When people compare Keyshia Cole to Mary J. Blige, most often think about the grit in her voice, the edge to her sound, and a certain 'realness' not conveyed by other female artists. Personally, I think about Mary J. Blige cursing out radio jocks and ready to fight journalists back in her darker days.

Appearing on the Big Phat Morning Show in Baltimore yesterday, Keyshia seemed about as interested in doing the interview as I am about paying bills.

Luckily for her, the interview didn't end in a knife fight (I mean she was in B-More...kidding!) and the host was nice enough to explain to her that her hostility towards the process isn't helpful.

Keyshia might be right to say she was tired and thrown into something, but a lot of her peers handle the same situation better.

But before anyone mentions it I'm aware that her background has a lot to do with it. I can relate. Cynics and meanies are made not born, you know. Still, after a while, you have to grow up or at least make the effort.

I might have spoke too soon about Keyshia being a lot softer, but she was at least willing to stay a while and talk it out. Baby steps.

That's great news to me, because mid-way I was thinking she sounded like a bucket of chicken who could use my hug more than my money. I'm relived.