ALBUM REVIEW: Radical Departure by CONQUEST

Randy Bazile
Apr 25, 2023
4 min read

*Album Cover Art. Released November 2012*

Three years after “Outspoken,” CONQUEST kicks off his “radical" trilogy with “Radical Departure.” After releasing three “Radical Thinking" mixtapes to hold his listeners down, and his “R.A.G.E. (Revenge Against God’s Enemies)” EP, ‘QUEST continues where he left off, with more fire than ever.

“Radical Departure" sees CONQUEST dying to self and living for Christ. During the time of this recording, CONQUEST was in a complicated season of his life. Through it, he kept the main thing the main thing. Let’s dive into his departure.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5VCdHmXS-w

Radical Departure (Conquest Must Die)

PRODUCTION

“Radical Departure" is what you would expect from CONQUEST, hip-hop, rock & R&B, otherwise known as alternative hip-hop. D.Steele, Eshon Burgundy & Sage.Muzik handled production, to name a few.

“R.A.G.E.” stood out as, in my opinion, the best rock-rap song he’s ever dropped. The intensity felt from the drums and guitar can be felt through CONQUEST's aggressive flow and delivery.

“Whoever You Are" is my favorite R&B track from ‘QUEST. His melody on the chorus calls out to the love of his life somewhere in the world (and she responded). Filled with heartfelt passion, ‘QUEST raps and sings over a mellow laid-back beat.

Production includes trap music such as “Cross That Line" & “You Ain’t Bout That Life.” The way his flow rides the beats shows how versatile ‘QUEST is.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Lj3fYUyipk

R.A.G.E (Revenge Against God's Enemies)

LYRICS

CONQUEST claims he’s the “Lyricist Of The Year” due to his complex rhyme scheme, punchlines, and metaphors. We see a lot of that on this record. CONQUEST is an undeniably amazing songwriter as shown in his previous projects to this one. Hip-Hop is a competitive sport, so the nature of this song is true to its hip-hop roots. ‘QUEST calls out some of NYC’s dopest rappers, giving them nods while claiming he’s “Lyricist Of The Year.” It’s a fun song.

CONQUEST is known for his socially conscious lyrics with songs like “Concealed Weapon,” “Disposable,” & “The Machinist.”

“Concealed Weapon” was inspired by the shooting of a 17-year-old black boy, named Trayvon Martin that occurred in Sanford, FL on February 26th, 2012, at the hands of former police officer George Zimmerman. CONQUEST implores “Don’t vote for Obama just because he’s black/Cast your vote for a leader with his thoughts intact.” Racism is still evident in our world. It influences our decisions. ‘QUEST highlighted that reality perfectly.

Women are looking for a man to captivate and pursue them for their worth. Some women settle for less and walk around like they are “Disposable.” ‘QUEST encourages the woman in that situation to see themselves as better than they perceive themselves. It’s a follow-up of “Shattered Glass” (on the deluxe album) & “Whoever You Are.” ‘QUEST goes on to show what the love of Christ is when he says:

Remember chapter 13 in 1st Corinthians Where LOVE IS PATIENT & LOVE IS NOT BOASTFUL AND LOVE DOESN’T CLIMB ON TOP OF YOU AND CHOKE YOU!!! Love doesn’t fly into a blind rage, come at you sideways Play mind games & jack up your mindstate But this love you choose to accept

“The Machinist” is my favorite song on the album, second to “Bryant’s Theme.” CONQUEST’s lyricism in this song is crazy! Named after the movie that stars Christian Bale, “The Machinist” has ‘QUEST rap on the commentary of the evils that threaten the world. ‘QUEST responds with the mission that God set for him by being the “machine” God uses to do His works.

CONCEPT

CONQUEST opens the album with the line “Let me take you inside of the mind of what the ‘QUEST does.” The album takes us on the journey ‘QUEST was on during the time. He speaks about his depression, desires, and dreams & goals.

In “Radical Departure (Conquest Must Die),” the message is evident that ‘QUEST is re-inventing himself. After everything he has been through between 2005–2009, ‘QUEST is truly ready to die to himself. His transparency opens the door for the listener to ride on this difficult journey.

Songs like: “R.A.G.E.,” “Cross That Line,” “The Accused,” “Black Hole,” & “You Ain’t Bout That Life” highlights the ups, downs, and experiences ‘QUEST has faced over the years. Each of these songs evokes emotions of anger, frustration, depression, heartbreak, etc. They tie together to the things ‘QUEST had to depart from with radical fire.

“Bryant’s Theme: Code of Ethics II” is not only a tribute to DJ Bryant Smith, who sadly passed away but a revisit to “QUEST song “Code of Ethics” from “Torchbearer.” The first few bars in the first verse are the same as the first, meaning that his code of ethics has never changed. ‘QUEST included in the chorus one of Bryant’s quotes:

“Jesus Christ has entered the building”

This song, in my opinion, should have been the last song to close the album. It was the perfect outro to let folks know that “QUEST is here to stay and he is better than ever. Same mission, same ethics, greater strength, as well as preserving DJ Bryant Smith’s legacy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JW0xP6Y5BA4

Bryant's Theme: Code of Ethics

FINAL THOUGHTS

“Radical Departure” kicked off the ‘radical’ trilogy on a fiery note! “Radical Departure” was my first CONQUEST album. Without knowing his full journey, I knew he was going through a lot around that time. He was still battling, but it was hard to tell with the confidence he displayed during his performances and on songs of the album. ‘QUEST’s compelling story had me excited to hear more from him.