Épisodes

  • 2026 GRAMMYs Rap Picks & Predictions

    2026 GRAMMYs Rap Picks & Predictions
    Nov 21 2025
    In a shorter episode, Dez gives his picks and predictions for the 2026 GRAMMYs Rap categories: Best Rap Album, Best Rap Song, Best Rap Performance, and Best Melodic Rap Performance. He evaluates each nominee's chances at winning their category, shares his winners versus who he believes the recording academy will select, dishes on Clipse's chances of winning multiple awards, and more.

    Enjoy and share your thoughts! Thank you for all the support! - Dez

    Keep up with all things Hip 2 Da Games:
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    https://www.tiktok.com/@hip2dagames?_t=8bPuRJ7I4Bm&_r=1

    Connect with Desmond:
    https://instagram.com/desmondpowell_?igshid=ODM2MWFjZDg=
    https://x.com/desmondpowell_

    REPRESENT THE H2DG LIFESTYLE! https://19-media-group.myspreadshop.com/hip+2+da+games+alternate+logo?idea=631a866ea7e9275a6f9af96c&color=black

    Desmond's YouTube Channel (Not to be confused with H2DG itself):
    https://www.youtube.com/@desmondpowellH2DG

    Follow 19 Media Group:

    Twitter: @19MGroup
    Instagram: 19mediagroup
    https://www.19MediaGroup.com

    Discover our favorite podcast gear and support the show—shop our studio must-haves on our Amazon Affiliate page! https://www.amazon.com/shop/19mediagroup

    Want to join the conversation or invite us to your platform? Connect with us and share your vision (budget-friendly collaborations welcome)! https://bit.ly/19Guest
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    16 min
  • Early Mock Trades, Hot vs. Cold Teams, & NBA Rooks

    Early Mock Trades, Hot vs. Cold Teams, & NBA Rooks
    Nov 7 2025
    In today's episode, Desmond uses the ESPN Trade Machine to illustrate how he would help the Houston Rockets resolve their point guard dilemma and the Sacramento Kings improve defensively. Additionally, he praises the Chicago Bulls and Philadelphia 76ers for their hot starts to the season, before discussing the slow starts from the Boston Celtics and Atlanta Hawks. He then ends the show highlighting three rookies who have already shown to look like veterans to start their NBA careers.

    Enjoy and share your thoughts! Thank you for all the support! - Dez

    Keep up with all things Hip 2 Da Games:
    https://instagram.com/hip2dagames?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
    https://x.com/hip2dagames
    https://www.tiktok.com/@hip2dagames?_t=8bPuRJ7I4Bm&_r=1

    Connect with Desmond:
    https://instagram.com/desmondpowell_?igshid=ODM2MWFjZDg=
    https://x.com/desmondpowell_

    REPRESENT THE H2DG LIFESTYLE! https://19-media-group.myspreadshop.com/hip+2+da+games+alternate+logo?idea=631a866ea7e9275a6f9af96c&color=black

    Desmond's YouTube Channel (Not to be confused with H2DG itself):
    https://www.youtube.com/@desmondpowellH2DG

    Follow 19 Media Group:

    Twitter: @19MGroup
    Instagram: 19mediagroup
    https://www.19MediaGroup.com

    Discover our favorite podcast gear and support the show—shop our studio must-haves on our Amazon Affiliate page! https://www.amazon.com/shop/19mediagroup

    Want to join the conversation or invite us to your platform? Connect with us and share your vision (budget-friendly collaborations welcome)! https://bit.ly/19Guest
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    1 h et 9 min
  • Desmond & Devaughn Unpack His Debut EP 'Open Gym'

    Desmond & Devaughn Unpack His Debut EP 'Open Gym'
    Oct 24 2025
    In a special edition of Hip 2 Da Games, Dez is joined by his twin, Devaughn, as they discuss and celebrate the release of Desmond's first ever Hip-Hop project Open Gym. In fact, Devaughn takes the role of being the host for the show as he helps unpack the meaning of the title and Desmond's inspirations, themes, and subject matters featured throughout the introspective project. Additionally, Devaughn shares his creative process designing the album's cover art and which song(s) he believes will be the most memorable for listeners. While Open Gym is filled with basketball references, Dez opens up about his faith, dreams, struggles, & more that dwells inside his personal and heartfelt debut album.

