Family of Slain Rapper Proof to Benefit from Memorial T-Shirt and Poster Purchased Through The Web

LOS ANGELES, CA. (Interscope Records) - A Web site has been launched to help raise financial support for the widow and five children of rapper Proof, who was gunned down on April 11, 2006. The 32-year-old Deshaun Dupree Holton, aka Proof, was a pioneer in Detroit hip-hop and his association with Eminem and the group D12 marked him as one of the genre's most prominent figures. A collaboration between D12's management, Goliath Artists, and his record label, Eminem's Shady Records, the benefit site (www.bigproof4ever.com) offers fans the opportunity to purchase a memorial t-shirt and poster, the latter created by graphic designer Shepard Fairey, renowned for his "Obey" series. All proceeds will go to the Big Proof Forever Foundation established by Shady Records.

"Proof was completely selfless," said his manager, John Fisher. "We didn't want that spirit of giving to go away just because he is no longer with us. Every penny of the profits will go to his family. We wanted to commemorate his life, not his passing, and continue his legacy."

The concept for the t-shirt first surfaced at Proof's funeral services, where many mourners wore t-shirts with Proof's image that said "Big Proof Forever 1973-2006" in tribute. The Web site presents the design in gold and silver foil as well as in familiar black-and-white. Proof's family approved both the t-shirt and poster.

Said Marc LaBelle, Sr. VP of A&R and Marketing for Shady Records, "People were affected by Proof's death and touched by the way he lived his life, whether they were friends, fans, or both. Some of those very people, who work in the art and merchandising worlds, reached out to find a way to creatively celebrate Proof's life. A commemorative poster was created by world renowned underground artist and creator of OBEY campaigns, Shepard Fairey. Seeing Proof's face is a reminder that his influence will go on forever. All proceeds of the shirts and posters will support his family."

The bigproof4ever.com Web site is expected to continue indefinitely as well. Updates will enable fans to purchase additional items and so assist his family through the years.