Hip-hop DJ and radio personality Lord Sear, who worked closely with Eminem on the rapper’s SiriusXM station Shade 45, has died at the age of 53. The Harlem-born broadcaster, whose real name was Steve Watson, was one of the most recognizable voices in rap radio and spent decades shaping hip-hop culture through interviews, commentary and music programming. Eminem confirmed the news in a social media tribute, remembering Sear as more than a radio personality and calling him a close friend and family to many in the hip-hop community. A cause of death has not yet been publicly disclosed.
Lord Sear had been part of Shade 45 since the station launched in 2004 on SiriusXM, where he quickly became one of the channel’s most distinctive voices. He co-hosted The All Out Show with Rude Jude and later hosted his own program, The Lord Sear Special, becoming a familiar presence for hip-hop fans tuning into the station’s uncensored rap programming.
Before joining satellite radio, Sear built his reputation in New York’s underground hip-hop scene during the 1990s. He gained recognition through the influential Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito Show on WKCR, a legendary program credited with helping introduce future rap stars like Jay-Z, Nas and the Wu-Tang Clan to wider audiences.
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… pic.twitter.com/JXs6mVzPKG
— Marshall Mathers (@Eminem) March 12, 2026
Sear’s work extended beyond radio. Over the years he collaborated with several major hip-hop artists including Beastie Boys, Big Pun, MF DOOM, The X-Ecutioners and Statik Selektah. His voice also appeared in pop culture through video games such as Grand Theft Auto III and Grand Theft Auto IV.
In the early 2000s, Sear joined Eminem on the Anger Management Tour, where the two developed a close friendship. Eminem later recalled that Sear’s humor and personality made him one of the most enjoyable people to be around while on the road.
Born and raised in New York City, Lord Sear built a decades-long career as one of hip-hop radio’s most recognizable voices. Following news of his death, tributes from fans, artists and members of the hip-hop community began pouring in, remembering him as a major contributor to rap broadcasting and a longtime champion of the culture.