    Enjoy and share your thoughts! Thank you for all the support! - Dez

    LISTEN TO OPEN GYM:
    https://desmondpowell.bandcamp.com/album/open-gym-ep

    Keep up with all things Hip 2 Da Games:
    https://instagram.com/hip2dagames?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
    https://twitter.com/hip2dagames?t=dME3xHR59c3P0rbbrbJdSg&s=09
    https://www.tiktok.com/@hip2dagames?_t=8bPuRJ7I4Bm&_r=1

    Connect with Devaughn:
    https://www.instagram.com/devaughnmcdonald/
    https://x.com/devaughmcdonald

    Connect with Desmond:
    https://instagram.com/desmondpowell_?igshid=ODM2MWFjZDg=
    https://twitter.com/desmondpowell_?t=ztqxON3gAWmeVTv7gU2xwQ&s=09

    REPRESENT THE H2DG LIFESTYLE! https://19-media-group.myspreadshop.com/hip+2+da+games+alternate+logo?idea=631a866ea7e9275a6f9af96c&color=black

    Desmond's YouTube Channel (Not to be confused with H2DG itself):
    https://www.youtube.com/@desmondpowellH2DG

    Follow 19 Media Group:

    Twitter: @19MGroup
    Instagram: 19mediagroup
    https://www.19MediaGroup.com

    Discover our favorite podcast gear and support the show—shop our studio must-haves on our Amazon Affiliate page! https://www.amazon.com/shop/19mediagroup

    Want to join the conversation or invite us to your platform? Connect with us and share your vision (budget-friendly collaborations welcome)! https://bit.ly/19Guest
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    2 h et 18 min
  • 5 Interesting Storylines Ahead of the 2025-26 Season

    5 Interesting Storylines Ahead of the 2025-26 Season
    Oct 10 2025
    Desmond returns to the show this week to discuss five of the most intriguing storylines that will unfold over the course of the upcoming NBA season. He shares his thoughts on the Houston Rockets' point guard situation, the Golden State Warriors acquiring Al Horford and keeping Jonathan Kuminga, VJ Edgecombe's impact on the 76ers, the evolution of Zion Williamson and Victor Wembanyama, and Russell Westbrook's unexpected free agency.

    Enjoy and share your thoughts! Thank you for all the support! - Dez

    Keep up with all things Hip 2 Da Games:
    https://instagram.com/hip2dagames?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
    https://twitter.com/hip2dagames?t=dME3xHR59c3P0rbbrbJdSg&s=09
    https://www.tiktok.com/@hip2dagames?_t=8bPuRJ7I4Bm&_r=1

    Connect with Desmond:
    https://instagram.com/desmondpowell_?igshid=ODM2MWFjZDg=
    https://twitter.com/desmondpowell_?t=ztqxON3gAWmeVTv7gU2xwQ&s=09

    REPRESENT THE H2DG LIFESTYLE! https://19-media-group.myspreadshop.com/hip+2+da+games+alternate+logo?idea=631a866ea7e9275a6f9af96c&color=black

    Desmond's YouTube Channel (Not to be confused with H2DG itself):
    https://www.youtube.com/@desmondpowellH2DG

    Follow 19 Media Group:

    Twitter: @19MGroup
    Instagram: 19mediagroup
    https://www.19MediaGroup.com

    Discover our favorite podcast gear and support the show—shop our studio must-haves on our Amazon Affiliate page! https://www.amazon.com/shop/19mediagroup

    Want to join the conversation or invite us to your platform? Connect with us and share your vision (budget-friendly collaborations welcome)! https://bit.ly/19Guest
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    51 min
  • When Hip-Hop Lyrics From the Past Hit Different in the Present...

