If there's one thing Bawo’s music embodies, it’s a Legitimate Cause. Hailing from the culturally rich, concrete-coated streets of West London, the rapper’s been steadily ascending the UK rap monolith since 2019.

Bawo is known for his ability to tear up tracks calmly, deliver flip-flap flows, and seamlessly dribble between the tranquil and the tactile. Often unveiling pockets of pensive, slice-of-life lyricism as he spits, it’s no wonder the rapper’s accumulated millions of streams and acclaim in just a few short years. The skippy flows on the Reek0-assisted “Same Team” echo the commanding presence of Virgil Van Dijk and the split-second precision of Harvey Elliott, whereas the electronic ATRIP romp “Talking Too Much” is primed for the party scene.

Ahead of the release of Bawo's new single, "Magnifique" on August 9 and his recent headline performance at ‘The House Party’ with size? and adidas Originals  – VERSUS caught up with the rhymer to give us a whistle-stop tour around his mind. We delved into his deep-rooted love for the Reds, explored the intersection between originality, football and culture, and discussed his recent slate of drops.

Equally, size? is the go-to spot for the right kinds of sneakers. What adidas sneakers are in your rotation right now?

You know what, yeah? I have several different adidas shoes in my rotation, and I’m really rating the Adistar this summer. I actually love adidas football boots more than anything. I'm trying to get my hands on a pair of the blue Predators.

What are the adidas boots on your Mount Rushmore?

As a Liverpool fan, Gerrard had the Predators with the tongue and the lace that wraps around, and now Trent's doing his thing by getting free kicks. The adiPures that Kaká would wear, too.

How has football influenced your booth style and overall wardrobe, considering a rapper's style is often seen as crucial as their lyrics?

I’ve never admitted it out loud, though it’s probably obvious to people who know me, but I heavily relied on football for swag in my late teens. It got to a point where I was mixing and matching gifts like jumpers from M&S with items from New Look and Hollister without really knowing what I was doing. 

Then, I realised that the training gear I wore to football practice every Wednesday or Friday was hard. While you might not wear the astros or Predators on the street, you can rock the trackie. With tech fits and all that kind of stuff, it just looked good. So, I started buying training tops from different countries and getting various training outerwear, track tops, and track bottoms. It’s still incorporated into the way I dress now.

Any kit holy grails?

Easily the 2005-06 Liverpool kit with the logo in the middle. It was a great time for Liverpool fans, especially with Gerrard and Alonso leading the team. When I think of iconic kits, I have to mention that time Torres got that stunning volley against Blackburn around 2009. That kit is up there, too.

What does community mean to you?

We're all sharing the same space, right? It depends on where your parents are from; you get a mix of first, second, and third-generation kids. It’s all about the back-and-forth of support and, at times, not being so nice to each other, but we’re all growing together.

You collaborated with Kenny Allstar and Sam Wise on "Chop This Life", which is stylistically different from your previous electronic track "Talking Too Much". Can you share the origins of that track and how you approach diversity in your music?

Big up Kenny Allstar for reaching out after my first EP when no one knew me. We discovered we're from the same small Nigerian tribe [Itsekiri], and he invited me to his studio. What started as picking a beat turned into creating a track in 15–20 minutes. 

I initially wrote a second verse but decided against it. It was too much me on there. I knew the track needed Sam Wise. “Chop This Life” and “Talking Too Much” were made at different times but happened to follow each other. Sometimes, I don't know what to create, and I experiment until something clicks. I can be a producer's nightmare [laughs].

Your project, Legitimate Cause, is just over 18 months old. How do you feel about it now that it has had time to breathe?

I feel just as proud of it. It doesn’t feel like it’s been 18 months, which is crazy. My dream was for it to resonate with people. I didn’t plan for such a long gap before dropping another project, but I guess it was meant to be this way. A lot went into that music, and some of it, like “Figured Out”, was four years old when it came out.

Bawo wears theadidas Originals Adistar Cushion. Shop adidas Originals at size? now.

VERSUS: How did growing up in West London and your Nigerian heritage shape your status as an ‘Original’?

Bawo: The cultural contrast is all I've ever known. That being said, I found myself aware of wanting to balance Nigerian and British culture in my earlier years. It was the whole thing of going to Nigeria and feeling like it was home – but also feeling like an outsider at the same time. Then, in your class at school, you're the only kid who looks like you, and you've got a hairline that's clearly from Africa – you stand out. You're forced to stand out even if you don't want to. That's in both scenarios.

What does it mean to be an ‘Original’ in your eyes?

To be original is to be completely honest with yourself, which can make you seem like a weirdo because we don't know what normal is. Ultimately, originality is about being true to yourself in both words and deeds.

What came first: your love for Liverpool or music?

Music.

Does football ever creep its way into your artistry?

Football teaches us lessons. I played it at after-school clubs and Sunday league. A good coach can become a father figure, teaching philosophies even if you don't realise it at the time. As you age and understand the game better, you find metaphors and parallels with daily life. It's hilarious that you can say things like ‘turn and face’ in real life and on the pitch.

‍Suarez or Salah – who do you relate to more?

As a baller, Suarez. In my heart, it’s Salah.

What makes you say that?

Culturally, Salah has won the hearts of the club and the country. Despite it being 2024, racism and preconceptions are still prevalent. Mo Salah has changed perceptions not just about his background but also about Black people, especially in a city like Liverpool. His impact is undeniable.

What are three songs you need to hear at a house party?

It changes with eras, you know? When I was coming up, I felt that Sean Paul's “Temperature” could change any party from dead to good. Just play "Temperature", and people would finally start dancing. Maybe Jamie xx and Young Thug’s “I Know There's Gonna Be (Good Times)” and J Hus’ “Cucumber”. Actually, I’ll take anything off of ‘Common Sense’.