Soul-stirring Gospel powerhouse Zacardi Cortez is preparing to turn the final page of his acclaimed album series with the release of IBHAR: THE CHRONICLE (Chapter 3), arriving October 16, 2026. Available for pre-order and pre-save now, the highly anticipated 15-track anthology completes a musical journey that showcases Cortez’s signature raspy tone, explosive vocal runs, and emotional authenticity.
The latest installment features an impressive lineup of special guests, including Darrel Walls, Jekalyn Carr, Chrystal Rucker, Myke Grizzly, Jason Nelson, Doobie Powell, Cardell Booker & The Williams Singers, and a special offering for younger listeners, “I Can Be Anything,” featuring the Hip Hop Boobly Show. Blending dynamic collaborations with the unmistakable power and soul of Cortez’s voice, IBHAR: THE CHRONICLE (Chapter 3) promises another compelling chapter in his celebrated musical legacy.
At the heart of the project is “Nobody But You,” a deeply personal testimony born out of one of the most challenging seasons of Cortez’s life. Through an unfiltered vocal delivery that captures both vulnerability and victory, Cortez reflects on depression, perseverance, and God’s sustaining power when life feels overwhelming.
“Nobody But You came to me when I was dealing with depression at its highest point,” shares Cortez. “I felt like giving up and quitting singing and music altogether. In that moment, I heard God say, Not again. Why are you doing this again? I’ve come through for you so many times, and you’re doubting Me again?”
Cortez continues, “I’m grateful this song came to me when it did. I hope people hear both the struggle and the testimony in it. People may see your glory without knowing your story, but through it all, God has kept me. He’s kept my mother, He’s keeping my children, and He’s keeping me. At the end of the day, it was nobody but Jesus. Nobody but You, Lord.”
With its honest reflection, “Nobody But You” offers listeners a glimpse into the personal experiences behind the praise. It reminds us that even in life’s darkest moments, God remains faithful—and that sometimes the most powerful testimony comes from looking back and recognizing who carried you through.
The album also includes “Praise Him (Remix),” a reimagining of a song from Zacardi’s very first record. He received the original song, but returning to it at this point in his journey gave him the chance to make it his own—honoring where he started while showing the evolution of the artist he has become.
Produced by BMI Award-winning producer Morgan Turner, IBHAR: THE CHRONICLE (Chapter 3) completes the acclaimed series that began with IBHAR: HE THAT IS CHOSEN (Chapter 1) and continued with IBHAR: THE JOURNEY (Chapter 2). Blacksmoke Music Worldwide, led by music industry mogul Kerry Douglas, issued both earlier releases and has produced three Top 10 albums for Cortez.
The IBHAR series has already delivered significant milestones. From Chapter 1, “Work It Out For Me (Live Radio Edit),” written by Travis Malloy, reached No. 1 on the Billboard Gospel Airplay chart and earned Cortez a 2025 Pandora Medallion for reaching one million streams. Chapter 2 continued that momentum with “Working On Me,” which recently earned the singer a 2026 Pandora Medallion recognizing one million streams. His achievements also include two GRAMMY® nominations, multiple Stellar Awards, two Dove Award nominations, a BMI Trailblazer Award, and multiple Billboard chart-topping singles.
The name IBHAR, meaning “he that is chosen,” fittingly reflects Cortez’s extraordinary anointing and ability to transform personal experiences into unforgettable musical moments. With the final chapter of the series, he brings that calling full circle, delivering a collection rooted in worship, testimony, resilience, and the power of a life sustained by faith.