R.I.P. Proof (October 2, 1973 – April 11, 2006)

4 years ago today Detroit, MI and the Hip Hop community lost Deshaun Dupree Holton also known as Proof, member of D12 and multi platinum artists Eminem’s Hype Man.

On April 11, 2006, Proof was killed by a gunshot to the head at the CCC Club in Detroit, Michigan by club bouncer Mario Etheridge after Proof fatally shot U.S. Army veteran Keith Bender, Jr.

While playing a game Proof and Bender got into a heated argument. After a physical altercation, Etheridge fired his gun into the air to try and stop the situation, but Proof shot Bender in the head. Etheridge, who was Bender’s cousin, then shot Proof three times in the head and chest. Proof was killed instantly, and Bender died a week later.

Proof released a solo album featuring collaborations with Eminem, 50 Cent, Method Man, Nate Dogg, B-Real of Cypress Hill, T3 of Slum Village, Obie Trice, Royce Da 5’9″ and other members of D12 on his own Iron Fist Records label in conjunction with Alliance Entertainment’s IDN Distribution.

RIP Proof.  Stop the Violence

-GWOP staff