Colt Ford, the trailblazing country rapper, makes a powerful return with the release of “Hell Out Of It” (feat. Michael Ray) via Average Joes Entertainment — his first release since surviving a life-altering heart attack in 2024. Written by Cole Taylor, Michael Tyler, Thomas Archer, and Lalo Guzman, this feel-good anthem is all about cranking it up, embracing gratitude, and making the most of every moment.
American Songwriter caught up with Colt and exclusively revealed the single yesterday, stating, “‘Hell Out of It’ is more than a comeback single for Colt Ford. It’s a special song with a positive message and his reintroduction to the world after nearly leaving it. However, he had a fairly deep connection to the song before he had his heart attack.”
“I loved this song the moment I heard it, and after everything I’ve been through, it really resonates,” Ford says. “I wanted to bring in someone I’m close with, and Michael Ray absolutely nailed it.”
Michael Ray shares, “I’m so excited to be a part of this song with my brother Colt Ford. ‘Hell Out Of It’ is an anthem for the small town, blue collar men and women — the ones that work hard and play harder. It’s about that slice of heaven; a map dot place that to some people, might not look like much, but is raised in them — love the hell out of it.”
With a second lease on life, Ford is charging into 2025 with renewed energy, ready to deliver new shows, fresh collaborations, and an arsenal of new music — mindful of the fact that life can change in the blink of an eye, and he plans to “walk a little slower” moving forward. Following his miraculous recovery, Ford is poised to make 2025 his year. He recently sat down with PEOPLE Magazine to discuss last year’s near-fatal heart attack. Drawing strength from his love for family, friends, and fans, Ford powered through his recovery, which became a powerful wake-up call.
Trailblazers carve their own paths, breaking rules and redefining norms along the way. Colt Ford has always done just that, spitting bars over banjo lines long before it was the trend. This fearless approach has set the Georgia-born singer, songwriter, rapper, musician, performer, and co-founder of Average Joes Entertainment apart, cementing his status as country music’s ultimate independent maverick.
With roots in rap, Southern rock, and country, Ford has spent his career collaborating across genres, building a dynamic discography that includes millions of sales and billions of streams. From Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, Jermaine Dupri and Bubba Sparxxx to members of No Doubt, Lit, and Lady A, the country-rap troubadour has carved out his own unique space in the music world, all while forging lasting friendships along the way. Moreover, Ford co-wrote Jason Aldean’s RIAA certified hit “Dirt Road Anthem” and Brantley Gilbert’s “Country Must Be Country Wide” — both of which reached number one on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart — solidifying his position as a behind-the-scenes powerhouse in the studio.
By 2019, Ford had crafted an impressive string of achievements, with his personal chart successes propelling him to mainstream recognition. He notched five consecutive Top 10 debuts on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, starting with Declaration of Independence, which landed at #1 in 2012. Two years later, Thanks for Listening soared into the Top 10 of the Top 200, also claiming the #1 spot on the Billboard Rap & Independent charts. In parallel, he placed six songs on the Hot Country Songs chart, with “Back” (feat. Jake Owen) reaching the Top 40. Among his numerous accolades, Ford earned a nomination for “Vocal Event of the Year” at the Academy of Country Music Awards for his collaboration on “Cold Beer” with Jamey Johnson in 2011.
Ford’s 2023 record, Must Be The Country, was born out of his courageous fight against eye cancer, showcasing his powerful vocal range and flawless delivery. After undergoing rigorous surgery to remove the tumor, Ford’s resilience was tested once again with a diagnosis of Myasthenia Gravis, an autoimmune disorder that affects his facial muscles and neural connections. Yet, undeterred by these personal health challenges, Ford remains a beacon of inspiration, continuing to perform and work on new projects. His unshakable spirit resonates throughout his music, underscoring his steadfast dedication to his craft.
“I have been so lucky and blessed to have worked with the people I have and continue to,” Ford says. “I just like letting the song lead me to who I want to work with and hope they want to work with me.”
Ford will be joining Brantley Gilbert on select dates of his “Tattoos” Tour, which kicks off this spring. While the idea of returning to the stage after such a traumatic health scare is nerve-wracking, Ford praises, “BG, who’s like a little brother to me, is the best person to help me ease back in. He’s as good as it gets.”
