Zacardi Cortez Declares His Calling with Soul-Stirring New EP: Ibhar: He That Is Chosen (Chapter 1)
There’s a sound that stops time—and Zacardi Cortez knows how to deliver it. The Grammy-nominated, 3x Stellar Award-winning gospel powerhouse has returned with a bold new offering: Ibhar: He That Is Chosen (Chapter 1), a 7-track EP that’s as intimate as it is anointed. With raw emotion, spiritual urgency, and his unmistakable vocal grit, Cortez invites listeners into a journey of purpose, pain, and divine promise.
Leading the charge is the project’s moving single, “Work It Out For Me,” penned by the acclaimed Travis Malloy and produced by Morgan Turner. “The song was submitted to me by my good friend Travis,” shares Zacardi. “When I heard it, I immediately locked in… 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.”
Big indeed. Cortez, who was born the youngest of five in Houston’s Acres Homes to a single mother, knows all too well the valleys of struggle and the mountaintops of spiritual resilience. That duality is embedded in every note of Ibhar, a project named after a biblical term meaning “He that is chosen.”
But Ibhar is more than a title—it’s a testimony. Taking creative control behind the boards, Zacardi assembles a dream team of collaborators, including Jekalyn Carr, Chrystal Rucker, Jason Nelson, and Jonathan Nelson.
One standout is “It’s Gonna Happen” featuring Jekalyn Carr. “I always wanted to collaborate with her,” Zacardi explains. “I wanted to write something that made sense for her voice, her ministry. It was tailored to fit her, and when I sent it over, she was immediately in.”
Another deeply personal cut is “Matthew 4:4” featuring Chrystal Rucker. The song, written by Zacardi’s oldest sister Nesha Cortez, recounts a formative childhood moment. At just eight years old, Zacardi opened an empty fridge and asked his mother why there was no food. Her answer? “Go read Matthew 4:4.” That scripture would become a spiritual anchor—and now, a musical one.
The full EP moves between praise-filled declarations and soul-searching reflections, wrapped in the power of Cortez’s signature vocal storytelling. Tracks like “I Need Jesus” and “Burning Hallelujah” (featuring the Nelson brothers) showcase a man not only singing about faith but living it in full color.
A Voice Rooted in Purpose
From singing with his family as a child to being spiritually adopted by gospel icon Pastor John P. Kee at just eight years old, Zacardi Cortez has always stood out. His early career was defined by unforgettable performances with Kee, Kurt Carr, James Fortune & FIYA, and others. He’s now celebrated for hits like “Let Your Power Fall,” “The Blood,” “Lord Do It Again,” and “You Don’t Know.”
His recent viral success with “Lord Do It Again” (35M+ streams) continues to resonate, and Ibhar serves as both a continuation and evolution of that wave.
Tracklist – Ibhar: He That Is Chosen (Chapter 1)
- It’s Gonna Happen feat. Jekalyn Carr
- I’m Not Confused
- Matthew 4:4 feat. Chrystal Rucker
- I Need Jesus
- Burning Hallelujah feat. Jason Nelson & Jonathan Nelson
- I Can Be Anything
- Work It Out For Me (Live Radio Edit)
📀 Pre-order now | 🎧 Listen to “Work It Out For Me” (Audio)
🎥 Watch Piano Sessions: “Work It Out For Me” (Video)
📸 Photo Credit: Quincy Holmes of The People’s Paparazzii
About Zacardi Cortez
Zacardi Cortez is one of gospel’s most dynamic and soul-bearing voices. With multiple #1 Billboard Gospel Airplay hits under his belt and a stage presence that has graced the Stellar Awards and Black Music Honors, he continues to redefine modern gospel. His previous albums—The Introduction (2012), Reloaded (2014), and Imprint: Live in Memphis (2022)—have all made major chart waves. Ibhar is the next chapter, and it’s already being called one of his most personal works yet.
Follow him on social media and stay connected to a journey that proves when you’re chosen, the anointing follows.
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