DJ Lord Sear, a foundational host on Eminem’s SiriusXM channel Shade 45, died Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Shade 45 announced the death of the 53-year-old broadcaster on their official social media channels Wednesday afternoon. A cause of death was not disclosed.
SiriusXM scheduled a tribute broadcast honoring his memory during his regular slot from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM ET on March 12 and March 13.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Lord Sear,” Shade 45 said in a statement released Wednesday. “He was more than a voice on the radio — he was a force, a friend, and family to so many of us… he helped shape the culture at every level.” Born Steve Watson, Sear operated as a fixture in New York hip-hop and global entertainment for over three decades.
Sear gained early recognition in the 1990s as a touring DJ for the rapper Kurious. He subsequently joined WKCR’s “The Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito Show” from 1990 to 1998. The program broadcast early appearances by Nas, Jay-Z, The Notorious B.I.G., and the Wu-Tang Clan.
He later served as a tour DJ for Eminem on the Anger Management Tour. When Eminem launched Shade 45 in 2004, Sear joined as an original host. He co-hosted “The All Out Show” alongside Rude Jude before fronting his own program, “The Lord Sear Special.” Sear also provided voice work and DJ hosting for the soundtracks of Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto III and Grand Theft Auto IV. Throughout his career, he recorded with acts including the Beastie Boys, Big Pun, and MF DOOM.
Shade 45 DJ Lord Sear Dead at 54: Fat Joe, E-40 & Hit-Boy Pay Tribute https://t.co/mqDFOkPuhz
— billboard hip-hop/r&b (@billboardhiphop) March 11, 2026