AceShowbiz - Lord Sear, a veteran DJ and pivotal figure in hip-hop radio, has passed away at the age of 53. The cause of death has not yet been disclosed. His passing was confirmed on March 11 via an official post on Shade 45’s X account, the SiriusXM hip-hop channel where he was a longtime contributor.

The Shade 45 statement honored Lord Sear as more than just a radio voice, describing him as “a force, a friend, and family” to many. He was a foundational presence on the station since its 2004 inception and remained an active host until his death.

Born Steve Watson in New York, Lord Sear developed a distinctive voice that shaped hip-hop radio over decades. Early in his career, he toured as the DJ for rapper Kurious before becoming a core member of the groundbreaking Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito Show on WKCR during the early 1990s. Initially helping with beatboxing and bringing guests, he eventually became an official co-host on the influential college radio program that played a crucial role in introducing hip-hop legends such as Jay-Z, Nas, and the Wu-Tang Clan to wider audiences.

Beyond his radio work, Lord Sear contributed to albums by notable artists including Beastie Boys, Big Pun, MF DOOM, The X-Ecutioners, and Statik Selektah. His discography also includes the 12-inch singles “Alcoholic Vibes / My Hindu Love” (1997) and “Hello! (The Wake Up Call)” (2000).

In addition to music, he lent his voice to the popular video game franchises Grand Theft Auto III (2001) and Grand Theft Auto IV (2008), showcasing his versatility in hip-hop culture beyond radio and records.

During the 2000s, Lord Sear further expanded his reach as co-host of The All Out Show on Shade 45, alongside Rude Jude. Shade 45, founded by Eminem, served as a major platform for hip-hop artists and fans. At the time of his passing, he was still hosting The Lord Sear Special, continuing to promote hip-hop music and culture to a global audience.

This story was originally published on VIBE.