ALBUM REVIEW: Radical Thinking 2819 by CONQUEST

Randy Bazile
Apr 26, 2023
4 min read

*Album Cover Art. Released November 2014*

Two years after “Radical Departure” dropped, CONQUEST’s life starts to improve. He was on a spiritual high during this time period. It’s evident on his sixth album “Radical Thinking 2819.” Also, he cut the locs!

2819 is based on the following scripture in Matthew 28:19:

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”

CONQUEST’s “Radical Departure” gave him room to refocus on the commission bestowed upon every Christian, to go and make disciples of all nations. “Radical Thinking 2819” is ‘QUEST perspective on reaching the lost through his testimony. This album is just that, his testimony of how good God is.

PRODUCTION

The production on this album is bananas! Most of the production was handled by Mike Irish. I had the pleasure of sitting in some of his studio sessions. Seeing ‘QUEST work was inspiring.

Most of the songs are rock this time around with a touch of boom-bap, alternative, and trap. I believe this album completes the full evolution of CONQUEST.

Songs like “2819: The Art of Losing Myself,” “Menace II Society,” “Genius Level Talent,” “Lovelife Confessional: I Just Want You” and “Black Hoodie Rap” have a huge rock influence on them. These songs stand out for the average hip-hop listener. ‘QUEST always knew how to incorporate rock into his rap songs, especially “Black Hoodie Rap”

First of all, “Black Hoodie Rap” is a HIT!! A slept-on HIT!!! CONQUEST describes it as “Revolutionary Alternative Trap Muzik.” I get hyped when this song is performed! Second, at that time, it wasn’t your average trap song. It’s trap music with a rock influence in it. ‘QUEST executed it perfectly with his double-time flow. I was honored to be in the music video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SB-xfAN0Gv4

"Black Hoodie Rap" Music Video

CONQUEST also has jazz rap. “Greener Grass” is that song. I remember my reaction when I first heard the song. Mind blown! ‘QUEST killed the chorus.

“Radical Thinking (A Flatbush Anthem)” is by far my favorite CONQUEST song. It’s boom-bap, but not dated. In my opinion, it’s the best song on the album and a “booming” way to end the album.

LYRICS

‘QUEST’s lyrics are still socially conscious, but most songs are laced with victory and evangelism. As he follows up on his “Radical Departure,” he recaps the lows in his life and conquers them with the highs & victories in his life during that time (working a job teaching youth, moving back to Brooklyn, courting with his then-girlfriend now wife, etc.)

CONQUEST cleverly wrote the opening song by referencing tracks from “Radical Departure.” “2819: The Art of Losing Myself” opens with CONQUEST losing himself as he drops songs from “Radical Departure” in his bars while highlighting his lows, victories, and his peers' ups & downs.

‘QUEST and Mars Era are coming at those who listen with radical force and zeal through “Menace II Society” through rapid-fire bars and punchlines. This collaboration was perfect! They flowed well together over the beat and worked perfectly together.

In a world where hip-hop dominates over youth, particularly minority youth, we get unfortunate crimes fuelled by the message of the music. ‘QUEST speaks on these issues on “Black Hoodie Rap,” “Genius Level Talent” & “Rap(e) Culture.”

“Black Hoodie Rap” is a follow-up to “Concealed Weapon.” Over a dope trap beat, ‘QUEST raps as a black man that will be profiled by simply wearing a hoodie, like Trayvon Martin. “Genius Level Talent” encourages individuals to be creative in their own right; not copying what they see. “Rap(e) Culture” targets the poison that pop culture instills in our youth

‘QUEST dedicates songs to his loved ones: his wife (girlfriend at the time) Octavia Nickle & and his daughter Jaylen. “Lovelife Confessional: I Just Want You” is part 2 of “Whoever You Are,” with a happy ending! In this beautiful Evanescene-influenced song, ‘QUEST & Octavia exchange their love through their singing.

“Conversation Over A Shotgun” is about his relationship with Jaylen. ‘QUEST expresses how proud of her growth as a young woman and how he will protect her from any harm. A beautiful Father’s Day anthem.

CONCEPT

“Radical Thinking 2819” is an album that finds CONQUEST executing ‘radical thinking’ in his message and music.

He challenges his listeners in all aspects of life’s challenges. Depression (“Silencer,”) Comparison (“Platform Shoes,” “Genius Level Talent,” “Greener Grass”) and to change the way we think (“The Resolution,” “Radical Thinking”).

“Silencer” is another anti-suicide song following “Intervention/Reinvention” & “Black Hole.” This song is a voice for the voiceless that is suffering in silence.

“Platform Shoes” is about wanting to be in someone’s shoes (fame) and live the life they’re living, without knowing what they went through to get there. The grass is greener on the other side. ‘QUEST encourages contentment and to resist the temptation to covet the accomplishments and possessions of others.

“The Resolution” & “Radical Thinking” closes the album by encouraging the listener to change the way they’re thinking.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmrChDNHd9Q

"Radical Thinking: A Flatbush Anthem" Music Video

FINAL THOUGHTS

During the time of the release, this was a highly anticipated album. CONQUEST outdid himself with “Radical Thinking 2819.” His versatility is unmatched and well-executed. A successful follow-up in storytelling and in excellent sonically sound production.