It only took a few months of networking in Los Angeles, says biography.com. before she snagged an introduction to A&M Records President Ron Fair, who signed her to her first solo recording deal. Cole released her debut album, The Way It Is, under Interscope/A&M Records, on June 21, 2005. The album features the singles “I Changed My Mind,” “I Just Want It To Be Over,” “I Should Have Cheated,” and “Love.” Her first single, “Never” from the Barbershop 2 soundtrack, also appears on the album.
It was the single “I Should Have Cheated,” that pierced through the cacophony of noise on daily radio and made her a mainstream urban star.
