Steve Watson, also known as Lord Sear, died at the age of 53, leaving behind a community in grief.
A DJ with a Range
He knew so many, and so many knew him. Lord Sear began his career as Kurious’s touring DJ. He then joined the Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito Show on WKCR, giving young and emerging artists such as Jay-Z, Nas, and Wu-Tang Clan a much needed platform in the 1990s. Later, Lord Sear collaborated with Beastie Boys, MF DOOM, and Statik Selektah, released two singles, and voiced a character in Grand Theft Auto III and IV.
In 2004, Lord Sear went on the Anger Management World Tour with Eminem, and that same year, he joined Eminem’s radio station, Shade 45. Lord Sear worked there for more than 20 years until his death, pushing up young talent and, from time to time, giving a mic to his boss, Eminem.
Sad News
The radio station announced his death, sharing a couple of words of acknowledgement:
“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.
In his honor, please tune in tomorrow from 12–4pmET/9am-1pmPT on SiriusXM Shade 45, where friends will come together during his slot to share memories and celebrate the incredible life he lived. 888 SHADE 45”.
The Industry in Mourning
The comment section under this post reminds one of a sombre queue of mourners at the memorial service, who share memories, and, sometimes, disbelief. Hip hop stars like DJ Premier, Westside Gunn, E-40, Hit-Boy, Mos Def, Rapsody, 9th Wonder, and more left their tributes under the post.
Eminem left his own message, tracing their friendship back to the Anger Management tour and sharing his deep sense of personal loss:
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!!!
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
Paul Rosenberg’s post evoked a similar air of emotional intimacy:
One of my earliest friends when I moved to NY in ’96 was DJ @lordsear. There are very few people as endearing, as humorous, and who could light up a room and entertain in the way he could. We thought so much of his personality that we had him as a host/ DJ on @Shade45 for the past 20+ years. We are all lucky to have experienced his gift, & I will miss his friendship and warmth dearly. Angels aren’t safe from his snapping- let ’em have it, SEAR! Rest in peace, my dear friend.
One of my earliest friends when I moved to NY in ‘96 was DJ @lordsear. There’s very few people as endearing, as humorous and that could light up a room and entertain in the way he could. We thought so much of his personality that we had him as a host/ DJ on @Shade45 for the past… pic.twitter.com/0VmSMM0io4
— Paul Bunyan Rosenberg (@rosenberg) March 12, 2026
Listen to one of the interviews Lord Sear did with Eminem beforw the Revival drop:
