Hip 2 Da Games
Desmond Powell was the kid with the grandest NBA dreams and in the recent years developed a similar obsession with Hip-Hop. While basketball and Hip-Hop have went hand-in-hand for years, he realized that there has never been a platform that combined both simultaneously, so he decided to create it. With its name inspired by the famous Lord Finesse song, this podcast is for you: the basketball junkie AND Hip-Hop head. The goal is simple: Desmond wants you to remember why you loved both in the first place and more importantly, realize that Hip 2 Da Games is not just a podcast, it's a lifestyle.
Episodes
June 25, 2025 • 80 mins
In a loaded episode, Desmond returns with a recap of the NBA Finals detailing how the OKC Thunder (barely) defeated the Indiana Pacers and the ways each franchise can improve to get back to the big stage. Then, he shares his thoughts on the latest trades involving Desmond Bane, Kevin Durant, and Anfernee Simons before ending the episode (finally!) dishing on the latest in Hip-Hop including: his experience at Kendrick Lamar & SZ...
Mark as Played
June 4, 2025 • 65 mins
With the NBA Finals set to tip off tomorrow night, Desmond shares his thoughts on all things Thunder & Pacers including: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's leadership, the importance of Jalen Williams' aggression, OKC's old school defense, what makes Tyrese Haliburton similar to Magic Johnson, Pascal Siakam's shot creation, keys to the series for both teams, and much more.
Enjoy and share your thoughts! Thank you for all the support! - D...
Enjoy and share your thoughts! Thank you for all the support! - D...
Mark as Played
May 20, 2025 • 74 mins
Today, Dez continues his Playoff analysis by recapping the semifinals matchups and previewing the upcoming Conference Finals series between the New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers & the Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Oklahoma City Thunder. He details noticeable Playoff trends from each team thus far, observes potential hiccups they could face moving forward, emphasize strengths they have found success with, and much more. Additional...
Mark as Played
May 2, 2025 • 54 mins
Desmond follows up H2DG's loaded Playoff Preview sharing some of his big takeaways from the first round matchups. He discusses the strategies that failed the Milwaukee Bucks in their series against the Pacers, the Timberwolves not-so-upset over the Lakers, his opinion on the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo, and much more.
Enjoy and share your thoughts! Thank you for all the support! - Dez
Keep up with all things Hip 2 Da Games:
https...
Enjoy and share your thoughts! Thank you for all the support! - Dez
Keep up with all things Hip 2 Da Games:
https...
Mark as Played
April 18, 2025 • 174 mins
THEY'RE BACK! Returning for the 2025 NBA Playoffs, Dez is joined by his twin Devaughn and friend Johnny for the 4th edition of the H2DG NBA Playoff Preview. They were each assigned four teams (two from each conference) to share their thoughts and analysis ahead of the Playoffs while also being in charge of assigning a Hip-Hop theme song for each team's Playoff run in the effort to give you THE Playoff Preview you never knew you nee...
Mark as Played
March 28, 2025 • 55 mins
In this episode, Desmond analyzes some of the NBA Playoff matchups that are likely to manifest this year: the Detroit Pistons vs. New York Knicks, the Indiana Pacers vs. the Milwaukee Bucks, and the variety of scenarios the Los Angeles Clippers might find themselves in. Dez addresses strengths and weaknesses of each team, the strategies/gameplans that could take place, and more as he prepares you for what could come during the most...
Mark as Played
March 14, 2025 • 63 mins
With March tipping off the most exciting time for NCAA basketball, Desmond uses today's episode to point out some thrilling topics in the NBA during the last full month of the regular season including: the rough offseason that may lie ahead for the Phoenix Suns, the Warriors' Jimmy Butler era starting off hot, the potential of a Lakers vs. Celtics NBA Finals, & much more.
Enjoy and share your thoughts! Thank you for all the sup...
Enjoy and share your thoughts! Thank you for all the sup...
Mark as Played
February 28, 2025 • 50 mins
In today's episode, Desmond delivers a passionate breakdown of DMV artist Wale's "Golden Salvation" off his album The Gifted. Dez details the layers behind Wale's concept of rappers placing value on the wrong things (i.e. A Jesus piece chain as opposed to the peace of Jesus) and highlights how Wale essentially calls out the rap industry while representing Hip-Hop the way it's supposed to be represented. And by the end of the episod...
Mark as Played
February 7, 2025 • 58 mins
With an exciting WNBA offseason in the midst of a loaded NBA trade deadline, Desmond is back to discuss the WNBA side of the soap opera and share his thoughts on the latest moves. Then, he shows love to a trio of NBA rookies who have shown flashes of success as of late before ending the episode discussing one team from each conference that have surprised many fans---but not him!
Enjoy and share your thoughts! Thank you for all the s...
Enjoy and share your thoughts! Thank you for all the s...
Mark as Played
January 24, 2025 • 52 mins
Today, Desmond returns with an honest and heartfelt breakdown of Juice Crew legend Masta Ace's "Da Grind" off his album A Long Hot Summer. Dez provides a relatable outlook on the ups and downs of chasing one's dream, connecting the similar thoughts Masta Ace and Apocalypse share in their verses in the effort to inspire you to stay the course as you pursue your own dreams and goals.
