South London rapper Cadet dies in crash on way to gig

Grime rapper Cadet has died in a taxi crash on the way to a performance in Staffordshire.

Police confirmed the 28-year-old from South London, whose real name is Blaine Johnson, was killed when the Toyota Prius he was travelling crashed into a van at around 1.30am yesterday.

He was the cousin of rapper Casyo Johnson, also known as the Krept half of Krept & Konan, who shared a childhood photo of the pair together as he paid tribute.

Krept said: “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 .”

Cadet last posted on Instagram three days before the smash, when he shared a picture of himself performing on stage, with the caption: “Home.”, pictured.

Other rappers and music industry chiefs paid tribute to the rapper.

Rapper Giggs added: “Proper sad and shocked to hear this. Really sorry to Cadets family man,prayers and blessings to his family at this hard time. RIP CADET.”

Example said: “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”.

Keele University’s student union, where he was due to perform, tweeted: “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 South Londoner Stormzy said: “Look at what everyone is saying about you, I proper don’t even know what to type this feels mad weird. I was gonna write a long speech about how I met you and what you’ve done for me but where does man start. Everyone loves you look at what everyone has to say about your heart and character. This guy ALWAYS, as in literally every single time I see him greets me with a “I love you lil bro”, the last few times we’ve seen each other that’s all we say, we haven’t even caught up, man just sees you and you say you know I love you lil bro and I say bro from early I love you. This guy has saved my arse when I was dead broke and made it a duty to let me know you’ve got my back, like that’s all you say and remind me. IThis man exudes love. I can’t even explain how clean hearted you are, look what you mean to everyone. No one will ever forget you big bro, words can’t do anything justice right now but rest in peace to the absolute REALEST and I can say that with my hand on my heart. Love you bro.”

Another South Londoner Loyle Carner said: “Heartbroken to hear about Cadet. He was a true story teller and from my neck of the woods. The music is forever my g.”

Cadet’s most recent single Advice, with Deno Driz, was released in October and peaked at number 27 in the charts.

The rising star, who found success on YouTube, was due to perform at Wireless Festival 2019.

Announcing his schedule, the festival 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.”

Wireless confirmed today that his slot will be kept on the schedule as a time to reflect on his memory.

They tweeted: “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends and fans of Cadet. Such sad news. We’ll be keeping his Wireless performance as a time to reflect on the memory of Blaine.”

He supported Krept & Konan on their The Long Way Home tour, as well as touring with Bugzy Malone.

A Staffordshire police spokesperson said: “At just before 1.30am on February 9, police were called to reports of a two-vehicle collision involving a silver Toyota Prius and a red Vauxhall Combo van on Main Road, Betley (A531).

“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.”

Cadet is pictured at the ImJustBait Christmast party – By TwinTurbo – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=76477011