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Kuniva Archives - AllHipHop

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1973-Forever: Remembering D12’s Proof [VIDEO]

The opening track of Proof’s Searching for Jerry Garcia album, “Knice,” captures the essence of the Motor City emcee in a very captivating way.  Set at the First Annual Detroit Hip-Hop Awards, the host’s voice soon fades and then we hear Proof thinking aloud: “My city loves me; I love my city.  I feel like I’m letting them down.  I’ve done so much, but I don’t feel like I’ve accomplished nothing at all… I remember when me and Hip-Hop first fell in love.  Detroit and Hip-Hop.  Damn.  Cause I ain’t changing for s**t, I’ma always be me.”  And interspersed between these thoughts is the host presenting the accolade for the Detroit Hip-Hop Recognition Award.  “From the days of the Hip-Hop Shop to the days of multi-platinum record sales, you’ll see this guy on MTV Wednesday night, then you’ll catch him at St. Andrew’s Hall on Friday night hosting a battle.  He has been around the world, and still finds time to give back to the city.  That being said, it’s a pleasure and an honor to present the first annual Hip-Hop Recognition Award to none other than my man, Big Proof!” Listeners get the feeling that Proof doesn’t think he has done enough.  Obviously that couldn’t be further from the truth, but rather than get upset, Proof uses his emotions as motivation and that introduction beautifully sets up Garcia’s first song, “Clap With Me,” where he lists the credentials of his contemporaries and then comes to see himself as a rapper the way that they do (as well as countless fans).  “‘8 Mile’ was dope / Obie brought heat / Emile on the beat, 50 kept us in the street / It’s my destiny to be, the truth nevertheless / Nothin’ new, your boy Proof is better than best.” In an AllHipHop.com special report, for the ten year mark of his passing, I went to The D and spoke with D12 in order to get a glimpse into how and why DeShaun “Proof” Holton  was better than the best and became the ‘Mayor of Detroit’ in its rap community.  From how they first met Big Proof to his propensity for practical jokes and then finally the lessons he taught each of them, this a celebration of his life and not a mourning of his death. Upon telling Swifty about this project when making arrangements to interview him for it, he thanked me for helping keep Proof’s legacy going strong.  To him, I now say that I consider it an honor and a responsibility to do so because not only did Proof create some of the dopest music I’ve ever heard, he was also a wonderful example of someone who was able to bring people together and that improved the quality of life for all those involved.  I believe that is something to be revered, especially in a culture that is too often fueled by beef and aggression. And for any concern that Proof had when he said that he felt he was letting the city down, this is evidence that he lifted it up.  Whether it was, among many other things, mentoring a young Eminem back when Marshall was stepping in clubs wearing the same pair of Lugz or recording an entire album in 24 hours, Proof was remarkable and Hip-Hop is better because of him. Respect due.

Kuniva, Mr. Porter and Tony Yayo Remember Proof On the 6th Anniversary of His Death

(AllHipHop News) It is never a pleasant experience when loved ones must pay respects to those that have passed, especially when that person is adored, appreciated, and loved on a global scale by friends, family, and millions of fans. Today (April 11) marks the sixth anniversary of DeShaun “Big Proof” Holton’s death, and AllHipHop.com reached out to some of the people that worked with Proof directly during their careers, who toured with the self-proclaimed funny guy and comedian, and those that overall just enjoyed his presence. The following statements come from Proof’s former D12 bandmates and longtime friends, Mr. Porter and Kuniva: I choose to not celebrate this day, because it’s the day I hate the most. I don’t want to remember the day I lost him!!! I celebrate his b-day!! Ultimately, people say a lot of things about this day, and I understand we all mourn and deal differently!! But his kids are missing their dad, and thank God they have strong moms in their lives. I’m thankful for that! I pray I can have a strong mom for my kids and have kids as great as his one day! They are the true hurt ones [more] than everyone else. I miss him and see what he has done for many people, including me, everyday! He is iconic! My Brother is an everyday inspiration. I hope to be as great as him!! –Mr. Porter “The loss of Proof was a devastating blow to not only his family and D12, but to the city of Detroit and Hip-Hop as a whole. He was the heartbeat of the city and will NEVER be forgotten. People say don’t celebrate the death day of Proof, but I use that day to celebrate his life, his legacy, and what he taught me. Right now, D12 is in a place where we’re finding ourselves. Venturing off like we always said we would when we first started this. We have just grown as artists and needed to leave the nest and fly. Need to do my own thing, but I’ll always be IN D12. We’ve made record selling history in only two albums. One thing is for sure, WE ARE NOT DONE.” –Kuniva Proof was street for real. Always showed love for him on tour; there was nothing but groupies, drinks, laughs, smoke and a whole bunch of Detroit crazy n#####. On the ’05 Anger Management tour, we would have the biggest dice game of cee-lo, NY vs Detroit, or hitting clubs in the D like 100 deep. He was a different type of gangsta who always had jokes on the road and always held it down if there was drama. Proof’s gone but not forgotten… The thing that hit me the most is my parole officer wouldn’t let me go to his funeral. –Tony Yayo There will be a benefit concert tonight at St. Andrews, exactly six years to the day that the 32-year-old Detroit native was gunned down. Performers set to take the stage tonight include Obie Trice, Supa Emcee, Stretch Money, Killa Kaun and members from the Proof-founded label, Iron Fist Records. Proceeds from tonight’s event will benefit Proof’s relatives and family which includes his five children. Be sure to read staff writer Biba Adams’ 2006 editorial on the loss of Proof, “Thoughts On My Beloved (R.I.P. Proof)” to honor the memory of one of Hip-Hop’s fallen stars.