Keyshia Cole announces “The Way It Is” 20th Anniversary Tour
R&B icon Keyshia Cole is celebrating a major milestone in 2025—the 20th anniversary of her debut album, The Way It Is. To mark the occasion, she’s launching an anniversary tour that’s anything but ordinary. With a stacked lineup of guest artists and performances scheduled across two continents, this tour is shaping up to be one of the year’s must-see live events.
Tour Dates and Cities
Keyshia’s The Way It Is 20th Anniversary Tour kicks off on July 1, 2025, in Baltimore, Maryland, the same East Coast city that helped shape her early fanbase. From there, she’ll travel across North America and Europe before wrapping things up on September 26, 2025, in Birmingham, England.
This global trek highlights her lasting international appeal, showing that two decades later, her music still resonates deeply.
Star-Studded Guest Lineup
As if the tour wasn’t enough, Keyshia is bringing along some seriously big names:
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Tink – Her emotionally driven R&B and rap fusion has earned her a loyal following.
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Wale – Known for blending lyrical sharpness with poetic hooks.
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Lil Kim – A living legend in her own right, her fiery presence adds star power.
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Fridayy – A newer name, but already a rising star with his genre-blending sound.
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Jeremih – Smooth, soulful, and a frequent chart-topper.
These artists will join select dates across the tour, so every show promises something unique.
Ticket Info You Shouldn’t Miss
Tickets go on sale Friday, April 25, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. local time. You can snag yours through the official site: thewayitis20.com. Fans should act fast. Given the album’s legacy and the incredible lineup, early sellouts are expected.
Pro tip: Sign up for notifications or fan presales if you’re serious about getting a good seat.
Why The Way It Is Still Matters
Released in 2005, The Way It Is made an unforgettable first impression. It debuted at #6 on the Billboard 200, featured 12 songs, and was certified Platinum in the U.S. The project was both personal and powerful, setting Keyshia apart in a crowded R&B scene.
Some standout tracks include:
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“Love” – Arguably her signature song, a timeless R&B anthem.
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“I Changed My Mind” – A Kanye West-produced track that introduced her to the masses.
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“I Should’ve Cheated” – A breakup anthem that still hits home today.
With features from Jadakiss, Eve, and Chink Santana, the album felt grounded in the early 2000s soul-and-hip-hop wave. But the raw emotion and storytelling are what really gave it staying power.
A Global Love for R&B
The tour isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s a reminder that R&B still holds a powerful place in global music culture. Keyshia’s fanbase stretches far beyond the U.S.—and always has.
By ending the tour in the UK, she’s paying tribute to her international fans, many of whom have followed her from her first album through her later hits like Heaven Sent and Trust and Believe.
What’s on the Setlist?
While we don’t have a confirmed setlist yet, fans can likely expect:
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Classic cuts from The Way It Is
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Hits from other albums like Just Like You, A Different Me, and Woman to Woman
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Surprise duets with her special guests
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Possibly a preview of new music
Yes, Keyshia has hinted at new projects in recent years. This tour might just be the beginning of a full-blown comeback.
Keyshia’s Story Off the Stage
Keyshia’s music career is just part of her impact. Her BET reality series, also called The Way It Is, gave fans a glimpse into her personal life, family dynamics, and behind-the-scenes challenges.
In 2023, she starred in her own Lifetime biopic, Keyshia Cole: This Is My Story. It drew strong ratings and reminded everyone just how far she’s come—from Oakland, California, to R&B stardom.
Her authenticity is what’s kept people tuned in—not just her voice, but her vulnerability.
Behind-the-Scenes Content Incoming
As the tour approaches, fans can expect a wave of exclusive content. That includes:
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Rehearsal footage
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Backstage interviews
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Social media takeovers
This kind of access makes fans feel like part of the journey, and with today’s digital platforms, artists like Keyshia can stay connected in real-time.
Why This Tour Feels Different
Anniversary tours aren’t new. But few have the emotional weight that this one carries.
The Way It Is wasn’t just a debut album—it was a lifeline for many listeners going through heartbreak, healing, or self-discovery. The lyrics felt personal. The melodies stayed with you. And the voice? Unmistakable.
This tour is a celebration of survival, both personal and artistic. And it’s proof that good music really does age well.
Lessons from Keyshia Cole
Let’s zoom out for a second. What makes Keyshia Cole’s journey so compelling—beyond the charts and accolades—is her ability to be real.
She didn’t come into the industry as a polished pop princess. She came in raw, open, and real. And she’s stayed that way. Her story speaks to anyone who’s:
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Navigated family trauma
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Loved deeply and lost harder
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Fought for their voice in a tough industry
That authenticity is more important now than ever.
🗓️ Mark Your Calendar
If you’re planning to attend, don’t forget:
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Ticket sales open: April 25, 2025 @ 10AM (local time)
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First show: July 1 – Baltimore, MD
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Final show: September 26 – Birmingham, UK
Want the full tour schedule or city-specific info? Visit thewayitis20.com.
Two decades after Keyshia Cole’s debut album shook the R&B world, she’s coming full circle with a tour that honors her roots while spotlighting the future.
Whether you’re a day-one fan or someone who discovered her through the biopic, this anniversary tour is a celebration of growth, grit, and timeless music.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of it.
