By Jamile Karout
Hip-Hop culture descended upon Phoenix, Arizona for Superbowl XLII this weekend.
From rocking the crowds at big budget pre-game parties during the days leading up to today's big game to appearing highly anticipated Superbowl Commercials, this year's sponsors spared no expenses when it came to making Hip-Hop's presence felt.
Queens, New York rapper 50 Cent kicked off the weekend with a controversial appearance Thursday night on the Pontiac Garage Stage, at the 944 Village for a 944 Magazine party.
Sean "Diddy" Combs hosted Ciroc's Superbowl Block Party outside Scottsdale mega-club nightclub Axis/Radius, while Mary J. Blige headlined the Pepsi Smash Concert at the Jobing.com Arena in Glendale, Arizona.
Snoop kept the parties going Friday night at another Axis/Radius nightclub event, as the star of the Anheuser Busch Bud Bowl.
Not too far away at the Scottsdale Center For Performing Arts, Ludacris and Ciara took center stage for the ESPN Next Party, while over at the 944 Village, Wyclef Jean preformed at Friday night's 944 Magazine event.
Snoop added another special twist to the big game weekend by holding the Snoop Bowl XI on Saturday in Chandler Arizona.
Snoop's All-Star Patriots from the Snoop Youth Football League in California faced off against Arizona Cardinals Quarterback Matt Leinart and the Chandler Cardinals of the Chandler Youth Football and Cheer Association.
The money raised from Snoop Bowl XI went to benefit the Matt Leinart Foundation for underprivileged youth.
At another event on Saturday, Soulja Boy hosted an ESPN celebrity dance challenge, where athletes took their shots at the "Crank That" dance championship title.
Today's match up wont be void of Hip-Hops stars Alicia Keys will headline the pre-game show, while and Missy Elliot, LL Cool J, and Busta Rhymes will debut their brand new Diet Pepsi Max commercial.
