Keyshia Cole is the latest start to grace the cover of Rolling Out magazine — just in time for the release of her Woman to Woman album, due Nov. 19. In the cover story, Cole breaks down the meaning of her Woman to Woman album, reflects on her previous album, and talks about finding love.
LISTEN: Keyshia Cole feat. Ashanti – “Woman to Woman”
Check out excerpts from the cover story below.
The title of your album, Woman to Woman, what’s the meaning behind it?
It’s for women who have been through similar situations and can relate to me. It’s for all women. It’s also a personal statement. It has been 10 years since I signed to Intersope. I became a woman before everyone’s eyes. The [photo composite] illustration on the cover was created because some of the songs aren’t exactly about me, but they are stories that a lot of women can relate to.
The last album didn’t do as well as your other work. Why didn’t it resonate with fans?
I was pregnant. I was going through a lot with my family at the time. Some of the songs were about them. It was an extremely emotional time and it reflected on the album. When you’re pregnant, you’re 10 times more emotional about everything. There was just a lot going on back then.
A lot of women believe that it’s hard to find a good man. Is that true or is it a misconception?
I think it’s a fad for a black man to be hard and gangsta. And if he’s not gangsta, people think he’s gay. There are two extremes. It’s something I’m seeing as I get older. But it starts in the home first. A mother must teach a man how to love a woman and tell him what’s right and wrong. And the father must set an example for his son. But every family doesn’t have that. I’m lucky to have a husband who has a wonderful mother and a wonderful father. They were good examples for him to see. I’m thankful for that.
Read the full cover story here.
