Billboard caught up with New York hip-hop stalwart Jadakiss to get his picks and predictions for the big game, as well as a little background on his own history with the game.
Are you a big football fan in general?
Yeah, I love football. I played when I was little -- Pop Warner. I didn't play in high school because I couldn't play quarterback. I didn't want to wait behind. I was like a spoiled brat; didn't want to compete, just wanted the job.
Who's your team?
I don't really have a team. I like to see the New York teams do well, the Giants and the Jets. But right now I'd like to see Cam [Newton] win his first Super Bowl.
Have you been following the Panthers all season?
Yep, I've been winning money on them.
Do you think they'll be able to close the deal on Sunday?
I think they're going to crush them, they have a good defense. Denver has the best defense in the league, but I think the Panthers' D is right up there. And then the Panthers have a good running game. Those two things combined are going to stabilize Denver, and allow Cam to run up the score and win his first Super Bowl.
Right now, the spread is 4.5 and the over/under is 45. I think it will go way over 45 -- I'd say something like 38-17, or 38-24. I think he's going to run the score up, and I don't think Peyton can score! I love Peyton to death, but the last two games... the last game he had some nice passes, but the game before he didn't throw for any touchdowns. If they're not doing excellent in the running department, it's going to be kind of hard to score on the Panthers.
They also weren't predicted to beat the Patriots [in the AFC championship] though...
The Patriots defense sucks! No disrespect to them. And they have no running game. Denver had a better running game than them, and their defense -- they were on Tom Brady's ass more than anybody's ever been on his ass. Once they were able to score, they could protect it. It's not going to be like that with Cam. Cam can run. And he's passing his ass off.
It should be interesting. I don't take anything from Peyton besides losing his arm strength this year. His IQ for the game is probably still higher than any other quarterback I've ever seen. It's the physical strength of Cam, the defense of the Panthers, the momentum they have, the energy -- I think there's a good chance of them winning, and winning big.
Who's your pick for MVP?
Greg Olsen, the tight end. He's a very big part of their offense; he gets a high percentage of the passes and he plays his ass off. I think he can have a big game in the Super Bowl and walk away MVP. Luke Kuechly, he could get a couple pick sixes and a few sacks, make it lean towards him on the defensive tip. Even Josh Norman. He's a stopper.
The Broncos have such great defensive players too.
The Broncos have everything they need except Peyton's arm! He might come with some strength on February 7, though, we'll have to see. For me watching, with my eye test, I gotta take Cam.
Talking about Cam, what's your take on the controversy surrounding his on-field celebrations?
I think they're just picking on him because he's doing good. When you look at it, he doesn't over celebrate. He does the same thing he was doing when he was losing -- why else would you make a big deal about it now? Give the kid a ball. I think that's great, that he only gives it to little kids. That's a beautiful thing. Do a little dab and all that, he's still young. You gotta understand, Cam is much younger than some of the quarterbacks in the league. He's going to celebrate differently, he's from a different era.
One of the match-ups I'm most excited to watch is the Denver defensive line vs. the Carolina offensive line.
I think that's going to be incredible. I just think the Panthers have the edge because of Cam's physical abilities.
Do you think Denver will pressure him at all?
Hell yeah! Von Miller and those guys? He could probably win MVP if Denver wins, and they don't want to give it to Peyton for his last Super Bowl. That last game against the Patriots was crazy, with how often and how fast he was getting to Tom Brady. It was like seeing Lawrence Taylor reincarnated.
What's your first Super Bowl memory?
The first Super Bowl I remember seeing as a little kid was the 49ers vs. the Bengals [1982] -- it was a Joe Montana [49ers quarterback] Super Bowl. I remember not really being so interested until my family, my dad and everyone, were were screaming so much that that I sat down and started watching. After that I signed up for Pop Warner football. I just became a football fan.
How long did you play Pop Warner?
I played from about whenever you can start. I'm not sure if it's 8 or 9. You start with flag, and then you get equipment after you get a little bigger.
Who had your favorite Super Bowl halftime show?
Katy Perry and Missy Elliott? That was hot when she pulled out Missy.
What song would you tell the Panthers to listen to pregame?
"We Gonna Make It" [laughs].
What are your plans for this Super Bowl?
I'm planning to actually go out there. I have a couple events on the table. If not, I'll just be in the crib with some hors d'oeuvres; of course a couple of fruit platters. Some chips, some tortillas, cashews, almonds. Maybe some turkey burger sliders or something.
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