Eminem is honoring DJ Lord Sear, a prominent voice on the rapper’s Shade 45 SiriusXM channel, following Sear’s death on Wednesday, March 11. Sear, whose real name was Steve Watson, died at age 53 of undisclosed causes.
Eminem shared memories and condolences on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“Sear was one of the greatest people to be around. I will never forget how he made me laugh on our tour together,” Eminem wrote. “Our time on @Shade45 together was always some of my favorite interviews. He made the world a better place and I’m going to seriously miss that. Rest in peace Lil Trey, aka @LordSear.”
Eminem’s post included an undated excerpt from a conversation between the two, in which Eminem discussed producing his own music and credited Dr. Dre for giving him creative freedom. Lord Sear responded with his trademark humor, leading to lighthearted banter that included fellow Shade 45 host Sway Calloway.
SiriusXM released a statement on Sear’s death: “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.”
Shade 45 will host a tribute to Sear on Thursday from noon to 4 p.m. Eastern, during his regular time slot. Friends and colleagues are expected to share memories and celebrate his life. Sear co-hosted “The All Out Show” with Rude Jude and most recently hosted “The Lord Sear Special,” where he conducted interviews and played classic rap and R&B.
Numerous artists and fans paid tribute to Sear on social media Wednesday, including E-40, Hit-Boy, Fat Joe, Mickey Factz, Rapsody, Tony Yayo, 9th Wonder and Skyzoo. Fat Joe wrote on Instagram, “God bless, I know him my whole career. Love you Sear.” Lloyd Banks added, “Rest in peace to my brother Lord Sear. Thank you.”