Fast-forward to the present, and "The Way It Is" has been re-released as a "zip repack." This re-release includes the original album tracks, plus additional bonus tracks and remixes. The "zip repack" has made it easier for fans to access and enjoy the album, with a streamlined digital package that includes previously unreleased material.
: Along with the 2025 reissue, Keyshia Cole announced a North American tour to perform these classics live. Keyshia Cole Announces The Way It Is 20th Anniversary Tour
: Stream the complete record seamlessly on the Apple Music The Way It Is Hub or the Spotify The Way It Is Page .
The re-release of "The Way It Is" as a "zip repack" is a testament to Keyshia Cole's enduring legacy. This iconic album continues to resonate with fans old and new, offering a timeless blend of R&B, soul, and hip-hop. The "zip repack" is a must-listen for anyone interested in exploring the evolution of R&B and the career of a talented artist who has made a lasting impact on the genre. keyshia cole the way it is zip repack
of a crumbling relationship that resonates through its "lived-in" feel and emotional honesty. "I Changed My Mind" : This lead single is interpreted as a cautionary tale about reclaiming agency from an unfaithful partner. "I Should Have Cheated" : A poignant track that explores the specific pain of being falsely accused of infidelity and the resulting "revenge fantasy".
The Way It Is established Keyshia Cole as the "Princess of Hip-Hop Soul," drawing frequent comparisons to her idol, Mary J. Blige. The project is praised for its raw, unfiltered vulnerability, focusing on the "ugly parts" of romantic relationships and Cole's personal trials in Oakland, California.
When Keyshia Cole arrived on the music scene, contemporary R&B was caught between the polished pop-soul of the early 2000s and the rugged storytelling of hip-hop soul. Cole filled a void left by icons like Mary J. Blige, bringing a deeply personal, unfiltered perspective on heartbreak, survival, and resilience. Fast-forward to the present, and "The Way It
"The Way It Is" and its re-release, "The Way It Is (Zip Repack)", played a significant role in shaping the sound of R&B in the mid-2000s. Cole's music served as a bridge between the more traditional soul sounds of the past and the contemporary R&B of the time. Her influence can be heard in the work of later artists, such as Bryson Tiller and Teyana Taylor, who have cited Cole as an inspiration.
In the modern landscape of music streaming, the way fans interact with legacy albums has shifted. However, a significant community of audiophiles, DJs, and music preservationists prefer maintaining physical and localized digital libraries.
The crown jewel of Keyshia Cole’s early discography. "Love" is a masterclass in vocal execution and raw heartbreak. The music video, featuring an intense narrative of police raids and romantic betrayal, became a staple on BET’s 106 & Park . Even today, the song’s bridge is widely regarded as one of the most passionate vocal performances of the 2000s R&B era. 4. "(I Just Want It) To Be Over" Keyshia Cole Announces The Way It Is 20th
– Weaves in soulful samples like "Love Jones".
: The album's crowning jewel. A sweeping, dramatic ballad that remains a staple in karaoke rooms and R&B playlists today.
Perhaps one of the most culturally resonant tracks of her career, this song flipped the traditional cheating narrative on its head. The agonizing realization that fidelity was met with false accusations struck a massive chord with listeners, propelling the song to the top of the charts.
Perhaps one of the most uniquely toxic yet deeply relatable concepts in R&B history. Produced by Daron Jones of 112, Cole sings about being constantly accused of infidelity by an insecure partner, leading to the devastating realization that she should have just done the deed anyway. Her vocal performance here is dripping with frustration and pain.