London’s Brixton Academy celebrated Cadet this weekend

Smoke Boys performing at The Rated Legend Tribute Show. Photo: Ollie Millington/Redferns

Three weeks after his tragic death, rapper Cadet’s life was celebrated with an incredible, moving gig at Brixton Academy. Dozens of acts came together with Blaine “Cadet” Johnson’s family to pay tribute, as the self-professed underrated legend was declared a Rated Legend.

Details of each performer were kept secret until stage time, and Mr Hudson opened the night with a touching performance of Forever Young, on what would have been Cadet’s 29th birthday.

He was swiftly followed by Smoke Boys (pictured, top), AJ Tracey, Ramz and Lethal Bizzle.

Stormzy: “No one would have appreciated this more”

Before performing Blinded By Your Grace, Stormzy described Cadet as being “the most clean-hearted brother you’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing, I promise you.

“No one would have appreciated this more and it makes me realise I need to appreciate things more.”

Some huge special guests joined forces for the gig

Stormzy’s choir-backed performance came after appearances by Dave, who played Hangman, plus the likes of Swarmz, Unknown T, Not3s and Michael Dapaah (Big Shaq).

Krept and Konan organised the night alongside GRM Daily, with proceeds going towards a community-led project chosen by Cadet’s fans.

Last week, Krept released tribute track Last Letter To Cadet.

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Cadet’s family were given a special silver plaque for Advice

To close out the night, Cadet’s family were presented by Krept with silver plaques for his 2018 Advice single, a collaboration with Deno.

And Deno himself was then joined on stage by all the night’s performers, in a moving display of communion and celebration.

You can still donate to the Cadet fund here.