Two decades after her breakthrough debut album changed the R&B game, Keyshia Cole is taking it back to where it all started. The Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and “Princess of Hip-Hop and R&B” has officially announced The Way It Is 20th Anniversary Tour, presented by AEG Presents and Free Lunch. The North America arenatour kicks off July 1 and will make a stop in Fort Worth at Dickies Arena on Saturday, July 26, 2025.
Fans can purchase tickets early during the venue presale happening Thursday, April 24 from 10AM to 10PM CST via Ticketmaster.com. Tickets go on sale Friday, April 25, at 10 AM local via Ticketmaster.com
Joining Keyshia on tour are XXL Freshman2015 alumnus Tink, award-winning artist Wale, Platinum artist Friday,and GRAMMY-nominated artist Jeremih (on select dates). Multi-Platinum,GRAMMY-winning hip-hop legend Lil’ Kim will join Keyshia in Lincoln, CA,as well as on all UK & Europe dates. Brooklyn, NY, and Greensboro, NC, will feature Billboard chart-topping rapper Jadakiss & 2x GRAMMY-winner T-Pain as special guests, respectively.
“I’m so grateful to be celebrating The Way It Is 20 years later with the fans who have been with me since day one,” says Cole. “This album changed my life, and being able to take it on the road — from city to city, country to country — is truly a full circle moment, and blessing.”
The Way It Is will be released on vinyl for the first time since its original 2005 release as a 20th anniversary edition double LP on black vinyl and also on limited edition Rose Garden Pink Translucent color vinyl via A&M/UMe on June 20, the day before the album’s 20th anniversary. The limited-edition color version will feature a gatefold sleeve with photos from the classic CD release and include the rarity “Love (Acapella)” as a bonus track. Fans who pre-order the vinyl will receive exclusive access to the first pre-sale to purchase tickets for the North America dates. Pre-order now here: https://www.keyshiacoleofficial.com.
Released in June 2005, The Way It Is marked a pivotal moment in R&B—introducing Keyshia Cole’s unfiltered storytelling, powerhouse vocals, and signature blend of vulnerability and strength. Twenty years later, she’s bringing that same energy back to the stage, giving fans a chance to reconnect with the songs that sound tracked so many real-life moments. Fresh off a standout performance at this year’s Dreamville Festival in Raleigh, North Carolina, Keyshia is ready to take it nationwide. From “I Should Have Cheated” to “Love” and beyond, the tour will spotlight the records that helped define an era, delivered with the raw emotion and authenticity that made her one of the genre’s most impactful voices.
