Radio star Lord Sear, real name Steve Watson, died at the age of 54 on Wednesday, March 11. The news was confirmed in an Instagram post from his official page, although no cause of death was shared. Alongside an image of the star, it read: "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." It added that they would run a special show in tribute to the star on Thursday, March 12. "Rest easy, Lord Sear. The culture will never forget you," the tribute concluded.

The star began his career as part of the hip-hop group Kurious. In the 1990s he turned his talents to radio and joined the Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito Show.

In the early 2000s, he toured the world on Eminem’s Anger Management Tour. Away from that, he also turned his hand to voice acting, lending his distinctive voice to the Grand Theft Auto III video game.

Eminem paid a heartfelt tribute to his long-time friend and collaborator in a post on his official Instagram page.

Posting a picture of him in the SiriusXM Shade 45 studio with Sear and other DJs he penned: "Sear was one of the greatest people to be around, I will never forget how he made me laugh on our tour together. 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.RIP Lil Try aka @Lord Sear"

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The Grammy winning superstar was not alone in remembering the star and fans and friends flooded Instagram with their condolences as they learned the news.

"Love you Sear. Need a min to process. Love to his wife…" one penned below the announcement of his death. "A great human being. May ALLAH grant him Paradise. Condolences 2 All Family & Friends," another added.

A third simply chimed in: "Wow this one hurts bad." A fourth shared: "May his energy and legacy remain forever! He will be missed! Fly High Lord Sear!"

Meanwhile, a fifth penned: "Awwww Maaaan! I LOVE YOU KING!!!! YOU ALWAYS GREETED ME WITH LOVE MY BROTHER!!!! ETERNAL BLESSINGS UPON YOU!!!"