a little again... Love you to dealth on my favorite song...GOTTA GET MY HEART BACK... That's one of you classic that I gotta hear..that's my shit... Gays go thru pain and heartbreak just like the next women... So we relate.. Keep up the good work ...SHERO...
+1
... written by shorty wray,
January 02, 2013
girl ur so real i lve u an all di songs u do keep it up an dnt stop holding up ur head u did it keyshia ur my best singer lve u girl...
+1
... written by Jaz316 ,
January 10, 2013
Big Fan Love this Chick
+0
... written by Nichellee Jordan-Wright,
January 26, 2013
Keyshia, I've been a fan since day one! God truly has favor over your life and blessed you with a beautiful gift! Continue to create good music for your fans. You are a strong, talented, and gorgeous woman. Don't let no one stand in the way of your blessings! Remember keep God first and he will do the rest! Love you...
ur beautiful smile gods got your back you have gift from god you change folks keep doing you stay strong love all your music keep them coming take it easy peace & blessings keshia
