Lord Sear, a ground-breaking hip-hop DJ and radio personality who came to prominence as a member of the iconic Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito Show, has passed away. He was 53.
Sear’s passing was confirmed on his Instagram page on Wednesday afternoon (March 11).
“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 caption of a tribute post on Sears’ Instagram page reads. “
Lord Sear’s legacy in hip hop runs deep,” the post continued. “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 also issued a statement paying tribute to Sear.
“WE ARE SAD TO REPORT THAT OUR DEAR FRIEND AND HOST, LORD SEAR, HAS PASSED AWAY,” the statement read. “SEAR WAS MORE THAN A VOICE ON THE RADIO – HE WAS A FORCE, A FRIEND, AND FAMILY TO SO MANY OF US! ”
No cause of death has been released.
Sear became a staple on the hip-hop scene in New York City beginning with the group Kurious in the 1990s. He went on to become a vital member of the legendary underground hip-hop radio show, “The Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito Show.”
He also toured the world on Eminem’s Anger Management Tour in the early 2000s.
For more than two decades, Sear was the host on Shade 45, SiriusXM’s hip-hop station
Sear voiced the fictional Game FM station in the “Grand Theft Auto III” video games, and appeared on the intro to Big Pun’s 2000 album “Yeeeah Baby.”
Eminem also shared a touching tribute to Sear.
Eminem shared condolences regarding the radio personality’s passing. “Sear was one of the greatest people to be around. I will never forget how he made me laugh on our tour together,” Em worte on X. “Our time on @Shade45 together was always some of my favorite interviews. He made the world a better place, and I’m gonna seriously miss that. Rest in peace Lil Trey aka @LordSear!!!”