Looking Back on Proof
Heartfelt piece from Detroit writer and friend of Proof, Khary Kimani Turner:
What do we have to prove?
Trying to make sense of the tragedy
...No one should suffer these things. This isn't about typical rap shit. It's about stupidity. The shooting strikes at the heart of hip hop because those of us who knew and loved Proof knew him as a delightful personality prone to asinine, often self-created predicaments, the kind you hoped wouldn't one day cost him dearly.
But he did pay dearly.
This freak scene involved three intelligent individuals who've lived long enough to have perspective on their lives. The wrong choices were made. One started the spat, the other responded, and a third, Bender's cousin Mario Etheridge, ended it in a round of bullets.
It's all sickening, and it hurts like hell...
...As much as I love hip hop, I'd be a fool to deny that we smear shit on ourselves in our music, but call it cologne. And our children are left to grow up in the aftermath of the mental conditioning...
...We have a role as men in this society, but our actions suggest that we only accept a portion of that responsibility. Yes, I will remember Proof as the wonderful and conflicted person he was. But I will also ask why he couldn't exercise enough restraint to consider the moment. To consider tomorrow.
Posted by jsmooth995 at April 20, 2006 04:02 PM
Two Men GONE To Soon.Proof,Bender the fire could not have been that hot because we are talking about two well raised men yes I said two MEN that could have been here today but are not there sprite is but there body is at rest.Two men that if they could look at the out come would have done things different if that one night they could have back the song that my friend (proof)wrote with the words (I WISH I COULD TAKE IT)I wish you was still here my friend. The after you was put to rest I miss you even more today than I did yasterday good bye my friend. posted by teddy bear entertainment..detroit loves you..
