Lord Sear, a longtime hip-hop radio personality and DJ known for his influence in the music world, has died at the age of 53.
The news was announced in a statement on Shade 45’s official X account on Wednesday afternoon, while a cause of death has not yet been released.
“WE ARE SAD TO REPORT THAT OUR BEST FRIEND AND HOST, LORD SEAR, HAS PASSED AWAY,” the statement said.
“SEAR WAS MORE THAN A VOICE ON THE RADIO – HE WAS A FORCE, A FRIEND AND FAMILY TO SO MANY OF US!”
Lord Sear, whose real name was Steve Watson, was born in New York and built a reputation as one of the most recognizable voices on hip-hop radio.
He gained early recognition as rapper Kurious’s touring DJ before becoming a key member of the influential Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito Show on WKCR.
The show helped launch the careers of several major artists, including Jay Z, Nas and Wu Tang Clan.
He also released several singles and provided voice work for the video games Grand Theft Auto III and Grand Theft Auto IV.
