Proof

Who Is Proof (rapper)? Age, Biography, and Wiki

Proof, born on October 2, 1973, was an American rapper best known for his role in the Detroit hip-hop scene and as a founding member of the group D12. He rose to fame in the early 2000s and was known for his sharp lyricism and vibrant personality. Although his life was tragically cut short in 2006, Proof's impact on the world of hip-hop remains significant, and his legacy continues to resonate with fans and artists alike.

Occupation	Songwriter
Date of Birth	October 2, 1973
Age	32 Years
Birth Place	Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Horoscope	Libra
Country	U.S
Date of death	11 April, 2006
Died Place	N/A

Popularity

Height, Weight & Measurements

Proof stood at approximately 6 feet (183 cm) tall and weighed around 175 lbs (79 kg). Known for his athletic build, he maintained a fit physique through his demanding performance schedule and lifestyle.

Proof released a solo album featuring collaborations with 50 Cent, Method Man, Nate Dogg, B-Real of Cypress Hill, T3 of Slum Village, Obie Trice, King Gordy, Eminem and D12. Proof said that he did not produce the record with Shady Records or Aftermath because he wanted to "build his own thing".

Called Searching for Jerry Garcia, the album was released on August 9, 2005, on his own Iron Fist Records label in conjunction with Alliance Entertainment's IDN Distribution, ten years to the day following Grateful Dead frontman Jerry Garcia's death.

It contained the prophetic song Kurt Kobain in which he wrote of his own death and "passing the sign" to 1st Born as his protégé once he was gone. Proof has said that he considered Garcia to be a "genius" who suffered from common character flaws.

Proof has stated his admiration for Garcia's eclectic style, saying that Garcia "went against the grain".

Proof stated how he wanted to be remembered in an interview with SOHH.com shortly after his album release: "I want people to say that I was a true artist, that I did it best and stayed true to Hip Hop roots [...] I'd want people to understand I did it for the love, not for the charts." The album received favorable reviews, which commented on its "e

clectic" and "introspective" nature.

Despite its list of guest appearances and favorable reviews, the release did not make a significant impact on the charts. Proof also recorded a track, "How I Live," with Twiztid for their album Independents Day shortly before his death.

Besides these, he recorded during his Gold Coast tour in 2006, which was exactly two weeks before his death, a song with "Liquidsilva" from Australia.

Family, Dating & Relationship Status

At the time of his untimely passing, Proof was known to be a private individual regarding his relationships. He was married to his long-time partner, who supported him throughout his career. They had children together, although the details about his family remain largely private, reflecting Proof’s desire to keep his personal life out of the public eye.

His father, McKinley Jackson, was a music producer who left to pursue his career prior to Holton's birth. Holton was close friends with Eminem from a young age.

Net Worth and Salary

As of 2025, Proof's net worth is estimated to be in the range of $1 million at the time of his death; however, his influence has likely contributed to a sustained increase in posthumous earnings from royalties, merchandise, and tributes. During his career, Proof earned additional income through album sales, live performances, and various collaborations.

Career, Business, and Investments

Proof's career began in the 1990s when he formed the group D12 with Eminem and other Detroit rappers. Their debut album, "Devil's Night," released in 2001, garnered critical and commercial success, further solidifying Proof's status in the industry. Beyond music, Proof was also involved in various business ventures, including the launch of his clothing line and a record label aimed at empowering local artists. His overall contributions to hip hop, particularly in Detroit, cannot be overstated, as he was a mentor to many upcoming artists.

DeShaun Dupree Holton (October 2, 1973 – April 11, 2006), known professionally as Proof, was an American rapper from Detroit, Michigan. During his career, he was a member of the groups 5 Elementz, Funky Cowboys, Promatic, Goon Sqwad, and D12. He was a close childhood friend of rapper Eminem, who also lived in Detroit. Proof was often a hype man rapper at Eminem's concerts.

Social Network

While Proof was known for his impactful music, he was also active on various social media platforms, where he interacted with fans and showcased his life and career. At the time of his passing, Proof had a growing following, and his accounts remain active in tribute to his legacy. His official fan pages continue to celebrate his music and memory, reiterating the respect and love from his community.

Education

Proof attended local schools in Detroit, where he developed a keen interest in music and performance. While there is limited information about his formal education, his lyrics reflect a deep understanding of the struggles and stories of urban life, implying a powerful self-education through personal experiences and an innate talent for storytelling through rap.

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Originally known as Maximum, under the moniker "Proof", Holton first rose to national prominence when he formed D12, "The Dirty Dozen", in 1996 with his friends Eminem, Bizarre, Mr. Porter, and a high school friend Eye-Kyu. Shortly after that, Proof recruited two friends, B-Flat & Dirty Ratt, to the group.

This created the first lineup of Proof's supergroup D12. Eventually this first incarnation of the group ended back in early 1996 because the original members of D12, Eye-Kyu, B-Flat, and Dirty Ratt, were more focused on recording music with their other groups.

Bizarre, Denaun, and Eminem, could not make it to the studio sessions because they were also working with their other groups. Proof decided to break up this version of the group in 1996.