ALBUM REVIEW: Exposé: Torchbearer Vol. 2 by CONQUEST

Randy Bazile
Apr 4, 2023
3 min read

*Album Cover Art. Released October 2004*

CONQUEST wasted no time continuing his Torchbearer trilogy with “Exposé.”

With raw transparency, socially conscious, and God-breathed lyricism, CONQUEST brings us into his code of ethics that threatens the rap game. Each song is written with passion & boldness for those in darkness while exposing buried truths. Let’s dig into ‘QUEST’s exposition.

PRODUCTION

Unlike its predecessor, “Exposé’s” production was handled by many producers, including Daniel Steele. The album doesn’t feature any rock tracks that we know CONQUEST to include, and kill it! We get a mix of boom-bap, alternative hip-hop, and R&B.

Most of the album has hard-hitting east coast NYC boom-bap beats, But “The Fabulous Life” stood out most. Its world harp over the beat makes the song unique in the album. The live version included in the album is a must-listen! I can tell ‘QUEST killed the live performance!

“MATURE” is the successful sequel to “PreMATURE” (“Off Limitz” is part 2). I say successful because, in this song, he talks about the joys of sexual intimacy with a spouse, whereas the previous was about staying pure and resisting temptation. It’s a catchy upbeat R&B rap track that you’d want to add to the “after dark” playlist.

“Brooklyn Southside” is an anthem! It demands a call and response from the listener over a catchy dirty south-ish beat. I wasn’t expecting that style for ‘QUEST, but he again showed his excellent diversity.

LYRICS

“Exposé” is CONQUEST at his boldest yet! He combines raw lyricism, catchy choruses, and metaphors with faith, truth, and honesty.

The first few tracks are ‘QUEST encouraging folks to put their guns down and raise their hands to Jesus. He threatens the rap game with his “Code of Ethics” while “Selling The Lifestyle” of a Christian to the streets.

I must return to “Brooklyn Southside” CONQUEST hailing from Brooklyn unites saints to stand against the enemy. CONQUEST temporarily departs from his lyricism to produce this hit with a call and response. I hope he performs this song soon!

CONCEPT

“Exposé” is divided into two parts. The album’s first half is ‘QUEST’s radical faith and hope-filled message (tracks 1–7). The second half is darker and transparent (tracks 8–13).

CONQUEST addresses his “Target Audience” (thugs, gang bangers, etc.) with the passion of a Christian that experienced a radical change in his life. He introduces the listener to who ‘QUEST is in Christ and his fellow soldiers of faith while exposing the darkness to the light. He wants his listeners to experience God the same way he did.

As with anyone walking in life, Christian or not, every experiences hardships. CONQUEST gets transparent with his struggles, doubts, and questions for God. He gets personal in each song as he shares each aspect he struggles with pride (“That Killer Called PRIDE”), frustration (“Frustrations”), anger & doubt (“Questionnaire.”)

The album eventually ends on a hopeful note. CONQUEST praises God for who He is in his life and who He can be in the listener’s life.

FINAL THOUGHTS

“Exposé” didn’t disappoint. Not a dull song on the album. The album’s story was told in a sequence of pieces that complemented each other as the album went on. It felt like a letter to hip-hop from Paul! It goes down as one of my favorites from Dreadlock Slimmm.

“Exposé” features four bonus tracks

Download/Stream “Exposé ” on Bandcamp