Keyshia Cole Lets It Be Known She's Not Her 23-Year-Old Boyfriend's "Elder"

Nick Cannon may want to switch up his words.

BYErika Marie
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She may be 15 years older than her beau Niko Khalé, but don't go around calling Keyshia Cole his "elder." The R&B singer has been happily in love with Niko for some time now and the couple recently welcomed their son into the world. There have been plenty of people who have shared snide remarks about their age difference, but it hasn't deterred the couple from moving forward.

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Keyshia and Niko sat down with Nick Cannon on his Power 106 show Nick Cannon Mornings to talk about music, reality television, and their relationship. Keyshia shared the best piece of advice that she's ever received ("Buy your properties!"), admitted her greatest fear ("That we don't have any control over this planet"), shared the worst advice she's ever received ("Go ahead and punch her in the face"), and listed her top five favorite R&B artists ("Faith Evans, Brandy, Monica, Mary J. Blige, Whitney Houston").

Things took a minor turn when Nick asked Niko about dating "royalty" and said he knew what it was like, referencing his previous marriage to Mariah Carey who is 11 years older than him. While speaking, Nick called Keyshia Niko's "elder," and she was quick to snap back. "I am not a f*ckin' elder!" she retorted. "I am not his f*ckin' elder. No. Mariah's your elder. I am not his elder." 

They were able to laugh about it, but Nick did go on to say that Mariah helped to "mold and shape" him into a better man. Watch the interview below.


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About The Author
Erika Marie is a seasoned journalist, editor, and ghostwriter who works predominantly in the fields of music, spirituality, mental health advocacy, and social activism. The Los Angeles editor, storyteller, and activist has been involved in the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment industry for nearly two decades. E.M. attempts to write stories that are compelling while remaining informative and respectful. She's an advocate of lyrical witticism & the power of the pen. Favorites: Motown, New Jack Swing, '90s R&B, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, & Punk; Funk, Soul, Harlem Renaissance Jazz greats, and artists who innovate, not simply replicate.