While the reason for his death is still unclear, a lot of people outside of the rap community – including the general media – are not showing any real sympathy, especially when hearing that he was a rapper and friend of rap star Eminem.

People start to say things like, “Why should I care? He’s just another rapper.”

It’s as if the word “rapper” has become synonymous with “garbage wrapper” nowadays. Unlike back in the golden age of rap, rappers are now being seen as something disposable when compared to other musicians.

We should all care that Proof died, not because he’s a rapper, or because he was a good friend of Eminem’s, but because he was someone like us, another human being striving for success.

Many individuals on this planet have talents and goals that they hope to achieve in their lives, but many do not have the chance or means of reaching that goal. Proof was someone who did have the talent and the means, but sadly he is now gone; a useless end to another talented life.

His death should not be seen as only a loss to the rap community, but also to the American Dream: success through hard work and dedication.

Media outlets are not showing any real sign of remorse for they way they report these kinds of deaths. It is probably because of the negative image and reputation artists in the rap game receive, and because of this, general media makes Proof’s death more of an event to link to a greater story: “the trials and tribulations of Eminem.” The fact is that Proof was more than just Eminem’s homeboy; he was one of us, a person working hard to reach a dream.

Rest in Peace
DeShaun "Proof" Holton
Oct. 2, 1975 - Apr. 11, 2006