Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is

 Review

Common Sense Media says

R&B singer's family reality has strong themes.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Kids say

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that while this reality series -- which follows R&B singer Keyshia Cole as she attempts to reconnect with her estranged mother and other troubled family members -- features positive messages about family and survival, it also includes frank discussions about substance abuse, spousal battery, child abandonment, adultery, and other strong issues. Arguing, yelling and cursing (with words like "s--t" and "f--k" bleeped) are also common, and there's some drinking.

  • Despite the show's somtimes-gritty content, overall its messages are positive ones about the importance of family and survival. Keyshia is open about her troubled background, but there's a clear distinction between her upper-class lifestyle and Frankie and Neffe's more hardscrabble one. The cast is African-American.
  • Keyshia and Manny claim that they're never too busy for family. Keyshia
    reconnects with family and friends and relocates her
    sister, her nieces, and her estranged mother to her home in Atlanta so
    that they can have a better life; she also sets boundaries for them while
    they live in her home. On the other hand, both her mother and sister engage in some
    inappropriate behavior and cause occasional problems.
  • Some yelling, screaming, and throwing furniture (sometimes during counseling sessions), but no one gets physically injured. Many discussions about violence, including references to incidents witnessed in Oakland, CA. Frankie describes almost being beaten to death by a boyfriend. Neffe talks about her desire to kill her husband after she found him cheating.
  • Discussions about infidelity, including an alleged affair between Neffe's estranged husband and her cousin. Keyshia doesn't allow casual male visitors in the home; both Neffe and Frankie find this problematic.
  • Language includes words like "hell" and "ass." Stronger words like "s--t" and "f--k" are bleeped.
  • The series is a promotional vehicle for Keyshia's music. Frequent references to a variety of other R&B and rap artists. Range Rovers and Mercedes-Benz vehicles clearly visible.
  • Consumption of alcohol (wine, champagne, mixed drinks) sometimes visible. Frankie is a recovering crack addict who served time for drug-related offenses. Neffe is an alcoholic. The show includes many conversations about the impact of addiction on the family.

What's the story?

Reality series KEYSHIA COLE: THE WAY IT IS follows R&B singer Keyshia Cole while she tries to reconnect with her dysfunctional family. Abandoned at the age of 4 by her drug-addicted mother, Frankie, Cole spent her youth living with a foster parent in the tough neighborhoods of Oakland, Calif. Now a successful singer-songwriter who has recorded with artists like Sean Combs and Missy Elliott, she finds herself wanting to reconnect with her family -- especially with her troubled mother. In an effort to leave the past behind, Cole relocates Frankie; her sister, Neffe; and her young nieces to her new home in Atlanta so that they can rebuild their lives. Her manager, Manny, and her assistant, Ronique -- who have relocated to Georgia to help her with her career -- support her efforts.


Is it any good?

 

While the show is a promotional vehicle for Cole's music (she's recording and promoting an album throughout the series), its primary focus is on the value of family and the importance of overcoming your past. Cole's hopes of creating a positive family environment are frequently challenged by her mother's inability to cope with the demons from her past. It contains some difficult moments, particularly when Frankie and Neffe are confronted with the consequences of their negative behavior. Meanwhile, Neffe tries to fit into this new world but finds it hard to let go of some of her bad habits.

Throughout the process, Cole finds herself having to face some of the harsh realities of her childhood. She must also come to terms with older sister Neffie's inability to successfully move beyond the streets of Oakland and build a better life for her own daughters. But the show also offers a glimpse into a family that, despite its hardships, seems to genuinely want to make it work.


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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about the appeal of "celebreality" shows. Why do viewers enjoy watching musicians, actors, and other stars navigate everyday life? Are their lives relatable? Why or why not?

  • What happens to children when a parent abuses drugs or
    alcohol? How do children cope when an addicted parent abandons them?
    What happens when these kids grow up?

  • Why do some people (like Keyshia)
    succeed in overcoming their difficult pasts while others can't seem to?


This review was written by Melissa Camacho
Adult
March 21, 2009
 
BRICKS
How many bricks are gonna hit you over the head before you realize your mother is beyond changing! i warn you to go on with your life and keep a distance. You'll be better off. You can't fix it Frankie,Neffy are beyond your reach. Everyone is wanting your money.

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Parent of 3 and 3 year old
March 16, 2009
 
I like Keyshia's songs.

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Parent of 10 year old
January 24, 2009
 
Kesha Somethings are better left in Gods hands.
I feel everything you expressing but if i didn't know from experience Keshia is going to end up lost let God work with his creation believe me he makes no mistakes, your mother had you, you didn't have her nor your sister so make your self as limited as possible and focus on your career and your future. God Bless Your Sole. Keep up the Good work.

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Adult
February 9, 2009
 
new beining

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This review was written by Melissa Camacho
TV rating:TV-14
Network:BET
Cast:Keyshia Cole, Manny Halley
Genre:Reality TV

This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 

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ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

 

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