Didn't realise you were as well versed in UK hip hop Buzzer. I assumed you weren't aware of the Collaboration EP. I hope I didn't come across as (unintentionally) condescending!
Before the success of his first full album he did an EP called collaboration. It featured reworkings of some of his songs with the additions of other UK urban artists like Devlin and Wretch 32. This helped raise the profile of both Sheeran and the featured artists.