Up-and-coming hip-hop artist and songwriter Cory Ard has released his debut album, The Blackout, featuring his debut single "Rollercoaster (feat. Evan Ford)" and his current single and the album's opening track, "Be Him." The inspiring 12-track album features guest appearances by fellow artists such as the acclaimed Steven Malcolm, Jae Mitch, Ryann Darling, Raging Moses, No Malice, and Ford.

"My debut album, The Blackout, was written to say to the world that there is something more for all of us," Ard explains, speaking about why he wanted to record the album.

"I know the purpose of my life is to give hope to those caught in the same places I was growing up in; hurting, alone, and thinking I needed to be tough to prove to the world who I was," he continues. "I found a hope that has changed my life, given me purpose and something to live for on this earth, and I want to share that with others."

Ard spent his early life in Washington, D.C., and later moved to Colorado Springs with his mother and siblings. He was raised in the troubled background of gangs and violence, but it was during this time as one of the leaders of a local gang of over 200 members he realized that, unless his life drastically changed, it would only be a matter of time before he ended up dead or in jail. Ard says that he found himself at the feet of Jesus and that his life has never been the same.

Currently, Ard has several tour dates lined up in the summer and fall in his hometown of Colorado Springs, most notably at the Desperation Conference next week where he will appear alongside names such as Kari Jobe, Mack Brock, Cody Carnes, Mosaic MSC, Elevation Worship, Lisa Bevere, and Loui Giglio. 

The Blackout is available to stream or download on all digital platforms now, including iTunes and Spotify.

Stay tuned to BREATHEcast for the latest news about Cory Ard and visit his official website and follow him on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Click below to watch the music video for his current single "Be Him," or click here to watch it on YouTube: