R&B singer Keyshia Cole has been in the news lately, but it’s her personal life, not her forthcoming album, that’s got the rumor mill spinning. While she’s received attention for non-music-related behavior before—Cole has appeared on a series of BET reality shows since 2006—her media profile got worse last year when she was charged with assaulting another woman in the middle of the night at the home of rapper Birdman. But now, the Oakland-raised Cole, who is currently without a label, is bringing it back to her talent on tour—and as dramatic as her real life appears, her voice imparts the turmoil with earthy soulfulness, hip-hop swagger, and a light, catchy pop sensibility. Songs like “Should Let You Go” and “Heat of Passion,” with their hook-filled melodies and raw, straightforward lyrics, prove that Cole, a four-time Grammy nominee, has pop staying power. Now that she’s pledging to focus on her career, perhaps this fiery artist will use gigs like this to sing about relationship issues instead of blasting them on Instagram. Keyshia Cole performs at 10 p.m. at Bliss Nightclub, 2122 24th Place NE. $20–$40. (202) 808-8600. blissdc.com.