DJ Lord Sear, a longtime fixture in hip-hop broadcasting and a frequent collaborator with rapper Eminem, has died at the age of 53, the artist confirmed in a heartfelt tribute on X on Thursday, March 12, 2026.
Reflecting on their decades-long friendship, Eminem described Sear as “one of the greatest people to be around,” highlighting his humour and presence on tour and in interviews. “Our time on @Shade45 together was always some of my favourite interviews. He made the world a better place, and I’m gonna seriously miss that. Rest in peace, Lil Trey aka @LordSear!!!” Eminem wrote, honoring the DJ’s impact both personally and professionally.
Born and raised in New York City, Lord Sear began his rise in radio during the 1990s as a key voice on the influential Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito Show, a program credited with introducing hip-hop legends like Jay-Z, Nas, and the Wu-Tang Clan to wider audiences.
In 2004, Sear joined Eminem’s SiriusXM platform, where he became a recognizable voice to listeners and helped shape the station’s identity. He also accompanied Eminem on the Anger Management Tour in the early 2000s, where his energy and humour left a lasting impression on the Detroit rapper and tour crew alike.
Beyond radio, Lord Sear’s influence extended into the music industry, contributing to projects with artists including the Beastie Boys, Big Pun, MF DOOM, The X-Ecutioners, and producer Statik Selektah. His distinctive voice also appeared in the Grand Theft Auto video game series, including GTA III and GTA IV.
In later years, Sear hosted “The Lord Sear Special,” continuing to connect with fans and artists, further cementing his role as a passionate advocate for hip-hop culture.
A cause of death has not been publicly released. Tributes have poured in across the hip-hop community, with many remembering him as a respected voice in radio and a tireless supporter of the genre.
