UK rapper Cadet has been killed in a car crash in the early hours of the morning on his way to perform at a gig.
The 28-year-old up-and-coming artist, real name Blaine Cameron Johnson, was a passenger in a taxi taking him to the event at Keele Students’ Union in Staffordshire.
A statement on Cadet’s Instagram page 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.
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.
— KeeleSU (@KeeleSU) February 9, 2019
“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.”
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.
My life will never be the same again. I love you and will forever miss you. I cant believe it. I am heartbroken. Rest in peace cuz. You finally started getting the recognition you deserved. Im so proud of you. My left lung. Im devestated and broken right now 😪💔 pic.twitter.com/125pWPMzO1
— TALLY (@kreptplaydirty) February 9, 2019
“We would like to offer our sincere condolences to his loved ones at this difficult time.”
Staffordshire Police appealed for witnesses following an accident in Newcastle-under-Lyme, but would not confirm the identity of the man who died.
“At just before 1.30am this morning (Saturday) police were called to reports of a two-vehicle collision involving a silver Toyota Prius and a red Vauxhall Combo van,” they said.
“Emergency services attended and a passenger of the Toyota, a 28-year-old man from London, sadly died at the scene. Specialist officers are supporting the man’s family.”
Fellow rappers paid tribute.
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 💔😢😢
— example (@example) February 9, 2019
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.
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 plottin on the best time to do an interview on his next single.Rip Cadet 🙏🏼❤️ pic.twitter.com/Nwy65RUqbJ
— DJSemtex (@DJSemtex) February 9, 2019
“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.”
Last week we were laughing, joking, congratulating each other, and plottin💔 https://t.co/SmH5CpJrBU pic.twitter.com/mJS2oaZfPP
— DJSemtex (@DJSemtex) February 9, 2019
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.
He brought life & substance to the uk music scene 😔🙏🏾 Cadet #RiP pic.twitter.com/bTduZW2CT5
— Mega SoSolid #S9 (@OFFICIALSOSOLID) February 9, 2019
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.”