Summer officially kicked off in Baltimore recently as Keyshia Cole’s The Way It Is Tour touched down in Charm City. The tour marked the remarkable 20th anniversary of the songstress’ debut album. That album marked a shift in R&B culture as it blended heartbreak ballads and hip-hop culture. The nearly sold-out crowd came prepared for nostalgia as Cole promised not to disappoint.
At CFG Bank Arena on July 1, the evening began with soulful vocalist Elijah Blake. The Haitian and Dominican singer/songwriter showed that his talents go a lot further than his pen. His smooth renditions of classic covers cultivated the audience and as a result garnered him several new fans.
Watch the official music visualizer for “Work It Out” by Elijah Blake on YouTube:
Wale was up next and clearly was a crowd favorite. The DMV native expressed his love for Baltimore and followed up with a performance that left his “cousins” tired from dancing. He sang hit songs such as “Bait,” “Pretty Girls,” and “Lotus Flower Bomb.” The crowd knew the lyrics word-for-word as he pointed the mic to the crowd for assistance. The words flew through the air like karaoke as everyone sang his feature on viral favorite “No Hands” (which he recorded with Waka Flocka Flame).
Watch the official music video for “Lotus Flower Bomb” by Wale featuring Miguel on YouTube:
Next up was the woman of the hour, Keyshia Cole. She made her entrance onto a dark stage, as she bellowed notes that echoed through the air. The theatrics drove the arena wild. As the lights came up, they revealed Cole entering on a large heart-shaped stage. She came dressed in all pink as the lighting special effects hugged her close. She sang from her long catalog of hits to include “I Just Want It to Be Over,” “I Should Have Cheated,” and “You’ve Changed.” The album is a timeless piece of work that deserves its acclaim. The album takes you on a journey of love, heartbreak, and everything in between.
Watch the official music video for “I Should Have Cheated” by Keyshia Cole on YouTube:
What’s a concert without a little surprise? Cole brought out R&B supergroup SILK. It was the guy’s turn to woo the crowd, and they understood the assignment. “Meeting in my Bedroom” and “Freak Me” were staples of ’90s radio airwaves. Hearing them sing live really made you pull your partner close or wish they were near.
Cole closed the show with the newly proclaimed TikTok viral hit “Love.” She even blessed the audience by joining the crowd and sharing the mic as they sang from the depths of their souls. It was a beautiful moment. Overall, the concert was a success and the cities to come are in for a treat. The tour has promised more special guest along the way, including Tink, Fridayy, Jeremiah, and Lil Kim.
Here are some photos of Keyshia Cole performing live at CFG Bank Arena on July 1, 2025. (Keep scrolling for photos of her openers!) All pictures copyright and courtesy of Tonya Caver.
Here are some photos of Wale opening Keyshia Cole at CFG Bank Arena on July 1, 2025.
Here are some photos of Elijah Blake opening Keyshia Cole at CFG Bank Arena on July 1, 2025.
