Prominent Shade 45 DJ and host Lord Sear, whose real name was Steve Watson, has passed away at the age of 54. Shade 45 confirmed his death in a statement released on Wednesday, March 11.

While the details surrounding Lord Sear’s death remain undisclosed, the SiriusXM station, where he was a beloved figure, announced plans to honor and celebrate his life and legacy.

A special tribute episode for Sear, also known as Stak Cheda, was scheduled for Thursday from noon to 4 p.m. ET on SiriusXM.

Shade 45 expressed profound grief over his passing in a social media post, stating, “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.”

The station concluded its tribute with a poignant message: “Rest easy, Lord Sear. The culture will never forget you.”

Upon the news becoming public, fans and peers across the hip-hop community quickly took to social media to pay homage to the legendary DJ.

Notable figures such as E-40, Hit-Boy, Fat Joe, Mickey Factz, Rapsody, Tony Yayo, 9th Wonder, and Skyzoo shared their condolences and memories.

Fat Joe commented on Instagram, “God bless i know him my whole career love you sear,” reflecting the deep respect and affection held for Sear within the industry.

Lord Sear’s extensive career in hip-hop began with his involvement in the hip-hop group Kurious.

He gained further prominence in the 1990s as a member of the iconic Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito Show.

In the early 2000s, he toured globally as part ofEminem’s Anger Management Tour. Beyond his radio and touring engagements, Sear lent his distinctive voice to video games, specifically Grand Theft Auto III, and made a memorable cameo on Big Pun’s 2000 album intro for Yeeeah Baby.

For two decades, Lord Sear remained a staple of the Eminem-founded SiriusXM station, Shade 45. He notably co-hosted the All Out Show with Rude Jude and, up until his death, helmed The Lord Sear Special.

Throughout his career, the veteran DJ was celebrated as a culture shifter and a hilarious storyteller, renowned for his unique and eclectic mix of classic rap and R&B, leaving an indelible mark on the airwaves and the broader hip-hop culture.