D-12 front man Proof, born Deshaun Hotlon, was shot and killed this morning
at a
on the famed
He was dead on arrival, of gun shots to the head, at
A second man, age 35, was also shot
and is in critical condition. Rumors have been circulating that the identity of
the man is D-12 member Bizarre but that has yet to be confirmed.
Proof was among the most pivotal players in
battle rappers in the city and would handle anyone who dared to challenge him.
In the mid-’90s, Proof’s Saturday afternoons were spent hosting rap battles
at the famed Hip Hop Shop on Seven Mile Rd., a role that would be fictionalized
by actor Mekhi Phifer in “8 Mile,” the Hollywood blockbuster film in which he
Proof also played a bit part.
Proof was a steady hand for
then up-and-coming hip-hop scene. It was his idea to assemble a collection of
talent and call it D12; it was his hand that helped push Eminem to become one
of the world’s biggest pop stars, including serving as his on-stage hype man on
concert tours.
After the release of “8 Mile,” when battle rap was gaining newfound
commerical exposure, Proof was hired to host a national search for the next
best battle rapper by Showtime Networks.
In
competition that would happen near his Iron Fist Records offices, which are
located on Bagley in
There,
listen as up-and-comers on the hip-hop scene would verbally duke it out,
looking to become as big as Proof, Eminem or other
In January, he served as best man in Eminem’s wedding, giving a poignant toast
about how it’s important to marry your best friend. D12 was scheduled to begin
recording its third album this month.
Triple C club was operating afterhours illegally when the incident occurred.
Anyone with information on the shootings is asked to call
Detroit Police at 313-596-2260.
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