Big Proof Forever (1973 - 2006)

The side of Detroit Hip Hop being explored recently on NorthernHeads is typically from the post-Dilla camp which is to say artists who have worked with Jay Dee/ J Dilla (dating back to his group Slum Village) and beyond to his protege Black Milk and his frequent collaborators. However with Eminem's newest album Recovery leaking in the past few days it does seem fitting to draw attention to those who put Detroit Hip Hop on the mainstream map. One such figure is DeShaun “Proof” Holton, upon whom the character Future played by Mekhi Phifer in the film 8 Mile was based. Holton was tragically killed at the CCC Club in Detroit, Michigan. His death had a cataclysmic effect on his protege Eminem and led to years of despair and self abuse. The plot of 8 Mile explores the pivotal role Proof played in Detroit’s underground hip-hop scene. He hosted battles, as does the character Future, at the famous Hip-Hop Shop. Proof is the most recognizable members of D12, and likely has the most solo recognition (in spite of and as a result of his death) outside of that ensemble. Proof contributes prominently on D12’s two albums — Devil’s Night (2001) and D12 World (2004). He also released his final solo album in 2005, Searching For Jerry Garcia. Proof could perhaps best be described as Marshall Mathers rap coach. Not only did he help convince the young Mathers that he could be 'big time' he would literally coach him giving him ryhming exercises such as to rhyme the alphabet to the various sights he encounters in the day. Notably in Proof's cameo in 8 Mile as Lil' Tic, Proof manages to sneak his name in as an acronym when he raps, "I'll (P)unish (R)abbit (O)r (O)bsolete (F)uture." Proof was always Eminem's hype man and his voice and vivid lyrics were trademarks on D12’s two albums — Devil’s Night (2001) and D12 World (2004). Proofand is undoubtedly the most famous member of D12, followed perhaps by Bizarre and singer/rapper/producer Denaun Porter, known by his stage names Mr. Porter and Kon Artis.