Eminem Honors Late D12 Member Proof 20 Years After His Death

The Detroit rapper reflects on the life and legacy of his close friend and bandmate who passed away in 2006.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 6:50pm

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Eminem has shared a heartfelt tribute to his close friend and D12 member Proof, who passed away 20 years ago today. In a lengthy social media post, Eminem reflected on their early days in Detroit, Proof's support and belief in him, and the lasting impact his friend had on his life and career.

Why it matters

Proof was a founding member of D12 and one of Eminem's closest friends, playing a crucial role in helping launch the superstar rapper's career in the early days. His death two decades ago was a major loss for the Detroit hip-hop community and Eminem personally, and this tribute sheds light on their enduring friendship.

The details

In his tribute, Eminem looked back on how he and Proof first met, recalling a moment where they started rapping for each other after handing out flyers together. Eminem credited Proof for believing in him and helping open doors by vouching for him at clubs and open mics in Detroit. The rapper stressed that his life would not have taken the same trajectory without Proof's support and friendship.

  • Proof passed away on April 11, 2006.
  • Today marks the 20th anniversary of Proof's death.

The players

Eminem

A legendary Detroit rapper and founding member of the group D12, who was close friends with Proof.

Proof

A rapper and founding member of D12 who was one of Eminem's closest friends until his death in 2006.

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What they’re saying

“Doody, can't believe it's been 20 years since you've been gone! Not a day goes by that I don't think about you in some way shape or form… You were and are still truly one of the greatest friends I ever had in my entire life and I thank God everyday that he put us in each other's lives.. I feel like that happened for a reason.”

— Eminem, Rapper

“My life would never have taken the trajectory it took had I not met you. Thank you for always believing in me like I always believed in you!! We had such an amazing ride together and I will never forget you and what you did for me and my self-esteem and confidence every time you cosigned for me at every club and open mic we ever went to!! Your credibility was enough to open people's minds to not judge me until they heard me.”

— Eminem, Rapper

What’s next

Eminem's tribute to Proof is likely to inspire further reflection on the late rapper's life and legacy within the Detroit hip-hop community.

The takeaway

Eminem's heartfelt tribute highlights the profound impact his close friend and D12 collaborator Proof had on his life and career, underscoring the enduring power of their friendship even two decades after Proof's tragic passing.