Things have gotten better for Phillies shortstop James Calvin "Jimmy" Rollins. After inking a deal with Red Bull earlier this month, the former MVP and his team went on to a 10-game winning streak (which ended yesterday with a loss to the Cubs). Since signing with Red Bull, the previous all-star seems to have gotten out of his slump, hitting multiple doubles, two home runs, and ten RBIS—looking more like the J-Roll who played a crucial role in helping Phillies win its championship last season.
Although his past comments, solidifying Philadelphia Phillies as the "it" team in the National League East, won criticism from its rival team—the New York Mets—fans and players on both sides know who's having the last laugh. In our Complex 7 with J-Roll, he talked to us about his Red Bull consumption, music taste, and rivalry with the Mets. Read on to see if he can beat Shaq in a rap battle, and a video of Rollins giving a tour of his house...
Interview by Jaeki Cho
#1: WHAT HAS TO BE IN YOUR FRIDGE AT ALL TIMES?
Jimmy Rollins says: Red Bull, man. [Laughs.] I love ice tea lemonade from Wawa, and I recently got these mint ice tea lemonade that I'm crossing over to.
#2: WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE SNEAKER OF ALL TIME?
Jimmy Rollins says: The Jordans that came out in about '96. It was the 11s. It was the first pair of Jordans I was able to get on my own. I was hustling cutting hair, trying to get myself some Js.
#3: WHAT'S THE MOST EMBARRASSING PIECE OF CLOTHING YOU'VE EVER WORN?
Jimmy Rollins says: You remember them short biker spandex that was out? This was around '88 or '89. Everybody was rocking'em! So I had me one of those joints in black with white stripes down the side. Looking back I don't know what I was thinking. I remember going outside and seeing the girls wearing them, and I'm like, "Ah, I think this was a mistake."
#4: WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE ACTION MOVIE OF ALL TIME?
Jimmy Rollins says: The first Matrix. The other ones got too futuristic for me. When I suited up the Cadillac Escalade with the sound system, and TV screens, I had to play The Matrix in the car to check the sound.
#5: WHAT ALWAYS HAS TO BE BUMPING IN YOUR CAR?
Jimmy Rollins says: In every car I bump different music. When I'm in a Bentley, I always have Raheem Devaughn. When I'm in the Audi, I play [Shanelle], an R&B act, which I signed to my record label called Jimmy Rollins Entertainment. And one more thing, when I'm in the Benz, I have to bump E-40.
#6: IF YOU HAD A WEEK HOLIDAY, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
Jimmy Rollins says: I'll probably go to the Caribbean somewhere. Jump on some jet skis, play some golf, make sure I line up some nice dinners, and have a couple Caribbean drinks... If I could go diving or swimming with some dolphins that'll be cool. I'm a nature man myself.
#7: WHEN'S THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
Jimmy Rollins says: I don't recall from the top of my head, but it was probably when one of my relatives passed away.
BONUS QUESTIONS:
Complex: Now that MLB banned greenies [Amphetamines], is Red Bull regarded as a replacement?
Jimmy Rollins: It's definitely been a substitute now that you can't do amphetamines. Back in the days cats would pop a greenie and you would have the energy to carry you through. Obviously that's illegal, so you have some cats that'll take about three Red Bulls to get ready before the game. That's way too much for me. I'm trying to go to sleep when the game is over. I don't drink coffee, but some cats have a coffee and then have a Red Bull as the game starts. Their heart rates must go way off the charts. Two Red Bulls a day are good enough for me.
Complex: Since you own a music label, and you seem to have a good knowledge of rap, if you get into a rap battle against Shaq, do you think you stand a chance?
Jimmy Rollins:[Laughs] I don't know. Shaq's been doing it for a while. I think that's something he's passionate about. I like the creation process of music, but I'm going to let the people who are naturally born with the talent to do it. So I'm going to take my hat off, and give it to Shaq.
Complex: Does the Phillies versus the Mets rivalry exist amongst players, and not just the betting fans?
Jimmy Rollins: Well, fans are always going to be more intense than the players. They'll be drinking, and they want to rep for their city harder than the other team. And as a player, don't get me wrong, there's a big rivalry, but the implications are on, which team gets to go the playoffs.
VIDEO:Jimmy Rollins Gives A Tour of His House
