Keyshia Cole

Keyshia Myeshia Cole was born on October 15, 1981, in Oakland, California. She is an American singer, songwriter, and television personality. Her career began at the age of 12 when she met M.C. Hammer, and she later met rapper Tupac Shakur. She came to Los Angeles at the age of 15 and was later introduced to A&M Records. In 2005, she released her debut album, “The Way It Is,” which went gold in 17 weeks and platinum eight weeks later. The album remained on the charts for over a year and sold over 1.6 million copies. We’ll assist you in celebrating her big day right here.

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Keyshia Myeshia Cole

Nickname:

Khanyisile Cele

Birth date:

October 15, 1981

Age:

42

Zodiac Sign:

Libra

Height:

5' 2"

Relationship Status:

Single

Net Worth:

$8 million

Keyshia's Social Media:

Background

Keyshia Myeshia Cole, née Johnson, was born on October 15, 1981, in Oakland, California, and is the biological daughter of boxing trainer Virgil Hunter and Francine “Frankie” Lons. At the age of two, she was adopted by family friends Leon and Yvonne Cole, who gave her the surname Cole. She was introduced to the music industry at the age of 12 with her brother Sean who is also known as Nutt-So, where she met and recorded with M.C. Hammer. Cole joined the East Oakland Youth Development Center (E.O.Y.D.C.), a local youth group when she was 16 years old. During this time, Cole worked with Bay Area musicians including D’Wayne Wiggins of Tony Toni Tone and Messy Marv.

On March 23, 2004, Cole’s debut song, ‘Never,’ featuring Eve, was released. It did not chart, although it was the closing track on her debut album, “The Way It Is.” ‘(I Just Want It) To Be Over,’ her second single from the album, was released in April 2005 and peaked at number one on the Bubbling Under Hot 100. “Just Like You,” Cole’s second album, was released on September 25, 2007. The album opened at number two on the Billboard 200 list in the United States, selling 281,000 units in its first week. Since then, “Just Like You” has sold 1.7 million copies in the United States alone. Cole was nominated for several awards for the album, including four Grammys. “A Different Me,” Cole’s third studio album, was released on December 16, 2008, and went on to sell over one million copies in the United States and was certified platinum by the R.I.A.A. Her reality/documentary series “Keyshia: The Way It Is” began on B.E.T. in October 2008 with a 10-episode season.

Cole returned to the music industry on June 27, 2010, releasing “ Calling All Hearts,” her fourth studio album, on December 21, 2010. Since its release, the album has sold over 500,000 copies. She also appeared on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” where she sang the promotional track ‘Long Way Down.’ “Point of No Return,” Cole’s sixth studio album, was released on October 7, 2014. In December 2016, Cole secured a new record deal with Sony’s “Epic Records.” Cole released the lead track ‘You’ with Remy Ma and French Montana from her seventh studio album on January 27, 2017. On October 20, 2017, the album “11:11 Reset” was released and sold 15,000 copies in its first week. Cole’s Verzuz match against Ashanti was rescheduled when Ashanti tested positive for COVID-19 before the event, the in-person competition was scheduled for December 12, 2020, however, it was postponed owing to Ashanti’s positive test.

Career timeline

2005
She Releases Her Debut Album

Cole's debut album, "The Way It Is," opens at number six on the Billboard 200, selling 89,000 copies in its first week.

2007
“Just Like You”

Cole's second album, "Just Like You," is released, debuting at number two on the Billboard 200 list in the United States, and selling 281,000 copies in its first week.

2010
She Releases “Calling All Hearts”

Cole releases "Calling All Hearts," which included Timbaland, Nicki Minaj, Tank, and Faith Evans.

2012
Her Fifth Studio Album

Cole releases her fifth studio album, "Woman to Woman."

2017
A New Single

Cole releases the lead song ‘You’ off her seventh studio album, "11:11 Reset."

2020
Cole Signs a New Management Deal

Cole signs a management contract with talent management firm "Primary Wave" shortly after confirming her reunion with longtime friend and musical producer, Ron Fair.

Why We Love Keyshia Cole

  1. She donates to charity regularly

    Cole has worked with and supported numerous charities and non-profit organizations. These include the Black Cotton Foundation, Braids & Fades Charity Event, Entertainment Industry Foundation, and Girls with Gifts.

  2. She talks to her kids everyday

    Cole prioritizes her kids. Although she is very busy with meetings, tours, and other enterprises, she finds time and talks to her kids every day, which marks her as a cool mom.

  3. She encourages her fans to read

    Cole's songs have inspired millions, and she once urged everyone to read Terry McMillian's book "Mama." We love this!

5 Surprising Facts

  1. She was friends with Tupac

    Cole met Tupac Shakur, and they became such good friends that he vowed to help her become a professional singer by putting her in one of his next projects.

  2. She has a shoe line

    Cole revealed in June 2017 that she will be developing her shoe collection in cooperation with Steven Madden.

  3. Vocal range of a Soprano

    Cole's vocal range is that of a soprano, it has been described as having a "flexible R&B range, the muscular punch of soul, and the hard attitude of hip hop."

  4. She loves Michael Jackson

    Cole has numerous idols and great musicians who have influenced her music; one of those artists she enjoys listening to is Michael Jackson, and her favorite song is "Who's Loving You."

  5. She loves the ‘90s

    Cole was influenced by many musicians and the culture of the 1990s, and she once claimed that she wished she could go back to that age.

Keyshia Cole FAQs

Was Keyshia Cole married before?

Cole was married to former basketball star Daniel Gibson for six years, and they had a kid named Daniel Hiram Gibson Jr.

Who is the father of Keyshia Cole's second baby?

Niko Khale is Cole’s youngest son’s father.

Are Keyshia Cole and J. Cole related?

Keyshia Cole and J. Cole are not related even though they have the same last name.

Keyshia Cole’s birthday dates

YearDateDay
2024October 15Tuesday
2025October 15Wednesday
2026October 15Thursday
2027October 15Friday
2028October 15Sunday

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