The rapper's family shared the news on his official Instagram account.
"We the family of Blaine Cameron Johnson otherwise known as Cadet (Underrated Legend) would like to share the sad news that during the early hours of 9th February 2019 he passed away."
In a statement to Radio 1 Newsbeat, his management said the 28-year-old was a passenger in a taxi.
Cadet's cousin Krept led the tributes online, saying he was "heartbroken".
Staffordshire Police confirmed Cadet died in the crash in Betley in the early hours of Saturday morning.
In a statement, the force said: "Blaine Cameron Johnson, 28, of London, died after the Toyota Prius he was travelling in was involved in a collision with a Vauxhall Combo van at 1.30am.
"He was pronounced dead at the scene."
A previous statement said that the drivers of both vehicles were taken to hospital with serious injuries and three others were also being treated in hospital.
Cadet was on his way to Keele University where he was due to perform.
he news was revealed by Johnson’s family in a post on Instagram. The statement read: “We The Family of Blaine Cameron Johnson otherwise known as Cadet…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 we will share with you any information as and when we can.”
Johnson’s manager also gave a statement to Radio 1 Newsbeat and confirmed that the 28-year-old was a passenger in a taxi whilst on his way to perform at Keele University.
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.