Gospel Artists' Fifth CD Release Shares Childhood Sexual Abuse

New York, NY -- Acclaimed gospel artist, Darwin Hobbs will release his fifth CD FREE in stores August 26, 2008 on Tyscot/Liaison Records.  FREE is Hobbs' first release on his newly-formed production company, Liaison Records in partnership with Tyscot Records, founded by Darwin and his wife, Traci.  Hailed as one of gospel's foremost Praise and Worship leaders, Hobbs' new project is co-produced by Hobbs and Aaron Pearce of AMP Music (Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce, Joy Enriquez, Vickie Winans, Martha Munizzi, Israel Houghton) with the exception of "He's Able."  The album is executive produced by Dr. Leonard S. Scott, Bryant S. Scott and Darwin Hobbs.

FREE is a 12-track praise and worship album. At the center of the album, Hobbs addresses finally being able to come to terms with the sexual abuse he experienced as a child.  At the age of 40, he decided to share publicly his past of childhood sexual abuse with his newfound sense of freedom.  The project puts an exclamation point on his personal statement of having been set free.  "This album is to date, the absolute most accurate depiction of who I am as an artist, a worshipper and a human being," says Hobbs.  "It's the very first album I've recorded as a free man.  Never before have I walked in such transparency or nakedness as it pertains to the most private parts of my life.  For years, I've been bound by the haunting reality of the past.  It's almost as if I'd been under the restriction of a gag order placed on me - as if I was walking through an earthly version of hell.  Because of contractual obligations, I often had no choice but to record albums from unhealthy places in my heart.  But God's been faithful, He never left me.  And just as He promised, 'If I walked in truth, He'll set me free.'"

Hobbs also makes his debut as a songwriter and producer.  He wrote three songs on FREE - including the first single "Free," "Heal The Land," "The Name of the Lord," and he co-wrote "In This Place" with co-producer and songwriter Aaron Pearce.  The lead single, "Free" was written on the eve of Hobbs breaking his silence to his mother about a 30 year secret of sexual abuse.  The perpetrator was her now deceased husband.  "Free" will be serviced to gospel radio in June.  Other key stand-out tracks on the album include "In This Place," a lifelong invitation to a place where you can bring all fears, concerns, inadequacies, hang-ups and issues.  A place where we can live - not just visit.  "Crosswalk," written by Gerald Haddon, is a song and message for people who feel jaded, tired, weary, discouraged, and contemplative regarding their life's journey.  The bonus track on the album includes "He's Able," written and produced by labelmate Deitrick Haddon.  The single is currently in the Top 20 at gospel radio.