The Way It Is was a massive sleeper hit. It debuted at number six on the Billboard 200, selling over 89,000 copies in its first week. Through consistent radio airplay and a relentless touring schedule, the album stayed on the charts for well over a year, eventually earning a Platinum certification from the RIAA.
Cole remains an active force in the industry. In 2026, she continues to tour and is reportedly working on new music, with fans eagerly awaiting her next chapter. The fact that someone is searching for a high-quality digital archive of her first album proves that for true fans, the debut is an essential piece of the puzzle that can’t be left to streaming alone. keyshia cole the way it is zip repack