Proof's Son NASAAN Hints At Upcoming Eminem Collaboration

BYDanilo Castro2.1K Views
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(EXCLUSIVE, Premium Rates Apply) Eminem and Deshaun Holton AKA "Proof" of D12 (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)
Slim's career is coming full circle.

NASAAN had the unique experience of knowing Eminem as a child. The rapper's father, Proof, was a member of D12 and one of Em's best friends before his untimely passing. NASAAN has carried the torch for his father as an artist, but one thing he's yet to do is link up with his father's old friend. At least, until now. NASAAN recently sat down for an interview with Off the Porch, and revealed that he has multiple tracks ready to go with Eminem.

NASAAN was excited about the opportunity to work with a legend, but he didn't want to jinx it. Em is known for being selective with his features, especially since the rollout for his new album, The Death of Slim Shady, has been so secretive. “We got some sh*t, we got some stuff," NASAAN confirmed. "He sent me some stuff. I don’t want to speak on it too much — I be getting in trouble when I talk about they stuff. I ain’t gonna speak on it." NASAAN may not have an official Eminem collab out yet, but the latter has had an enormous influence on his career. He even recreated an iconic moment between Eminem and Proof for his recent music video "Goated."

NASAAN Didn't Like Eminem's Music As A Kid

The rapper told Off the Porch that he actually wasn't a fan of Em or D12 when he was a kid. It was once he got older that he developed an appreciation for what the group (and his dad) accomplished. "I feel like I’ve known the n**ga forever," he admitted. "I think I started growing an appreciation for him as I got older ’cause it’s like, I never was a super fan of their music." The main reason why was setting. NASAAN moved to Atlanta after Proof's death, so it took him a while to get reacclimated to the grittier Detroit sound.

D12 was worlds away from what was happening in the ATL circa 2005. "Like I said, I grew up in Atlanta," the rapper noted. "So I think when I started building taste, my palate was a little bit different. So when I got like 14, 15, I kind of got into they stuff. And I was like, 'Oooh, this n**ga really rap.'" NASAAN also told Detroit Metro Times that he tried to escape his father's legacy, before ultimately coming around to it and embracing it. “My father’s legacy was something I ran from and shied from for so long," he admitted. "I didn’t want people to think I got sh*t handed to me or wanna be my friend for different reasons." Things have come full circle thanks to Slim Shady.

About The Author
Danilo is a writer based out of San Diego. He graduated from the Art Institute of Tucson with a B.A. in digital media, and has since forged a career as a pop culture journalist. He covered hip-hop for Heavy.com, Rhyme Junkies and PopMatters prior to joining HotNewHipHop.com. Danilo's top five is constantly changing, but Biggie and Slug from Atmosphere remain permanent fixtures. His favorite rap album of all time is "Late Registration" by Kanye West, and that stays the same.