"IBHAR: HE THAT IS CHOSEN (Chapter 1)" is the upcoming EP release from multi-award-winning singer-songwriter-producer, ZACARDI CORTEZ. The anticipated project will be globally available on all streaming/download platforms this Friday, May 9th, via the ZetRoc Ent/BlackSmoke Music label imprint.

The lead single for the project is the powerful, "WORK IT OUT FOR ME" and it was written by Travis Malloy and produced by Morgan Turner. “The song was submitted to me by my good friend Travis Malloy. When I heard it, I immediately locked in on it… I don’t know when he first wrote it, but I felt like the song was written just for me. I don’t even feel like I do it justice; it’s just a BIG song,” shares Zacardi Cortez.

Born in Acres Homes (Houston), as the youngest of 5 children to a single mom, Zacardi Cortez learned hardship and lack from an early age but also learned of the keeping power of Jesus. This 7-song EP, "Ibhar: He That Is Chosen," is inspired by and a reflection of Zacardi ’s journey to understanding what being chosen by God really means. Taking the lead on production, Zacardi crafts a masterful body of work, including features by Jekalyn Carr, Chrystal Rucker, Jason Nelson and Jonathan Nelson.

One of the highlight songs from the project is "It's Gonna Happen" featuring Jekalyn Carr. "The song came about as I was discussing with my producer Morgan Turner that I always wanted to do a feature with Jekayln Carr and I always wanted to be the kind of writer who can match the artist with the song , and really make it make sense. It fit her so well and I wrote it for her. I then asked her to be on the song and she was immediately down," mentions Zacardi.

Another highlight includes "Matthew 4:4” feat. Crystal Rucker . Inspired by part of Zacardi's childhood, he tells the story of being eight years old and one day going to the fridge and it was empty. When he asked his mom why there wasn’t any food in the fridge, she told him to go read Matthew 4:4. The scripture says, “ But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God .” Young Zacardi read the scripture over and over until he fell asleep that night. Written by his oldest sister Nesha Cortez , this song shares about his early chapter of life.

(PRE-ORDER) "IBHAR: HE THAT IS CHOSEN (CHAPTER 1"

(AUDIO LINK) "WORK IT OUT FOR ME" by ZACARDI CORTEZ

(VIDEO LINK- PIANO SESSIONS Episode 1) "WORK IT OUT FOR ME" by ZACARDI CORTEZ

"IBHAR: HE THAT IS CHOSEN (CHAPTER 1)" TRACKLIST

1. It’s Gonna Happen feat. Jekalyn Car r

2. I’m Not Confused

3. Matthew 4:4 feat. Crystal Rucker

4. I Need Jesus

5. Burning Hallelujah feat. Jason Nelson & Jonathan Nelson

6. I Can Be Anything

7. Work It Out For Me (Live Radio Edit )

ABOUT ZACARDI CORTEZ
One of the most talked about voices in gospel music belongs to Grammy Nominated, 3x Stellar and BMI Award-Winning artist Zacardi Cortez. Born in Houston, TX, Cortez hails from a singing family rooted in faith.

At the age of five he began singing in church and working in the Texas gospel circuit with his family, The Cortez Singers. At age 8, Pastor John P. Kee, adopted him as a spiritual son and began mentoring him. For a while, Cortez sang with Kee’s V.I.P. Mass Choir even singing a solo on the CD, Live at the Fellowship, in 2001. He later made guest appearances on recordings by Kurt Carr, Bishop Paul S. Morton and Pastor Gregg Patrick & the Bridge Project. During the early years of his career, Cortez’ big voice and spine-tingling vocal gymnastics distinguished James Fortune & FIYA’s radio smashes “Let Your Power Fall,” “I Believe” and “The Blood.”

Cortez’s current radio single “Work It Out For Me,” penned by Travis Malloy, rides the wave of his massive viral hit “Lord Do It Again” which has surpassed 35MIL streams. The current single comes from the May 9th ZetRoc Ent./BlackSmoke Music EP release of Ibhar: He That Is Chosen (Chap. 1). Taking the lead again on production, Zacardi crafts a masterful body of work, including features by Jekalyn Carr, Chrystal Rucker, Jason Nelson and Jonathan Nelson.

Zacardi Cortez has had four #1 Billboard Gospel Airplay singles; most recently “Lord Do It Again;” a song he penned for his album Imprint. His 2019 #1 Billboard single “You Don’t Know,” is also written by Cortez joined by James Fortune, composed by Marcus Calyen and produced by AyRon Lewis. Zacardi had a prior 12 week run at #1 on the same chart for the song “God Held Me (Together).” Other Top 10 radio hits include “YDIA,” “1-On-1,” and “One More Time,” and “I Made It Out” with the latter two songs with his Mentor, Pastor John P. Kee.

Zacardi Cortez has enjoyed appearances on major platforms including The Stellar Awards and Black Music Honors, along with releasing three Top 10 albums, The Introduction (2012), Reloaded (2014), Imprint: Live in Memphis (2022).

CONNECT WITH ZACARDI CORTEZ
IG | META

ABOUT CREATIVE CLASSIC AGENCY:

Founded in 2008, Creative Classic Agency (CCA) is a premier management company specializing in live event production (CCA Live!) and the representation of artists, songwriters, and producers. With a strategic blend of business expertise and innovative marketing, CCA consistently elevates its clients to new heights—including recent Grammy nominations and multiple prestigious songwriter awards.

ABOUT BLACKSMOKE MUSIC WORLDWIDE:

Blacksmoke Music Worldwide is a powerhouse in gospel music, dedicated to elevating artists, songwriters, and producers who inspire through faith-driven artistry. With a legacy of chart-topping hits, award-winning projects, and a commitment to musical excellence, Blacksmoke Music continues to shape the sound of gospel worldwide. From groundbreaking new talent to legendary voices, the label remains a trusted platform for authentic and impactful music that uplifts audiences everywhere.