The interest was there, and Kawhi Leonard made sure he took advantage of building on a new friendship.

A mutual friend discovered Leonard was a fan of hip-hop artist Ermias Asghedom, who goes by the stage name Nipsey Hussle.

Leonard met Asghedom at a 2016 recording session, and a partnership was established.

“Kawhi is a smart dude,” said Asghedom. “He doesn’t speak unless he’s got something real to say. I respect that quality in people. … He listens more than he talks. Just knowing his background and knowing where he comes from, and where his dad came from and what happened with (Leonard’s father).

“I just like how Kawhi (represents himself),” Asghedom continued. “He’s a beast on that court, but he speaks with demonstration.”

In this week’s Off Topic, Asghedom elaborates on his friendship with Leonard, his new album Victory Lap, and reveals his top five NBA players.

Leonard said you gave him a copy of your new album six months before the release. You also filmed an Air Jordan commercial with him. What was that experience like?

That was a blessing. It was something that was perfect timing because we were promoting the first record off the album. It was a big look. It played during the game on Christmas Day as we were going into the rollout of the album. It was an example of the stars lining up. Kawhi could’ve picked anybody he wanted to do it with but, again, he just reconfirmed what he said (about being a fan of the music). … It was fun. We went to San Antonio. It was quick once we got there. I had 30 minutes on set, and I was out.

Do you and Leonard speak often?

I spoke with Kawhi a couple of days ago.

I know he’s trying to get back on the court. What was his mindset?

Well, just me being somebody that — I know how the game goes. In any game, there are ups and downs. So, I didn’t talk about any sports with him. I was like, “Man, I’m just checking on you bro.” He was like, “I’m working on something. I’ll reach back out as soon as it’s locked in, so we can bump heads on it.” But I didn’t want to talk sports with him. I’m sure everybody is either encouraging him or picking his brain to see how he feels. I was more so sending some love at him. I’m not one of those guys that; I don’t want to ever be perceived as one of those people that only do things out of self-interest. … But I think it’s a short matter of time. He’s going to be back breaking records and putting (players) in their place in no time.

Explain the process of making your new album, Victory Lap. What was it like?

It was a long process. I record year around. So, what was going on is I would make records that I thought were great records — individual songs that were great — I would just put them to the side. The ones I felt were strong or good records, but I didn’t feel they had special album quality texture, I would put them out on mixtapes. So, it was a process of me recording and listening back. The ones that really had high value in my mind, I would tuck them.

What is your favorite track and why?

It changes. In the early process, it was the “Right Hand 2 God” and “Real Big” because those were some of the first records I did. And then, the title track “Victory Lap” became one of my favorites. “Blue Laces 2” was really special to me. “Double Up,” “Dedication,” it’s hard to really pick one because it’s based on the mood I’m in; the time of my life.

Status Symbol 3, what did that mean to you and what were you trying to get across in that song?

It was really just a stream of consciousness in the direction of what I considered the concept to be which is being on a long-distance path and the possibility of making a wrong turn and lose focus on the destination. Even on the parts where I’m not rapping and just talking behind the hook, it’s kind of me telling (the listener) don’t let the money make you dizzy. Stay focused. Keep your eyes on what your original goal was. I think that’s relevant to anybody that has really pursued a goal or that has been down for a while doing anything. College students. Professionals (who are) going to the next level. Artists. Athletes. Stay focused.

So, being from Los Angeles, outside of the Lakers, what is your favorite NBA team?

Man, you know what, it would be the politically correct thing to say the Spurs, right? But I don’t really have a team. I have players. Like, Kawhi is one of my players I really believe in and rock with. So, based on him playing for the Spurs, when they play, I root for the Spurs with Kawhi. And then also the legacy of (Gregg) Popovich, but primarily because my guy plays for the Spurs. If he was to leave the Spurs, I’m going to roll with him. And that is no disrespect to San Antonio. That’s just me being honest. But outside of the Lakers, if I had to pick my favorite team, just being a 90s baby, I would say the Chicago Bulls. That was the nostalgic era. But the teams that I respect the most, I got to say the Spurs are top three. You can’t not respect what the Spurs have done as a sports organization.

Who are your top five NBA players right now?

Obviously Kawhi Leonard. James Harden, Russell Westbrook, LeBron James and Isaiah Thomas, to me, right now. And then honorary, I would say Jimmy Butler. He’s a beast. And that’s not taking anything from Steph (Curry) and KD (Kevin Durant). They are monsters. But for my personal top five, I would say those guys.

I thought you would put DeMar DeRozan on that list because you’re from the West Coast.

I can’t forget DeMar DeRozan, man. I can’t forget bro. So, I got to say him, too. You have to add him in there. Not only does he represent what I represent, he’s a beast on that court. I think him being in Toronto, and him just being somebody that goes out there and delivers every night, sometimes we forget to say his name. But he’s got to be mentioned with the Russell Westbrooks and with the James Hardens and with the LeBrons. He’s not a (second tier) talent. He’s A-list.

How about your top five hip-hop artists of all-time?

Tupac, Jay-Z, E-40, Snoop Dogg, Biggie (The Notorious B.I.G.).

A lot of people skip E-40. You surprised me with that name.

And I have to be honest; you have to talk facts with you think about those questions, not off popularity. Not off cliché. There is a cliché top five. We can just run down the list. And I’m a big Nas fan, too. It’s damn near a sin to leave Nas off the top five, but when I think about E-40’s career and his innervation and the way he represents himself over all these years, that’s a legendary name. You got salute — E-40 is like a Jay-Z in terms of career. E-40 owned his masters from early on. He was (independent). He (took care of his family). He might be on his 30th album.