British rapper Cadet dies in car crash on the way to a university gig

A British rap artist has died in car crash while travelling in a taxi on the way to perform a concert at a university.

Blaine Cameron Johnson, who used the stage name Cadet, was a passenger when the vehicle he was in was involved in a collision with a van in Betley, Staffordshire.

The 28-year-old musician from South London was due to play a concert at Keele University. He died at the scene of the accident. The two drivers were taken to hospital with serious injuries, while three other passengers travelling with the rapper were also taken to hospital with injuries.

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.

“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.”

Fellow rappers paid tribute to Cadet, describing him as “positive” and “humble” man who had an exciting career ahead of him.

Cadet had toured the UK supporting fellow rappers Krept And Konan on their ‘The Long Way Home Tour’.

Krept, who is Cadet’s cousin, posted online: “My life will never be the same again… I can’t believe it. I am heartbroken.”

An artist called 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 non-stop 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: “Can’t 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.”

In a statement, Staffordshire Police said: “Emergency services attended and a passenger of the Toyota, a 28-year-old man from London, sadly died at the scene.

“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.”

The rapper had accumulated millions of views on YouTube and Spotify, and was booked to play at this year's Wireless Festival in London.

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.”