article on proof
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Archived from the IMDb Discussion Forums — Proof
nichea_86 — 19 years ago(September 29, 2006 10:26 AM)
He was so smart, says Denaun Kon Artis Porter. He opened his doors to us, taught me how to catch the train, politic, network, he would read books that I didnt understand, like The Art of War. That ***** always had a book. He educated himself. I mean, Em put in a beep of work, but no real work without proof.
On April 11, Detroit lost one of its most respected artists w5b4hen D-12 founder and Shady Records recording artist Deshaun "Proof" Holton, 32, was shot and killed.
According to reports, Proof was involoved in an alteraction at the CCC club with security guard keith bender jr,35, who died of gunshots wounds several days later. On April 12 benders cousin and co-worker, mario etheridge 28, who claims to have shot proof to protect bender, turned himself in to authorities. Etheridge was also working security for the CCC club that night. Lawyers for Proof dispute Etheridge's early claims that Proof shot first, prompting him to return fire.
A local legend, Proof was eulogized in a statement released by Eminem: "Right now, theres alot of people focusing on tha way he died. I want to remember the way he lived, he was, and always will be, my best friend."
Last year, Proof released his solo LP Searching For Jerry Garcia on his own label, Iron Fist Records. He leaves behind five children and a legacy of a Detroit Hip-Hop Pioneer
By proofs own admission, fame brought a great deal of conflict into his life. He spent the years between 1998 and 2004 indulging in the onslaught of worldwide popularity-he was the hype man for one of the biggest popstars in the world-and all the booze and drugs that came with it.
During a 2005 interview at Detrots Atheneum Hotel, Proof declared that he was rebuilding his life. After years of partying had cost him his marr5b4iage to Sharonda. (the two were separated at the time of his death, but were attempting a reconciliation) His solo debut, Searching for Jerry Garcia, was set to be released oh his own label, Iron Fist Records. Another album, Time Will Tell, which he wrote and recorded in 24 hours, was nearly completed. D12 had recently begun work on its third album. A tour with The Game was in the works. In true ambassador fashion, Proof remained friends with both the Compton emcee and the members of G unit. Proof was drug-free, safe from alcohol consumption, and happy with where his life was going.
The other issue Proof said, is me. He talked about his passion for staying close to Detroits roots, which meant the Detroit streets. He even said that he tended to put himself out there too much. after a while, that beep does catch up to you.
He laughed then, but we cried later.
The year 2006 has too often found hip hop associated with beats, rhymes, lifeand death and questions. What happened on the night of april 11, and why did it cost Deshaun Dupree Holton, 32 and Keith Bender jr., 35 their lives? How could two men who were rebuilding their lives suddenly lose them so senselessly? According to Proofs friends and family, the alleged story being portrayed by the media does not reflect the behavior of the man they knew.
I didnt believe the story of deshaun shooting someone says Sharonda Holt111con, Proofs wife of 5 years and mother of his 2 sons. Im going to still say that, because I knew The man I married. He had entirely too much to lose. Now, I will say he was a fighter. He will scrap. But cold blooded murder? I dont think so
That place is a death trap. Says former Triple C Employee Carlos James. "Ive been shot twice since working there. Its pathetic that it took Proof getting killed for them to finally shut it down.
A police spokesperson confirmed that most of the witnesses were associates of bender. James Tate, deputy chief of the Detroit police dept., also says that because the guns used had not been recovered at press time, ballistics reports can not tell which bullets came from from which guns. Theres no hard evidence, then, to back up witness accounts.
Meanwhile, another version of the story exists. A story that is not in the media. A friend of proofs who claimes to have been with him that night and to have witnessed the shooting, talked under a condition of anonymity. What he saw contradicts the version that portrays proof as both agitator and executioner. The witness has not spoken to the police, but the police have heard this version and consider it potentially valid. Without evidencethe missing gunsTate says theres no way to prove its validity.
According to the friend, Proofs entourage had partied earlier at the coliseum and Club Rolex, 2 detroit strip clubs. An unidentified member of the group suggested that they go to the Triple c where associates of Bender-10 in all, were throwing a party. Upon arrival, Proof and his crew began to mingle.
I was talking to a chick, the friend says, and then, all of a sudden here comes keith bender bumping into proof, and all I hear is Dadadadadada..! He says an argument between associates of each crew had started nearby. The mutual acquain