    When Hip-Hop Lyrics From the Past Hit Different in the Present...
    Sep 19 2025
    Desmond takes the transparent route for today's episode as he uses four sets of lyrics to vent and express the ways each sequence has resonated with him recently as opposed to when he heard them for the first time. With a more raw and unpolished delivery, Dez reflects on lyrics from Nipsey Hussle, J. Cole, and Eminem; artists who have managed to perfectly summarize the feelings Desmond is now experiencing as an adult pursuing various dreams and passions. While this is a different episode compared to what is expected on H2DG, Desmond lets you in on the side of podcasting and life that often goes under the radar.

    Thank you for all the support! - Dez

    Keep up with all things Hip 2 Da Games:
    https://instagram.com/hip2dagames?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
    https://twitter.com/hip2dagames?t=dME3xHR59c3P0rbbrbJdSg&s=09
    https://www.tiktok.com/@hip2dagames?_t=8bPuRJ7I4Bm&_r=1

    Connect with Desmond:
    https://instagram.com/desmondpowell_?igshid=ODM2MWFjZDg=
    https://twitter.com/desmondpowell_?t=ztqxON3gAWmeVTv7gU2xwQ&s=09

    REPRESENT THE H2DG LIFESTYLE! https://19-media-group.myspreadshop.com/hip+2+da+games+alternate+logo?idea=631a866ea7e9275a6f9af96c&color=black

    Desmond's YouTube Channel (Not to be confused with H2DG itself):
    https://www.youtube.com/@desmondpowellH2DG

    Follow 19 Media Group:

    Twitter: @19MGroup
    Instagram: 19mediagroup
    https://www.19MediaGroup.com

    Discover our favorite podcast gear and support the show—shop our studio must-haves on our Amazon Affiliate page! https://www.amazon.com/shop/19mediagroup

    Want to join the conversation or invite us to your platform? Connect with us and share your vision (budget-friendly collaborations welcome)! https://bit.ly/19Guest
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    55 min
  • Predicting the 2025-26 NBA Standings

    Predicting the 2025-26 NBA Standings
    Sep 5 2025
    With the NBA gradually preparing for training camps and preseason hoops, Desmond is looking ahead to the regular season and shares his predictions for how the standings could shape up in each conference. Who takes the top spot in the East? How will teams like the Celtics and Pacers perform without their injured stars? Which sleeper teams have the best future? Dez answers all these questions and more! Find out where he has your team going into the 2025-26 season!

    Enjoy and share your thoughts! Thank you for all the support! - Dez

    Keep up with all things Hip 2 Da Games:
    https://instagram.com/hip2dagames?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
    https://twitter.com/hip2dagames?t=dME3xHR59c3P0rbbrbJdSg&s=09
    https://www.tiktok.com/@hip2dagames?_t=8bPuRJ7I4Bm&_r=1

    Connect with Desmond:
    https://instagram.com/desmondpowell_?igshid=ODM2MWFjZDg=
    https://twitter.com/desmondpowell_?t=ztqxON3gAWmeVTv7gU2xwQ&s=09

    REPRESENT THE H2DG LIFESTYLE! https://19-media-group.myspreadshop.com/hip+2+da+games+alternate+logo?idea=631a866ea7e9275a6f9af96c&color=black

    Desmond's YouTube Channel (Not to be confused with H2DG itself):
    https://www.youtube.com/@desmondpowellH2DG

    Follow 19 Media Group:

    Twitter: @19MGroup
    Instagram: 19mediagroup
    https://www.19MediaGroup.com

    Discover our favorite podcast gear and support the show—shop our studio must-haves on our Amazon Affiliate page! https://www.amazon.com/shop/19mediagroup

    Want to join the conversation or invite us to your platform? Connect with us and share your vision (budget-friendly collaborations welcome)! https://bit.ly/19Guest
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    1 h et 27 min
  • To Pimp A Butterfly: Analyzing How Kendrick Lamar Gained His Wings (Part 2)

    To Pimp A Butterfly: Analyzing How Kendrick Lamar Gained His Wings (Part 2)
    Aug 22 2025
    Desmond is back this week with his eleventh album breakdown as he dives into what is arguably considered Kendrick Lamar's best album, To Pimp A Butterfly. Dez takes you on a journey unpacking the album's themes of growth, self-love, authenticity, peace, and perseverance, while highlighting the lyrical creativity and depth Kendrick showcases on each song. In Part 2, he analyzes the final eight tracks where Kendrick Lamar, metaphorically, evolves into the butterfly he so desperately wanted to become. Dez breaks down that evolution through Kendrick's recount of the lessons that taught him to stay humble & grounded, the importance of loving and staying true to oneself, and the push to bring positive impact to the world.

