Steve Watson, known universally to the hip-hop world as Lord Sear, a revered DJ, radio personality, voice actor, rapper, and producer whose distinctive raspy voice and profound knowledge helped shape the genre for decades, passed away on March 11, 2026, at the age of 54. While some reports indicated his age as 52 or 53, he was born on July 7, 1971. Born and raised in Harlem, New York City, Lord Sear became an indispensable figure in hip-hop culture, transitioning from the underground scene to mainstream recognition while always remaining true to his roots. His passing has elicited an outpouring of grief from fans and colleagues alike, who remember him as a force, a friend, and family. The official cause of death has not been disclosed, and his family has requested privacy regarding the circumstances of his passing.

Lord Sear's journey in hip-hop began in the early 1990s, where he first gained recognition as the touring DJ for rapper Kurious and as a member of the Constantly Moving (CM) collective. This early experience laid the groundwork for his influential career, quickly establishing him as a prominent voice within the burgeoning New York hip-hop landscape. His talent and passion for the culture were evident from the outset, setting the stage for his future contributions as a DJ, producer, and vocalist.

A pivotal moment in his career came when he joined the legendary Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito Show on WKCR, Columbia University's college radio station. From 1990 to 1998, this show became a crucial platform for emerging hip-hop artists, with Lord Sear contributing significantly through beatboxing, helping to bring guests to the studio, and providing comedic energy before becoming an official co-host. The program is widely credited with providing early exposure to future icons such as Jay-Z, Nas, and the Wu-Tang Clan, cementing Lord Sear's status as a foundational figure in New York hip-hop.

Beyond the airwaves, Lord Sear extended his influence into other facets of entertainment, notably as a voice actor. He lent his unique voice to the popular 2001 video game Grand Theft Auto III, where he voiced himself as the DJ for the fictional radio station Game FM. He further appeared as a character, voicing pedestrians, in the 2008 video game Grand Theft Auto IV. His contributions also included touring globally on Eminem's Anger Management Tour in the early 2000s and providing vocals and performances on albums for notable artists like the Beastie Boys, Big Pun, and MF DOOM. He co-produced the intro on Big Pun's seminal 1998 album 'Capital Punishment' and made a cameo on the intro of Big Pun's 2000 album 'Yeeeah Baby.' He also collaborated with artists such as The X-Ecutioners and Statik Selektah, and released his own singles, "Alcoholic Vibes / My Hindu Love" in 1997 and "Hello! (The Wake Up Call)" in 2000.

For over two decades, Lord Sear was a cornerstone of SiriusXM's Shade 45, a hip-hop channel founded by Eminem, which launched in 2004. He co-hosted The All Out Show alongside Rude Jude and later hosted his own program, The Lord Sear Special, which aired Monday through Friday from noon to 4 P.M. Eastern Standard Time. Through these platforms, he continued to champion new music, engage in sharp humor, and share his deep love for hip-hop, becoming one of SiriusXM's most recognizable personalities and an essential listen for a generation of fans. His broadcasts were known for their raw, authentic energy, quick wit, and fearless sense of humor.

Lord Sear's career is highlighted for connecting two distinct eras of hip-hop: the underground radio culture of the 1990s and the global reach of modern satellite radio. He was widely recognized as a mentor within the hip-hop industry, actively helping younger DJs and hosts break into the scene and providing a platform for emerging talent. His legacy, characterized by his distinctive raspy voice and unwavering commitment to the culture, will continue to resonate.

Following his passing, tributes poured in from across the hip-hop community. Eminem paid tribute on X (formerly Twitter), calling Sear 'one of the greatest people to be around' and stating he 'made the world a better place.' A wide array of notable hip-hop artists and figures, including Immortal Technique, Fat Joe, E-40, Hit-Boy, Rapsody, Mickey Factz, Tony Yayo, 9th Wonder, Skyzoo, DJ Premier, Yasiin Bey, Ice-T, Jaleel White, Ludacris, Xzibit, and Lloyd Banks, also shared their condolences. SiriusXM's Shade 45 announced a special two-day tribute broadcast, including a dedicated tribute episode on March 12, 2026, during his regular time slot, where friends and colleagues shared memories. Rockstar Games, the developer of the Grand Theft Auto series, also remembered Lord Sear for his iconic role as DJ for Game FM in Grand Theft Auto III, labeling him a "Titan" in the hip-hop industry.

Beyond his professional life, Lord Sear was reportedly engaged to Mona Giamanco, whom he affectionately referred to as his 'Queen' on social media, sharing glimpses of his personal affection with his audience.