Rapper killed in crash on way to gig in Staffordshire

Cadet, who was also known as Blaine Cameron Johnson, died in the early hours of this morning, police have confirmed.

His management told Radio 1 Newsbeat the 28-year-old was a passenger in a vehicle which crashed in Staffordshire.

He was believed to have been in a taxi on his way to a performance at Keele University when the vehicle was involved in a fatal crash.

His devastated family confirmed the news of his death in a statement, which said: "We the family of Blaine Cameron Johnson known as Cadet (Underrated Legend) would like to share the sad news that during the early hours of 9th February 2019 he passed away as a passenger in a taxi, en route to a performance.

"Right now we the family appreciate your patience and will share with you any information as and when we can. Thanks for your support in advance."

Staffordshire Police released a statement to say a 28-year-old man, from London, had died in a crash in Bentley, near Newcastle-under-Lyme, on Saturday morning – and confirmed this afternoon that it was Cadet who had died.

A police statement said: "Blaine Cameron Johnson, 28, of London, died after the Toyota Prius he was travelling in was involved in a collision with a Vauxhall Combo van at 1.30am. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

"Officers from the Staffordshire and West Midlands Serious Collision Investigation Unit are continuing to investigate the incident.

The spokesman for Staffordshire Police added: "Specialist officers are supporting the man’s family.

"The drivers of both vehicles, a 36-year-old man from Stoke-on-Trent and a 22-year-old man from Crewe, were taken to the Royal Stoke University Hospital with serious injuries. Three further passengers of the Toyota were treated at Leighton Hospital in Crewe."

Keele Students’ Union said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened to hear the tragic news that Cadet passed away en route to Keele in the early hours of this morning.

“We would like to offer our sincere condolences to his loved ones at this difficult time.”

Fellow rappers paid tribute.

Example wrote on Twitter: “Was chatting to you only last week about how excited you were for some festivals this summer. So much positive energy.

“Smiling nonstop when I was with you, first time we met I felt as if I’d known you my whole life. Mad humble guy. RIP Cadet.”

DJ Semtex wrote: “Cant believe it… I was on stage with him last week.

“Never seen a man so happy. Everything was working out for him. This was gonna be his year. We were plotting on the best time to do an interview on his next single. RIP Cadet.”

Mega So Solid wrote: “Woke up in shock this morning…. He brought life and substance to the UK music scene.”

Cadet, who was from south London and was tipped for success, toured the UK supporting Krept And Konan on their The Long Way Home Tour.

He accumulated millions of views on YouTube and Spotify and was booked to play at this year’s Wireless Festival.

The festival had said: “The proclaimed ‘Underrated Legend’, Cadet stepped into the music scene during the second half of 2015 with a hard-hitting freestyle reaching over half a million views in just a few months.

“This was quickly followed by another heartfelt freestyle, Cadet is tipped for an unstoppable career.”

Anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant dashcam footage is asked to call Staffordshire and West Midlands Serious Investigation Unit, quoting incident 45 of February 9.