South London rapper Cadet died in a car crash on the way to a gig in Staffordshire in the early hours of this morning.

The 28-year-old musician, whose real name is Blaine Cameron Johnson, died while he was a passenger in a taxi on the way to a performance, his family said today.

He was on route to Keele University on Friday where he was due to perform.

The rapper's family shared the news on his official Instagram account, which has since been made private.

His management told Radio 1 Newsbeat that he was a passenger in a vehicle that crashed in Staffordshire.

A post read: "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."

In a statement, Staffordshire Police said: "A man has died following a road traffic collision in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

"At just before 1.30am this morning (Saturday 9 February) 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.

"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."

Award-winning artist Krept, cousin of the rapper, tweeted that he was "broken" following the news.

He wrote: "My life will never be the same again. I love you and will forever miss you. I can’t believe it. I am heartbroken. Rest in peace cuz. You finally started getting the recognition you deserved. I’m so proud of you. My left lung. I’m devastated and broken right now.”

Other fellow rappers paid tribute to the artist.

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 announced on Saturday that it would be keeping his performance slot "as a time to reflect" on his memory.

A spokesman said in a tweet: "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."