Antonio Brown is a real-deal rapper, according to Keyshia Cole -- who tells TMZ Sports the NFL star is so good on the mic ... he could win a Grammy!
Of course, the award-winning R&B singer knows firsthand about Brown's potential ... after all, she worked with the former Buccaneers receiver on his new "Paradigm" album that dropped earlier this week.
She also performed her song with Brown on stage at Gunna's new weed strain launch in downtown L.A. on Wednesday ... and after their show, when we asked her if AB's got what it takes to make it big in the music industry, she said yes.
"I think so," the "I Changed My Mind" songbird said.
"I think he's really talented, for sure. I love the body of work that he created. I think he's gonna be great. I do. I wouldn't have collaborated if I didn't think he'd be great."
Now, is he gifted enough to win a Grammy? The 40-year-old also said she believes so.
"Of course!" Cole said. "Whatever you do, you put your mind to it, you can do whatever you choose to do in life."
FYI -- several athletes have been nominated for a Grammy before, including Muhammad Ali, Magic Johnson and Oscar De La Hoya.
Even though Cole believes AB can have a promising music career, she doesn't think the free agent should give up on the NFL.
As for more future collabs from Cole and AB ... check out the clip, Cole is clearly leaving the door to the recording studio open!