Lord Sear, legendary hip-hop DJ and radio personality, has passed away at the age of 53.
The sad news was announced on Wednesday (March 11) in a statement posted on Sear’s Instagram page. A cause of death is currently unknown.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Lord Sear. He was more than a voice on the radio — he was a force, a friend, and family to so many of us,” the post read.
“Lord Sear’s legacy in hip hop runs deep. A proud member of the CM family, he first made his mark along side hip-hop artist Kurious, before going on to the legendary Stretch and Bobbito show, touring the world on Eminem’s Anger Management Tour, and spending over 20 years as a cornerstone of the Shade 45 family — he helped shape the culture at every level.”
Shade 45, Eminem’s SiriusXM channel, will honor Lord Sear (real name Steve Watson) with a special broadcast on Thursday (March 12).
“In his honor, please tune in tomorrow from 12–4pmET/9am-1pmPT on SiriusXM Shade 45, where friends will come together during his slot to share memories and celebrate the incredible life he lived. 888 SHADE 45,” the statement continued.
Eminem led the tributes to the beloved DJ, writing in a heartfelt post on Instagram: “Sear was one of the greatest people to be around, I will never forget how he made me laugh on our tour together. Our time on @shade45 together was always some of my favorite interviews. He made the world a better place and I’m gonna seriously miss that. Rest in peace Lil Trey aka @LordSear!!!”
Em’s longtime manager Paul Rosenberg also reflected on their history together, writing: “One of my earliest friends when I moved to NY in ‘96 was DJ @lordsear. There’s very few people as endearing, as humorous and that could light up a room and entertain in the way he could.
“We thought so much of his personality that we had him as a host/ DJ on @Shade45 for the past 20+ years. We are all lucky to have experienced his gift, & I will miss his friendship and warmth dearly. Angels aren’t safe from his snapping- let ‘em have it, SEAR! Rest in peace my dear friend.”
Fellow SiriusXM veteran Sway Calloway added: “I thank God I often said to @LordSear Thank you for being a brother throughout the decades and opening the doors of @shade45 for ALL of us on air and artist to prosper. I will miss our messaging. Tell the ones you love that you love them as much as possible. Sending prayers to your beautiful family.”
DJ Premier, Fat Joe, Big Boi, Yasiin Bey (f.k.a. Mos Def), De La Soul’s Posdnuos and Questlove were among the many other hip-hop figures who also mourned Lord Sear’s sudden passing, underscoring his impact and legacy.
“From like 1995 to hmmm 2003? I can’t EMPHASIZE enough the detailed obsession I took in collecting HOURS & HOURS of @stretchandbobbito’s LEGENDARY radio show,” Questlove wrote in a lengthy Instagram post. “@lordsear was a major part of that mix — half of those zany freestyles I had committed to memory.
“He was a man of the people. I literally never heard so many people ([Black Thought] Included) say ‘that can’t be I literally spoke to him this morning!!’ Or ‘last night!’ or ‘last month!’
The Roots drummer added: “He had nothing but love for us and this saddens me. Love to his family and his loved ones and all the hip hop heads who loved him.”
HipHopDX sends its condolences to Lord Sear’s family, friends and fans.
