Lord Sear, legendary hip-hop DJ and radio personality, has passed away at the age of 53.

The sad news was announced on Wednesday (March 11) in a statement posted on Sear’s Instagram page. A cause of death is currently unknown.

“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 post read.

“Lord Sear’s legacy in hip hop runs deep. A proud member of the CM family, he first made his mark along side 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, Eminem’s SiriusXM channel, will honor Lord Sear (real name Steve Watson) with a special broadcast on Thursday (March 12).

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