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Keyshia Cole: Golden Touch
By: Mimi Valdés
July 5, 2006
What is it about R&B chicks? Is sexiness simply a part of their DNA? They tend to ooze sensuality in a way that feels effortless, which is probably why Biggie devoted a whole song to them. And he’s not alone in his infatuation. Whether they’re showcasing their curves or simply belting out tunes, they compel athletes to chase them, make high school boys study them, and entice rappers to dream about them.
Keyshia Cole, 24, is no exception. Her sexiness isn’t obvious in the typical wet model mold. Yes, she’s got a body men love, but it’s not something she feels comfortable flaunting. Instead, she wants everyone to concentrate on her music.
“I want to be a performer like Usher one day,” she says. “From people not believing in me to now believing, I just want to stay focused and not get thrown off by the bullshit.” Given her past struggles, it’s easy to understand her indifference to being perceived as sexy. We all know the story of her drug-addicted mom, how she grew up in Oakland with foster parents and hung out with Tupac and Suge Knight as a kid, and the way one bad relationship finally led her to pack up and move to L.A. in pursuit of a record deal.
With an amazing voice and remarkable songwriting skills—never mind her round-the-way sex appeal—she has certainly carved out a place for herself. The platinum-selling singer has her own reality show on BET, Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is. And with the cameras rolling, music fans get a chance to witness Cole’s realness, which is ironically a rarity in reality TV. The show’s finale chronicles her visit to see her jailed mom (who’s been clean and sober since she went in a year ago), and promises to be a tearjerker. In the meantime Cole’s in the process of finalizing a label deal with A&M/Interscope Records, where she’ll sign her best friend (an Oakland rapper named Amina). She’s starring in a new advertising campaign for Akademiks and, of course, preparing for her sophomore album. Lastly, she’s looking to invest in an animal hospital and build a foster home. A ride-or-die chick with heart—what’s hotter than that?