Culture
Former HOT 97 radio host Timothy “Buc Wild” Joseph dies at 47
Timothy “Buc Wild” Joseph, the former New York radio station HOT 97 radio host known for the Star & Buc Wild show, has died at 47.
Timothy “Buc Wild” Joseph, the former New York radio station HOT 97 radio host known for the Star & Buc Wild show, has died at 47. His longtime co‑host Troi “Star” Torain announced Joseph’s death during a YouTube livestream on Wednesday, Sept. 9.
Star said Joseph died Sunday at the Pink Houses apartment complex in Brooklyn. He mentioned fentanyl as a possible factor but stressed the cause has not been confirmed.
“Possible fentanyl,” Star said. “I don’t have a confirmation yet.”
A somber star reacts to the passing of longtime hot97 radio partner Buc Wild pic.twitter.com/ogdi34XHWI
— NBA Hoops (@Thechat101) September 10, 2026
Star Calls Joseph His “Son” and Reflects on Their Bond
“The passing of my son,” Star said. “Most of you knew him as my alleged half brother, but I raised him.”
He described Joseph as deeply loved and supported. “Timothy Joseph, a.k.a. Buc Wild, was loved,” Star said.
“He had a support system.”
The former co-host said he stayed in contact with Joseph’s family and close friends, particularly when Joseph became difficult to reach.
Star described their bond as “a very unique relationship,” marked by disagreements and decades of friendship.
Star & Buc Wild’s Partnership
Joseph co‑hosted the influential Star & Buc Wild show, which became a major part of HOT 97’s morning lineup. The pair later continued working together at other stations and through broader media projects.
Star said Joseph’s dyslexia shaped their on‑air chemistry. He recalled helping Joseph improve his reading skills at HOT 97.
“We were working with flash cards at Hot 97,” Star said.
They created a recurring segment called “Buc Wild’s Lottery Numbers,” designed to build Joseph’s confidence rather than embarrass him.
Fans and Peers Mourn a Radio Original
Listeners quickly shared tributes online, calling Joseph a “legend” and remembering his role in shaping New York’s hip‑hop radio culture.
Hip‑hop peers also honored Joseph. Rapper Vinnie Paz wrote that Star & Buc Wild “changed the temperature of hip‑hop… loud, smart, and unforgettable.”
Joseph’s death marks the loss of a distinctive voice whose humor, personality and partnership with Star defined an era of New York radio.
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