On the reception desk at XL Recordings, by the mugs, pot plant and a vase full of daffodils, is an LCD screen with the words ‘Don’t trust these hoes’ flashing in red across it. It lends the foyer a certain, dodgy GP waiting room vibe.

The line is taken from Hoes, a low-slung jam from One Foot Out, the XL debut from Harlesden rapper Nines, who was signed by Caroline Simionescu-Marin. Surprise-released in February with no pre-order or physical stock, ...