DeShaun Dupree Holton (October 2, 1973 – April 11, 2006), better known by his stage name Proof, rapper from Detroit, Michigan. During his career, he was a member of the groups 5 Elementz, Funky Cowboys, Promatic, Goon Squad and most notably, D12. He was a close childhood friend of rapper Eminem, who lived on the same block, and was often a hype man at his concerts. In 2006, Proof was shot and killed during an altercation at the CCC nightclub in Detroit.
D12, aka The Dirty Dozen, in which Proof was a member. D12 has had chart-topping albums in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. D12 was formed in 1996, and achieved mainstream success after Eminem’s success. The original lineup consisted of the members and their alter egos. This is where Slim Shady came from. D12 released the album Devil’s Night in 2001 and D12 World in 2004, spawning numerous hits such as “Fight Music”, “Purple Pills”, “My Band”, “How Come” and “Shit on You” throughout that period.
The first time I heard Proof, I thought he was an incredible MC. His rhyme schemes and voice were not easy to be mimicked. To me, he absolutely stood out. Proof released a solo album titled Searching For Jerry Garcia, in which the single Forgive Me featuring 50 Cent can be heard below. RIP BIG PROOF. Your Memory lives on.
