Keyshia Cole

Cole is a multiplatinum star who had a hit reality show and recently became a mother. But the Oakland diva’s fourth album is by no means a celebration: Cole is a heroine who thrives off tales of conflict, betrayal and survival. Her voice is as grit-flecked as ever, chewing through blaring beats and going pound-for-pound for ferocity with fellow bruiser Nicki Minaj (”˜I Ain’t Thru’). It’s not all fisticuffs ”“ ”˜Sometimes’ is a wistful ballad built around acoustic guitar and finger snaps ”“ but Cole is at her best when she’s slugging.