Proof

Proof, born DeShaun Dupree Holton (October 2, 1973 – April 11, 2006), was a pivotal figure in Detroit hip hop and a founding member of the rap collective D12. A childhood friend of Eminem, Proof was instrumental in shaping the Detroit rap scene and helping boost Eminem's rise to fame. Known for his sharp freestyling skills and fierce battle rapping, he gained early recognition by being featured in The Source's "Unsigned Hype" column in 1999 and nearly winning the 1998 Blaze Battle. He toured with Eminem, Dr. Dre, and Snoop Dogg on the 2000 Up In Smoke Tour and appeared in the film *8 Mile*, playing Lil’ Tic, a battle rapper who defeats Eminem’s character in one of the film’s iconic rap battles. Although the character inspired by Proof, Future, was portrayed by Mekhi Phifer, Proof's real-life presence and influence were central to the film's storyline.

Proof was not only a talented solo artist with albums like *Searching for Jerry Garcia* but also a mentor and close associate of Eminem, serving as his hype man during key moments in his career. His legacy is deeply intertwined with the rise of Detroit hip hop; sadly, his promising career was cut short when he was fatally shot in 2006. Beyond his music, Proof's impact on Detroit’s rap culture and his support of fellow artists, especially Eminem, cemented him as an important and beloved figure in hip hop history.