@callmecadet/Instagram/@DJSemtex/TwitterA British rapper has died at the age of 28 after the taxi he was travelling in crashed on the way to a gig.
Cadet, real name Blaine Johnson, died in the early hours of Saturday morning (February 9).
The rapper was on his way to Keele University, to perform at a student night.
Cadet’s family confirmed the news on his Instagram page, which has since been set to private.
They wrote, as per The Sun:
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.
Love The Johnson Family #cadetcadet #imbuff #underratedlegend #ripcadet.
Since the news was shared, many other artists and musicians have been posting tributes.
Rapper Giggs wrote:
Proper sad and shocked to hear this. Really sorry to Cadets family man, prayers and blessings to his family at this hard time
While Example wrote:
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
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
DJ Semtex wrote:
Last week we were laughing, joking, congratulating each other, and plottin [sic]
Rapper Krept posted a photo of himself and Cadet as children, writing:
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 [sic]
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
Our thoughts are with Cadet’s family and friends at this difficult time.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.
Charlie Cocksedge is a journalist and sub-editor at UNILAD. He graduated from the University of Manchester with an MA in Creative Writing, where he learnt how to write in the third person, before getting his NCTJ. His work has also appeared in such places as The Guardian, PN Review and the bin.