Cardi B Names Keyshia Cole Debut Best Album Ever
The rapper praised the 2005 release The Way It Is during a recent feature in the New York Times T Magazine.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in R&B
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Cardi B recently identified Keyshia Cole's 2005 debut, The Way It Is, as the greatest album of all time. Her endorsement arrived alongside high praise from other artists who recognize the project as a landmark R&B record.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights the enduring cultural legacy of the R&B classic, which has maintained its status as a benchmark for debut albums in the genre.
The Platinum-certified album debuted at No. 6 on the Billboard 200 and spent 64 weeks on the chart. Its singles performed well, with I Should Have Cheated peaking at No. 31 and Love reaching No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The players
Cardi B
She is a globally recognized rapper and songwriter known for her chart-topping hits and influential presence in contemporary music.
Keyshia Cole
She is an acclaimed R&B singer and songwriter who gained widespread fame for her emotional vocal style and hit-making songwriting.
Ari Lennox
She is a contemporary R&B singer signed to Dreamville Records known for her distinct neo-soul sound.
The details
In a video segment for a New York Times T Magazine feature, Cardi B singled out the album as her favorite of all time. The project, which features collaborations with artists such as Jadakiss, Eve, Chink Santana, and Metro City, also famously included the Ye-produced single I Changed My Mind.
Timeline
July 2005: The Way It Is was officially released.
2019: Ari Lennox identified the album as one of the most phenomenal debut records ever.
October 18, 2026: Cardi B cancelled her appearance at the BZR WKND Jamaica festival.
October 21, 2026: The New York Times T Magazine feature was published.
Industry Dynamics
The endorsement follows a pattern set by the 2019 praise of the album by Ari Lennox, reinforcing the album's critical reputation within the R&B community. Such public nods from high-profile artists help preserve the cultural relevance of classic R&B debuts in an era dominated by streaming and new releases.
Fans interested in the album can find it on all major streaming platforms, where it continues to reach new listeners. The renewed attention from high-profile figures often encourages fans to explore the deeper catalog of R&B classics available online.
The takeaway
Legacy albums often gain renewed popularity when prominent modern artists highlight their influence. Music fans can use these endorsements as a guide to rediscover foundational records that shaped the current R&B landscape.
Further reading
Discover more about the evolving landscape of soul and rhythm music in the R&B section.
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Do you consider albums you listened to as a teenager to be the greatest of all time?
