Proof’s brother-in-law, Mark “Doughboy” Hicks, confirmed that after years of legal complications, the late D12 rapper’s family has regained control of his estate, and two unreleased songs will be featured on Eminem’s upcoming documentary.
Hicks gave fans an important update on The Hoodsmokers Podcast. For years, Proof’s estate was tied up in lawsuits following the 2006 incident that claimed his life, but Hicks confirmed the matter is finally resolved. Proof’s widow, Sharonda, and their children now oversee the estate, with his son, rapper NASAAN, taking on the responsibility of guiding his father’s legacy.
The long delay stems from lawsuits filed after the tragic events of April 2006, when Proof was killed in the same nightclub incident that also claimed the life of Keith Bender. Bender’s family filed multiple wrongful death suits against Proof’s estate, arguing that he had initiated the altercation that led to Bender’s death. While one lawsuit was dismissed, another followed, and the ongoing litigation meant the estate was effectively tied up for years.
In cases like these, courts often restrict how an estate can distribute assets until claims are resolved. For artists, that means income from music, publishing, and merchandising can be frozen, and the family has little control over how the work is managed. Proof’s estate remained in this limbo for almost two decades, making it difficult to release music or fully preserve his legacy.
Now, Hicks confirmed, the legal issues are settled. He also reassured fans that the music is in safe hands. Proof’s only solo album, “Searching for Jerry Garcia”, along with compilations like “I Miss The Hip Hop Shop” and “Grown Man Shit”, are now available on streaming platforms worldwide. Also, Eminem’s upcoming Stans documentary soundtrack will feature two previously unreleased songs from Proof, a historic moment for hip hop and for those who have waited to hear his voice again.
It is possible that Eminem himself held back vault material over the years out of respect for the complicated legal situation. Now that the estate is fully back with the family, the door may finally open to more unreleased collaborations between Proof and Em.
