Hip 2 Da Games

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 thought...

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...

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...

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,...

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 th...

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 su...

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. E...

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 pul...

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...

In today's episode, Desmond responds to Anthony Edwards' recent comments on Michael Jordan being the only skilled player of his era, shares three songs that have been on repeat for him, and discusses his first impressions on NBA 2K25 upon its release. And lastly, he ends the show with the latest DOGG of the Week.  Enjoy and share your thoughts! Thanks for your support! - Dez Keep up with all thing...

In this latest installment of "You Had To Be There," Desmond is joined by 19 Media Group teammate, Celtics fan, and co-host of The Baseline NBA Podcast, Cal Lee. Cal gives his flowers to a 2000s shooting guard who didn't have a flashy game, but certainly took care of business and mastered the mid-range game en route to a successful career with a midwest powerhouse. Enjoy and please share your thou...

In this special (almost coincidental) and fun-filled birthday episode, Desmond brings back Devaughn on the show to play an H2DG version of This or That? Together, the twins discuss and share their answers to randomized basketball & Hip-Hop multiple choice questions such as: Wilson or Spalding? '96 Bulls or '17 Warriors? White tees or throwback jerseys? Tupac or B.I.G.? & much, much more. E...

With the NBA offseason well underway, Desmond returns with the fifth installment of "You Had To Be There," this time with 19 Media Group teammate, beloved Knicks/Warriors fan, co-host of Hidden Gems Football, and host of The Salty Thoughts of Mike Steph, Mike Steph, who gives flowers to a 90s shooting guard who epitomized blue collar basketball and inspired others through his perseverance to earn...

Today, Desmond breaks down the iconic rags-to-riches story "Juicy" by the legendary Notorious B.I.G. off his debut studio album "Ready to Die." Dez highlights Biggie's signature storytelling skills, smooth flow patterns, and witty rhyme schemes throughout the song and discusses the song's lyrics and themes centered around success, perseverance, & humilty. Enjoy and share your thoughts! Thank y...

In today's episode, Desmond shares his thoughts on the latest in the WNBA including: The early success of the Connecticut Sun, why the Phoenix Mercury can come out the West, the flashes of greatness from Angel Reese, Cameron Brink, and Caitlin Clark, and the addition of two more franchises in Golden State & Toronto. Additionally, he talks about the 2024 Olympic roster selections before ending...

With the 2024 NBA Finals between the Dallas Mavericks & Boston Celtics just underway, Desmond links back up with Devaughn & Johnny to discuss potential matchups, strengths and weaknesses for each team, series predictions, & much more. Enjoy and share your thoughts! Thanks for your support! Show some love to Devaughn & Johnny for their contributions! - Dez This episode is brought to...

In this episode, Desmond is joined by Malik Buie, director of the newest Hip-Hop documentary "Tale of the Tape" from Red Summer TV. Malik offers a behind the scenes look at the decade-long filming process, discusses the importance of creating a documentary focused on DJs, shares what he believes the future of the mixtape might look like, & more. Thank you for your support! GO WATCH TALE OF THE...

This week, Desmond finally gives his take on the recent Kendrick Lamar vs. J. Cole battle and how he believes J. Cole's controversial decision to fall back was bigger than Hip-Hop. Additionally, Dez talks about the use of AI in Rap/Hip-Hop after hearing Drake's "Taylor Made Freestyle" and shares some brief, updated thoughts on the NBA's first round Playoff matchups (*for games played before 4/28*)...

Ahead of the 2024 NBA Playoffs, Desmond shares his thoughts on how the Pelicans might be sleeper contenders this year, how the Clippers vs. Mavericks series could be the best of all the first round series, and why this year's Boston Celtics Playoff run is the most important one of the Jayson Tatum era. Enjoy and share your thoughts! Thanks for your support! - Dez This episode is brought to you by...

Desmond returns this week breaking down "The Way I Am" by the Detroit legend, Eminem, off his third studio album "The Marshall Mathers LP." Dez details Eminem's signature fundamental-yet-complex rhyme pattern featured throughout the song and uncovers the song's passionate lyrics and themes that revolve around peace, forgiveness, and identity. Enjoy and share your thoughts! Thank you for your suppo...

Today, Desmond returns with his thoughts on Nelly saying his era of Rap/Hip-Hop from 1999-2008 was the toughest ever, the new "done with the 90s" NBA trend, and what makes the Timberwolves, Thunder, & Nuggets Western Conference Finals threats. Enjoy and share your thoughts! Thanks for your support! - Dez This episode is brought to you by 19 Media Group in partnership with: NBA Store/Fanatics R...

In today's episode, Desmond welcomes back Baltimore emcee Ullnevano to preview his newest album Concords produced by Logic Marselis. Dez lets Neva give some insight on his growth as an artist, his goals for the album, why he feels Concords is his best work yet, & much more. Enjoy and share your thoughts! Thank you for your support! GO LISTEN TO CONCORDS!!! - Dez This episode of Hip 2 Da Games...

In this episode, Desmond shares his thoughts on Killer Mike's GRAMMY wins and the struggle artists and fans have balancing its prestige while acknowledging its often disrespectful shortcomings. Additionally, he reflects on NBA Trade Deadline winners and points out a couple of bright spots for the Warriors that may allow them to make a successful Playoff push. This episode is brought to you by 19 M...

In a special edition of the latest song breakdown, Desmond is joined by producer, musician, & fellow podcaster J. Powell to break down their collaborative single (yes, you read that right!) "The Days" produced by E.L Summers. Dez and Jerrell provide an in-depth look into the creative process leading up to the song's release, its themes, the bars delivered in each of their verses, & much mo...

Today, Desmond is back with another song breakdown, this time showing love to the legendary Wu-Tang Clan and their iconic hit "C.R.E.A.M." He breaks down the rhymes from Raekwon, Inspectah Deck, and Method Man to unpack the song's truth-filled lyrics and themes that go beyond the aspect of money. Enjoy and share your thoughts! Thank you for your support! - Dez Keep up with all things Hip 2 Da Game...