Today marks what would have been Proof’s 51st birthday, a perfect time to remember the incredible talent he brought to hip hop and the lasting impact he made.
DeShaun Dupree Holton, better known as Proof, was nщt just a rapper from Detroit; he was a driving force behind the success of D12 and a close friend and collaborator of Eminem.
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 in a big way. Proof was always in the mix, not only as a member of D12 but also as Eminem’s hype man during live shows, bringing unmatched energy to the stage.
In addition to his work with D12, Proof also made his mark as a solo artist. His album “Searching for Jerry Garcia” dropped in 2005 and featured huge 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”, eerily spoke about his death, leaving fans with a haunting message after his tragic passing in 2006.
But Proof’s story does not end there. His son, NASAAN, is now making waves in hip hop, ensuring his dad’s legacy continues to shine. Proof’s influence lives on, both through his music and the artists he inspired.
As we remember Proof today, let’s celebrate the joy and creativity he brought to the world of hip hop. He may be gone, but his legacy will always be with us. Rest in peace, Proof. You are missed but never forgotten.
As Eminem said in a song dedicated to Proof, “You are never over”.
Listen to Proof — “Searching for Jerry Garcia” below:
