On April 11, 2006, the hip-hop community lost one of its most beloved figures, DeShaun Holton, also known as Proof. Born in Detroit, Michigan, on October 2, 1973, Proof began his journey to stardom at a young age. He quickly gained a reputation for his nose for talent and his tenacious wit and creative writing abilities. He was a founding member of the hip-hop group D12, and an important part of the Eminem-led rap collective. Proof released a number of solo albums, including "Searching for Jerry Garcia" and "I Miss the Hip Hop Shop," and received numerous accolades for his work. He was nominated for a Grammy for his work on the album "The Eminem Show." In addition to his musical accomplishments, Proof was an ambassador of sorts for the Detroit hip-hop scene. He worked with young rappers, advocating for their talents and forging lasting collaborations. Proof was shot and killed on the night of April 11, 2006, in a club in Detroit. He was 32 years old. His legacy lives on through the music he left behind and the countless lives he touched. He will forever be remembered as one of the most talented and beloved hip-hop artists in history.