DeShaun Dupree Holton, known professionally as Proof, was an American rapper from Detroit, Michigan. He was a close friend of EminemW, also from Detroit, and would often perform as a hype man at his concerts.
Role in Gorillaz[]
| “ | I got the impression he was a great guy. I only hung out with him twice, maybe three times? He was lovely every time. | „ |
| ~ Damon Albarn[1] |
In September 2001, Proof collaborated with Gorillaz as part of D12 on the track 911, which featured Terry Hall. Following Proof's death, Russel released the following statement:[2]
| “ | We are all deeply saddened and shaken to hear the devastating news regarding the death of Proof. Gorillaz had the great privilege of teaming up with D12 on the track ‘911’ and to hear of his passing in this way is a terrible, unnecessary tragedy. He will be a hugely missed presence, personality and talent in the world of music and beyond. On behalf of Gorillaz at this difficult and sensitive time we send all our thoughts and love out to Proof, his family, his bandmates and his colleagues. He was a father figure to the Detroit Rap scene and a primary motivator in the inception of D12, and people of that stature are few and far between. This shocking incident is an enormous tragedy and once again an incredibly demonstrative indication that the guns need to be put down for good. Proof, rest in peace - Love from Gorillaz. | „ |
| ~ Russel |
In 2025, Proof was posthumously featured on The Manifesto, the second single from Gorillaz' ninth studio album The Mountain. The single contained a previously unheard freestyle from Proof, recorded during the same session as 911.[3][4]
Musical career[]
Though he never achieved much national prominence beyond his membership in D12, Proof was a pivotal figure in Detroit's hip-hop scene in the years leading up to his death in 2006 at the age of 32. Born DeShaun Holton, Proof was best known for his close friendship with EminemW. Not only were the two Detroit rappers part of D12, they were also best friends, having known each other since high school. Proof played a pivotal role in the Detroit hip-hop scene by hosting battle-rap competitions, most notably at the renowned Hip Hop ShopW, where he ran Saturday afternoon sessions for years. He later hosted Fight Club, a similar event. Moreover, he was an active participant and nearly won the 1998 Blaze Battle contest. This earned him The SourceW's 1999 Unsigned Hype award. Proof's role as the city's key battle-rap figure inspired the character Future, portrayed by Mekhi PhiferW in the film 8 MileW, starring Eminem (Proof played the character Lil' Tic in the film).
In addition to his work with D12 — who released two albums, Devil's NightW (2001) and D12 WorldW (2004) — Proof released a solo album, Searching for Jerry GarciaW (2005), and a collaborative album with Dogmatic, Promatic (2002). He also released numerous mixtapes and founded his own record label, Iron Fist RecordsW.
Proof was tragically killed by a gunshot wound to the head on 11 April 2006 at the CCC Club on 8 Mile RoadW in Detroit, Michigan, after fatally shooting U.S. military veteran Keith Bender Jr. He was buried on 19 April at Woodlawn CemeteryW in Detroit, with 2,000 people in attendance and thousands more mourning outside. Eminem and Obie TriceW delivered eulogies at the funeral.
Gallery[]
References[]
- ↑ Gorillaz; Lowe, Zane (8 October 2025). "Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett on The Mountain". Apple Music. The Zane Lowe Show. Retrieved on 9 October 2025.
- ↑ Kahn, Josh (20 April 2006). "Kids With Guns/Proof/Autobio". fans.gorillaz.com. URL status: dead. Archived from the original on 7 December 2006. Retrieved on 12 October 2025.
- ↑ nastysite (8 October 2025). "GORILLAZ: NEW TRACK, “The Manifesto (feat. Trueno and Proof),” OUT NOW". Nasty Little Man. Retrieved on 12 October 2025.
- ↑ Albarn, Damon (1 November 2025). "DAMON ALBARN habla de BZRP y revela el SECRETO espiritual detrás de Gorillaz | Exclusiva LOS40". YouTube. Los 40 México, located at 10:07. Retrieved on 2 November 2025.