SANTA MONICA, CA. (A&M Records)- R&B songstress
Keyshia Cole took home the Next Award at The Third Annual Vibe Awards announced Saturday (broadcast Tuesday, November 15 on UPN at 8 p.m. EST). The Next award is presented to a new artist who has made considerable strides in the music industry. The 23-year-old sensation adds that honor to her rapidly growing list of accomplishments - a just-certified gold debut album, a current Top 10 R&B/Hip-Hop hit (also Top 40 Pop) and a nationwide tour with
Kanye West that continues through the end of the year.
The singer-songwriter, who delivered a show stopping performance on the show, was also nominated for Vibe's R&B Voice of the Year, and the Vibe Vixen Award.
A&M/Interscope has shown unwavering dedication in cultivating this R&B songstress. "Our perseverance in breaking Keyshia Cole shows A&M/Interscope's commitment to R&B music. We are extremely proud of Keyshia - and this is only the beginning," states Jimmy Iovine, Chairman, Interscope Geffen A&M Records.
Cole's talent, rather than bling and hype, has earned critical acclaim as well. Reviews of the Oakland, CA native's June-released debut album The Way It Is (A&M) have been glowing:
"Cole serves up grit beyond her years ... simultaneously contemporary and classic." (Rolling Stone)
"Cole shows that she is more than just another pretender to the throne." (People)
"A perfect balance between R&B's tunefulness and hip hop's grit ... The Way It Is goes a long way toward advancing R&B's recovery." (New York Daily News)
The Way It Is debuted at No 2 R&B and No 6 Pop. Its first two singles, "I Changed My Mind" and "(I Just Want It) To Be Over," cracked the R&B/Hip-Hop Top 30. "I Should Have Cheated" remains Top 10 R&B/Hip-Hop and Top 40 Pop (Billboard, November 19 issue). The single is also Top 5 at Urban radio and continues to climb the airplay charts. Her forthcoming single, "Love," is already being praised:
"It is on the emotion-drenched 'Love' that Cole separates herself from the average R&B/pop diva." (USA Today)
With Keyshia Cole, real music is back - and that's the way it is.
