Eminem Expresses Sadness Over The Passing Of Renowned DJ Lord Sear, Stating, “Our Time Together Was Among My Favorite Interviews”

Lord Sear, renowned hip-hop DJ and radio personality, has died at the age of 53.

The announcement was made on Wednesday (March 11) via a statement on Sear’s Instagram page. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

“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 many,” the post stated.

“Lord Sear’s contributions to hip hop are significant. A valued member of the CM family, he initially gained recognition alongside hip-hop artist Kurious, before joining the influential Stretch and Bobbito show, touring globally on Eminem’s Anger Management Tour, and serving as a key figure on Shade 45 for over 20 years — he played a vital role in shaping the culture across various levels.”

Shade 45, Eminem’s SiriusXM channel, will pay tribute to 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 gather during his time slot to share memories and celebrate his remarkable life. 888 SHADE 45,” the statement continued.

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Eminem led the tributes, expressing in a heartfelt Instagram post: “Sear was one of the greatest people to be around. I will always remember how he made me laugh on our tour together. Our time on @shade45 was filled with some of my favorite interviews. He made the world a better place and I will miss him. Rest in peace Lil Trey aka @LordSear!!!”

Em’s long-time manager Paul Rosenberg shared his reflections, stating: “One of my earliest friends after moving to NY in ‘96 was DJ @lordsear. Few people were as endearing and entertaining as he was.

“We valued his personality so much that we had him as a host/DJ on @Shade45 for over 20 years. We are all fortunate to have experienced his talent, and I will greatly miss his friendship and warmth. Angels aren’t safe from his snapping—let them have it, SEAR! Rest in peace, my dear friend.”

SiriusXM veteran Sway Calloway added: “I thank God I often told @LordSear, thank you for being a brother through the years and for opening the doors of @shade45 for all of us to thrive. I will miss our messages. Tell your loved ones that you love them as much as you can. Sending prayers to your family.”

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DJ Premier, Fat Joe, Big Boi, Yasiin Bey (formerly Mos Def), De La Soul’s Posdnuos, and Questlove were among the many hip-hop figures mourning Lord Sear’s sudden passing, highlighting his influence and legacy.

“From about 1995 to 2003, I can’t express enough how deeply I appreciated collecting hours of @stretchandbobbito’s legendary radio show,” Questlove noted in a detailed Instagram post. “@lordsear was a major part of that experience—many of those improvisational freestyles are etched in my memory.

“He was a man of the people, and it saddens me to hear how many have been affected by this. Love to his family and to all the hip-hop fans who cherished him.”

Naijahomeland extends its condolences to Lord Sear’s family, friends, and fans.