Timothy “Buc Wild” Joseph, Former Hot 97 Morning Show Host, Has Passed Away At 47 At 47

New York radio and hip-hop culture are mourning the loss of Timothy “Buc Wild” Joseph, the outspoken radio personality best known as one half of the legendary Star & Buc Wild morning show. Joseph reportedly passed away at the age of 47.

News of Buc Wild’s death began circulating Thursday, September 10, with his longtime radio partner and half brother, Troi “Star” Torain, announcing his passing. Joseph was born January 3, 1979.

For a generation of New York hip-hop listeners, Buc Wild was a familiar voice during one of the most memorable eras in urban radio. Star & Buc Wild joined New York’s Hot 97 (WQHT) in 2000, bringing their unapologetic brand of comedy, commentary and controversial conversations to morning drive.

The duo quickly became one of the most talked-about morning shows in the city. Their influence extended beyond radio, with the pair also having roots in public-access television and The Source magazine, where the Star & Buc Wild characters were developed.

Their Hot 97 run became particularly significant in New York radio history. At the height of their popularity, Star & Buc Wild were reportedly competing with, and at one point outperforming Howard Stern in the ratings, helping establish their place among the most influential personalities of the era.

After their Hot 97 run, the duo continued their radio careers, eventually landing at Power 105.1, where they returned to New York morning radio in 2005.

But beyond the controversy and shock-jock reputation, Buc Wild represented an important chapter in the evolution of hip-hop media. His generation helped demonstrate that radio personalities could become cultural figures in their own right, creating conversations, characters and moments that lived far beyond the music itself.

For New Yorkers who came of age listening to Hot 97 in the early 2000s, the voice of Buc Wild is tied to a very specific era of New York hip-hop culture, a time when morning radio was appointment listening and personalities could become just as recognizable as the artists they interviewed and discussed.

As news of his passing continues to spread, fans, former colleagues and members of the hip-hop community are remembering Timothy “Buc Wild” Joseph and the mark he left on New York radio.

Rest in peace, Buc Wild. 🕊️

HipHopJunkie will update this story as additional verified information becomes available.