DeShaun Dupree Holton, also known as Proof, was shot and killed on April 11, 2006. 20 years later, his friend, Marshall Mathers, still feels the pain of this loss and the gratitude that their paths have crossed.
Letter to a friend
It was a simple post on Eminem’s socials, a text and three photos. But you know immediately that no SMM team wrote this text. Every word came from the heart.
Doody, can’t believe it’s been 20 years since you’ve been gone! Not a day goes by that I don’t think about you in some way shape or form…You were and are still truly one of the greatest friends I ever had in my entire life and I thank God everyday that he put us in each other’s lives.. I feel like that happened for a reason. Ever since the day I met you sitting on the steps of Osborne when I was handing out flyers and we rapped for each other and instantly bonded that day and never looked back!! My life would never have taken the trajectory it took had I not met you. Thank you for always believing in me like I always believed in you!! We had such an amazing ride together and I will never forget you and what you did for me and my self-esteem and confidence every time you cosigned for me at every club and open mic we ever went to!! Your credibility was enough to open people’s minds to not judge me until they heard me and you were one of the first ones who got people to listen before they passed any judgment!! I love you doody you will always be my best friend no matter how much time passes and I will never forget you as long as I live!!! Until we meet again my friend I love you doody!!! Love, doody
Doody, can't believe it's been 20 years since you've been gone! Not a day goes by that I don't think about you in some way shape or form…You were and are still truly one of the greatest friends I ever had in my entire life and I thank God everyday that he put us in each other's… pic.twitter.com/3I51lM7xGe
— Marshall Mathers (@Eminem) April 11, 2026
Proof’s legacy
It is impossible to imagine the 1990s Detroit scene without Proof. He worked at the Hip-Hop Shop, hosting the rap battles there. However, he was also a unique personality, connecting people, breathing life into different projects, bringing the spark.
Proof formed D12, “The Dirty Dozen”, back in 1996 with Eminem, Bizarre, Mr. Porter, and his high school friend Eye-Kyu. Together, they put Detroit hip hop on the map. Proof was always in the mix, not only as a member of D12 but also as Eminem’s hype man during live shows, bringing his unmatched energy to the stage.
In addition to all of it, Proof was a remarkable solo artist. His album “Searching for Jerry Garcia” dropped in 2005 and featured big names like 50 Cent, Method Man, Nate Dogg, B-Real, and, of course, his D12 crew and Eminem. Proof wanted to do things his way with this project, so he released it on his own label, Iron Fist Records. One of the standout tracks, “Kurt Kobain”, Proof eerily spoke about his death. This song turned out to be a haunting prophecy just the following year, in 2006. He was shot three times by a club bouncer after an altercation during the game of pool.
Life after life
There are many contradicting stories about what exactly happened that night. But the result of this fight is indisputable. Two men were dead.
This tragedy affected Eminem deeply. Struggling with grief, he was looking for an escape that almost brought him to a similar end. Songs Em wrote for Proof after his death are as heart-wrenching as they are honest. It feels like Marshall keeps sensing Proof’s presence in his life.
There is a shared belief in many cultures that the spirits of those who left this world remain alive as long as their memory lives among people. Today, as many times before, Marshall added more life to his friend’s memory. He was mourning his loss. But for some, it might be a day when they found Proof, his music, his talent, and the immense impact he has made.