    Enjoy and share your thoughts! Thank you for all the support! - Dez

    Keep up with all things Hip 2 Da Games:
    https://instagram.com/hip2dagames?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
    https://twitter.com/hip2dagames?t=dME3xHR59c3P0rbbrbJdSg&s=09
    https://www.tiktok.com/@hip2dagames?_t=8bPuRJ7I4Bm&_r=1

    Connect with Desmond:
    https://instagram.com/desmondpowell_?igshid=ODM2MWFjZDg=
    https://twitter.com/desmondpowell_?t=ztqxON3gAWmeVTv7gU2xwQ&s=09

    REPRESENT THE H2DG LIFESTYLE! https://19-media-group.myspreadshop.com/hip+2+da+games+alternate+logo?idea=631a866ea7e9275a6f9af96c&color=black

    Desmond's YouTube Channel (Not to be confused with H2DG itself):
    https://www.youtube.com/@desmondpowellH2DG

    Follow 19 Media Group:

    Twitter: @19MGroup
    Instagram: 19mediagroup
    https://www.19MediaGroup.com

    Discover our favorite podcast gear and support the show—shop our studio must-haves on our Amazon Affiliate page! https://www.amazon.com/shop/19mediagroup

    Want to join the conversation or invite us to your platform? Connect with us and share your vision (budget-friendly collaborations welcome)! https://bit.ly/19Guest
    Voir plus Voir moins
    1 h et 17 min
  • To Pimp A Butterfly: Analyzing How Kendrick Lamar Gained His Wings (Part 1)

    To Pimp A Butterfly: Analyzing How Kendrick Lamar Gained His Wings (Part 1)
    Aug 22 2025
    Desmond is back this week with his eleventh album breakdown as he dives into what is arguably considered Kendrick Lamar's best album, To Pimp A Butterfly. Dez takes you on a journey unpacking the album's themes of growth, self-love, authenticity, peace, and perseverance, while highlighting the lyrical creativity and depth Kendrick showcases on each song. In Part 1, he analyzes the first eight tracks where Kendrick Lamar mirrors a caterpillar eager to break out of its cocoon. Dez discusses the hip-hop star's youthful ignorance towards his finances, determination to succeed, struggles with depression, and ambition to be better than what he saw growing up in Compton.

    Enjoy and share your thoughts! Thank you for all the support! - Dez

    Desmond's Hip-Hop Collab Blog with Tyler of Gimmick Infringement:
    https://gimmickinfringementpod.com/the-writing-1/f/top-10-songs-of-the-2010s

    Keep up with all things Hip 2 Da Games:
    https://instagram.com/hip2dagames?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
    https://twitter.com/hip2dagames?t=dME3xHR59c3P0rbbrbJdSg&s=09
    https://www.tiktok.com/@hip2dagames?_t=8bPuRJ7I4Bm&_r=1

    Connect with Desmond:
    https://instagram.com/desmondpowell_?igshid=ODM2MWFjZDg=
    https://twitter.com/desmondpowell_?t=ztqxON3gAWmeVTv7gU2xwQ&s=09

    REPRESENT THE H2DG LIFESTYLE! https://19-media-group.myspreadshop.com/hip+2+da+games+alternate+logo?idea=631a866ea7e9275a6f9af96c&color=black

    Desmond's YouTube Channel (Not to be confused with H2DG itself):
    https://www.youtube.com/@desmondpowellH2DG

    Follow 19 Media Group:

    Twitter: @19MGroup
    Instagram: 19mediagroup
    https://www.19MediaGroup.com

    Discover our favorite podcast gear and support the show—shop our studio must-haves on our Amazon Affiliate page! https://www.amazon.com/shop/19mediagroup

    Want to join the conversation or invite us to your platform? Connect with us and share your vision (budget-friendly collaborations welcome)! https://bit.ly/19Guest
    Voir plus Voir moins
    1 h et 20 min