Enjoy and share your thoughts! Thank you for all th...
Enjoy and share your thoughts! Thank you for all th...
Mark as Played
January 10, 2025 • 60 mins
Desmond tips off the new year selecting his 2025 NBA All-Star teams! He selects his All-Star starters and reserves for each conference and shares why each player made his version of the teams.
Enjoy and share your thoughts! Thank you for all the support! - Dez
This episode is brought to you by 19 Media Group in partnership with:
NBA League Pass
NBA League Pass is your ticket to the ultimate basketball experience! Enjoy live games, on-d...
Enjoy and share your thoughts! Thank you for all the support! - Dez
This episode is brought to you by 19 Media Group in partnership with:
NBA League Pass
NBA League Pass is your ticket to the ultimate basketball experience! Enjoy live games, on-d...
Mark as Played
December 27, 2024 • 53 mins
In the last episode of 2024, Dez ends with a bang sharing his thoughts on the recent trade rumors surrounding Jimmy Butler & Zach LaVine and what their ideal scenarios might look like. Additionally, he passionately expresses his disgust towards the NBA's new All-Star Game format before finishing with some general thoughts on the current state of the NBA as a whole.
Enjoy and share your thoughts! Thank you for all the support! Ha...
Enjoy and share your thoughts! Thank you for all the support! Ha...
Mark as Played
December 13, 2024 • 38 mins
In this episode, Desmond introduces Pennsylvania artist Adrian Rose to the show as he releases his debut studio album ALL CAPS. Adrian details the album's themes, shares the inspiration behind its blend of soul, rap, and R&B, and the versatility he presents as a singer, producer, and musician. Additionally, Adrian expresses his fandom for the Los Angeles Lakers before sharing his 5 x 5 of his favorite artists and basketball pla...
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December 6, 2024 • 62 mins
Today is H2DG's 100th episode! To celebrate the milestone, Dez answers questions centered around basketball and Hip-Hop sent by listeners via social media. Then, he takes some time to reflect on his podcast journey so far and look ahead to what the future might hold.
Enjoy and share your thoughts! THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT! May the next 100 be even greater! - Dez
Keep up with all things Hip 2 Da Games:
https://instagram.com/hip2d...
Enjoy and share your thoughts! THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT! May the next 100 be even greater! - Dez
Keep up with all things Hip 2 Da Games:
https://instagram.com/hip2d...
Mark as Played
November 29, 2024 • 115 mins
After two years, Desmond is FINALLY back with an album review/bar breakdown! Returning in a major way, he decided to reflect on the Wu-Tang Clan's debut classic Enter the Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers in what will serve as his longest album review yet. He details the hidden themes beneath the group's kung-fu inspirations, discusses some of the ways that makes The Wu unique, and despite some gritty lyrics, he helps uncover just how intellige...
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November 15, 2024 • 64 mins
In today's episode, Desmond revisits his thoughts on the Milwaukee Bucks' start to the season and details why he believes they are struggling to win games. Additionally, he discusses the Sixers' slow start as they deal with injuries to star players. Then, he makes his predictions for the Rap categories of the 2025 GRAMMYs before ending with some praise for the Cleveland Cavaliers 11-0 start and the 2024-25 season's first DOGG OF TH...
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November 1, 2024 • 62 mins
Dez is back on both sides of the H2DG spectrum this week to discuss five early headlines as the 2024-25 NBA season tips off, the emergence & success of Doechii's latest album Alligator Bites Never Heal, and his very-early predictions for some of the NBA Awards, sleeper teams, 1st-time All-Stars, and the matchup/winner of the NBA Finals.
Enjoy and share your thoughts! Thank you for all the support! - Dez
This episode is brought to...
Enjoy and share your thoughts! Thank you for all the support! - Dez
This episode is brought to...
Mark as Played
October 18, 2024 • 55 mins
In this episode, Desmond reacts to the Karl-Anthony Towns & Julius Randle trade before discussing the pros and cons of the deal for both teams. Additionally, he expresses his excitement & offers analysis on the Kings adding veteran scorer DeMar Derozan to their roster and ends the episode sharing three scenarios around the league that he hopes to see improvement from the previous season.
Enjoy and share your thoughts! Thanks...
Enjoy and share your thoughts! Thanks...
Mark as Played
October 4, 2024 • 44 mins
Today, Desmond follows up the previous episode breaking down his other single that dropped with "1 on 1:" "Kemba Walker." Rapping over "Heaven's EP" by J. Cole, Desmond takes listeners through the parallels of hitting a clutch shot at the buzzer and trying to stack up the wins of life. In this vulnerable song breakdown, he explores the pros & cons of isolation while motivating listeners to pull a Kemba Walker by overcoming thei...
Mark as Played
September 27, 2024 • 54 mins
In this special episode of Hip 2 Da Games, Desmond breaks down his first ever solo song "1 on 1," his spin on the Rapsody, Niko Brim, & Lil Wayne track "Raw." He discusses how the song presents three different opponents in the proverbial 1 on 1 matchup and how themes of perseverance, faith, and growth can inspire listeners to keep playing the game---on and off the court.
Enjoy and share your thoughts! Thank you for your support...
Enjoy and share your thoughts! Thank you for your support...
Mark as Played
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