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:
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Connect with Desmond:
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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

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:
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Connect with Desmond:
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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

Desmond returns this week with another edition of "You Had To Be There," where he is joined by 19 Media Group teammate Tyler McDowell-Blanken. Tyler sticks to his Arizona roots and makes H2DG history by giving flowers to one of the WNBA's most beloved pioneers---Michele Timms. The guys reflect on her short but impactful playing days with the Mercury, how she continues to impact the next generation through coaching, and how the WNBA has grown since her debut in its inaugural season in 1997. Additionally, after Tyler reveals his 5 x 5, he and Dez get into some fun and interesting Hip-Hop discussions, including Will Smith's 90s-2000s run and Drake's potential revival post-Kendrick Lamar beef. A loaded Hip 2 Da Games episode indeed!

Enjoy and show Ty some love! Thank you for all the support! - Dez

Keep up with all things Hip 2 Da Games:
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Connect with Tyler & His Work:
https://www.instagram.com/tylerjmcdowell?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=bzlpZGVrdzY4bmZ1
https://www.instagram.com/4azteach?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=NWVjdHZ5YXh3Zzc0
https://gimmickinfringementpod.com/the-home-page
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https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwC-t_WRik2_uVuGOZapAoqG_gfAWA0ok&si=ZLMamJK1kogbvsp5
https://www.youtube.com/@4AZteach

Connect with Desmond:
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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

It's the NBA offseason which means "You Had To Be There" episodes return! Today, Dez invites Derrick Myers, Celtics fan and owner of On the Sidelines Media to the show to give flowers to one of the most unique & special players to ever play for the Celtics---Isaiah Thomas. Derrick declares why he believes Thomas is a Celtics legend, discusses IT's generational impact on the Celtics' culture, explains how he understood both sides of the controversial trade for Kyrie Irving, and much more. 

Enjoy and share your memories of IT! Thank you for all the support! - Dez

Keep up with all things Hip 2 Da Games:
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Connect with Derrick Myers & OTS:
https://x.com/derrick_ots
https://www.instagram.com/derrick_ots?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=MTVtcGh5bmR6enhxYg==
https://x.com/otsmediaco
https://www.instagram.com/otsmediaco?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=a2puNXptbWlpMXcw
https://www.youtube.com/@otsmediaco

Connect with Desmond:
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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

Dez puts his spin on an offseason/free agency recap in true Hip 2 Da Games fashion---a Hip-Hop-inspired awards show! Find out which team he believes experienced the most improvement, which players were the most underrated pickups, who has the most to prove going into a new situation, and much more as he analyzes many of the moves that have been made so far.

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://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

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 & SZA's Grand National Tour, Slick Rick's Victory, Lil Wayne's Tha Carter 6, and Clipse's latest single, "So Be It."

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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Connect with Desmond:
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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

Watch Dez's episode of 4AZ & SUBSCRIBE:
https://youtu.be/2_TCB_L9M1A?si=_JBpxlIsKAejPZEn

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! - Dez

This episode is brought to you by 19 Media Group in partnership with:

PrizePicks
The NBA Playoffs are heating up! Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup! https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS. H2DG is working in affiliation with PrizePicks and will be compensated for your patronage by utilizing the link provided.

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

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. Additionally, he finally pays respect and gives his flowers to the team he's doubted all year long.

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:

PrizePicks
The NBA Playoffs are heating up! Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup! https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS. H2DG is working in affiliation with PrizePicks and will be compensated for your patronage by utilizing the link provided.

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

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:
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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

Listen to Desmond's latest single "Holy Ghost" (prod. J. Powell)
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=p7Y9hwwnZUE&si=_-oA77FebbUDCnLa

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

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 needed!

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-demand replays, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content across a variety of devices. Sign up now at https://link.nba.com/LP19MG or click here: http://nba.sjv.io/Qy9ZqP. H2DG is working in affiliation with NBA League Pass and will be compensated for your patronage by utilizing the link provided.

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

Follow Devaughn & Johnny:
https://www.instagram.com/devaughnmcdonald?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
https://www.instagram.com/johnnyworld22?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Listen to Desmond's latest single "Holy Ghost" (prod. J. Powell)
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=p7Y9hwwnZUE&si=_-oA77FebbUDCnLa

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