Proof interview

by **SPEEDY** » Jan 19th, '06, 18:30

Like many new celebrities, Proof talks of being overwhelmed at the commercial success of D12, aka The Dirty Dozen.

"That was a part of the game, both professionally and personally, that you can't prepare for," Proof says. "Nobody can brace for fame. A lot of personal things were damaged, and at the professional level there were a lot of blessings. It's something that you have to grow with."

Even with the fame, Proof stays humble. On the phone, the rapper speaks with warmth and familiarity, often talking of his affection for fans.

"One of the great comments that I get from fans is, 'You're so down to earth,' " Proof said. "I guess that they have an idea of how a famous person is supposed to act, what they're supposed to do. To go against that is the greatest thing."

The rapper released a solo album in August, entitled "Searching for Jerry Garcia." He brings those sounds to the Temple Club Friday.

Proof sees the disc's title as a theme that touches everyone.

"The title of the CD was about that man and the plight that I saw," says Proof. "I was watching a documentary with a former business partner, and it was showing so much of Jerry Garcia's life; the drugs to the stress to the poor diet.

"At least one of those three things fit everybody's life in some way," he continues, "whether it's dealing with stress or drugs or poor diet."

The CD was recorded in various Los Angeles and Detroit studios, including Eminem's 54 Sound and FBT Productions studios. It boasts club tracks, hardcore raps, infectious beats. The disc also calls on big-named guests including Em protege 50 Cent and Marshall Mathers himself.

"He thinks it's hot," Proof said of Em's reaction to the disc. "Eminem is a great guy. It's hard to describe someone who's seen as one of the biggest rap artists in the world, because the person I see may not be the person you see. But he's a cool guy."

Tracks off the album offer introspective rhymes. In "Black Wrist Bro's Feat 1st Born," Proof raps:
Now, we must all fear evil men
But there is another kind of evil, which we must fear most
And that is, the indifference of good men!
Where does Proof derive his lyrical inspiration?

"I think a lot of people walk through life every day, but they walk dead," Proof says. "You have to open your eyes, look around and realize what you realize. There's a world out there, and there are many different stories. Everything is poetry.

"I get inspiration from everything in life," he continued. "I get it from Janis Joplin, from all kinds of music. I'm unpredictable; you don't know what I'll be listening to."

This CD arrives on Proof's own Iron Fist Records. Two other rappers on the label's roster will be at Friday's show, Purple Gain and Supa MC.

Expect a performance unlike any other.

"I never perform the same show ever," Proof said. "It's like the Grateful Dead. I feel like that is so genuine and true to fans."

In D12 news, Proof reports the group is in label negations, and plans to hit the studio in February or March. No collaborations are finalized, but Proof hopes to team up with Roadrunner artist Dirty Americans or alt- rocker Alien Aunt Farm on the album.