The hip-hop community is reeling from yet another heartbreaking loss connected to Eminem’s circle. Legendary DJ, radio host, and cultural force Lord Sear (real name Steve Watson) has passed away at the age of 52 (some reports cite 53), with his death announced on March 11, 2026. The news comes just days after the passing of Eminem’s maternal grandmother, Betty Kresin, adding to the emotional weight the rap icon is carrying during this difficult period.

SiriusXM’s Shade 45 channel—Eminem’s hip-hop station, which he helped launch in 2004—confirmed the sad news in a statement shared across social media: “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. Lord Sear’s legacy in hip hop runs deep. A proud member of the CM family, he first made his mark alongside 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. Rest easy, Lord Sear. The culture will never forget you. 🕊️”

Born around the early 1970s (exact dates vary slightly in reports, with some listing July 7, 1971, or June 4, 1971), Lord Sear emerged from New York’s vibrant underground hip-hop scene in the 1990s. He became a key figure on the iconic Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito Show, one of the most influential radio programs in hip-hop history, where his energetic personality, sharp humor, and distinctive voice helped break countless artists and define the era’s raw, authentic sound. His contributions extended beyond radio; he was also a rapper, voice actor, and DJ who brought charisma and unfiltered energy to every platform he touched.

One of Sear’s most notable chapters came through his close association with Eminem. In the early 2000s, he served as a DJ on the rapper’s high-profile Anger Management Tour, sharing stages and buses during one of the most explosive periods in Eminem’s career. The tour was a global phenomenon, blending high-energy performances with the raw edge of early-2000s hip-hop, and Sear’s role helped keep the vibe alive both on and off stage. Eminem later entrusted him with a prominent spot on Shade 45, where Sear co-hosted The All Out Show with Rude Jude and eventually helmed his own program, The Lord Sear Special. For more than two decades, his shows were staples for fans seeking unapologetic hip-hop commentary, laughs, and deep cuts from the culture.

Sear’s influence reached even further into pop culture through his voice work. He famously hosted the Game FM station in Grand Theft Auto III (and appeared in related GTA titles), bringing his signature style to millions of gamers worldwide. Rockstar Games paid tribute on X, writing: “Rest in peace Lord Sear, New York hip-hop titan and host of GTAIII’s Game FM.” The nod highlighted how his voice became synonymous with the gritty, authentic New York sound that defined the game’s radio experience.

Eminem himself shared a deeply personal tribute, reflecting on their friendship and shared history: “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!!!” The message underscores the genuine bond between the two, forged through years of collaboration, late-night radio sessions, and mutual respect amid the highs and lows of the industry.

Tributes have poured in from across the hip-hop world. Artists like De La Soul, Skyzoo, and others remembered him as a trailblazer who brought joy, laughter, and realness to the culture. Shade 45 planned a memorial broadcast in his honor during his regular slot, allowing fans to celebrate his life through the music and moments he championed. On platforms like Instagram, X, and Facebook, fans shared memories of tuning into his shows, laughing at his antics, and feeling connected to hip-hop’s roots through his voice.

No cause of death has been publicly disclosed, with family and SiriusXM requesting privacy during this time. Lord Sear’s passing marks the loss of one of hip-hop radio’s most distinctive and beloved personalities—a man who didn’t just play music but lived and breathed the culture, helping elevate it from underground to mainstream while staying true to its origins.

In an era where hip-hop continues to evolve, figures like Lord Sear remind us of the foundational voices that shaped it. His laughter, his bars, his interviews, and his unbreakable spirit will echo on Shade 45, in GTA soundtracks, and in the memories of those he touched. Rest in peace, Lord Sear. The culture owes you a debt of gratitude. 🕊️💔