Here are a few pics I took at this years SneaksUp show, which was held at Backstage Live on April 17, 2011. Want to give a special thanks to everyone who helped with putting on an great sneaker show. I would say names but there is too many to write or type for that matter. Also, it was great meeting all the out-of-towners who came from all over the U.S. Hope to see everyone back for next years show, which will be bigger and better.
Today marks the untimely passing and senseless killing of Detroit mainstay, gifted freestyle battle rapper and best bud to hometown hero Eminem, DeShaun “Big Proof” Holton. Proof was killed as a result of a gunshot wound to the chest on the grounds of the CCC Club in Detroit at the hands of security guard Mario Etheridge – shortly after Proof shot Etheridge’s cousin Keith Bender, Jr.
Etheridge shot Holton three times in retaliation to the shooting of his family member, with Proof expiring on the spot. Bender died just a week later due to complications from a head wound. A friend of Proof’s came forward in a XXL magazine interview stating his account of the altercation between Proof and Bender.
The gentleman shared that he agreed with police reports and witness accounts that Proof had been drinking heavily and that a fracas did ensue between the D12 rapper and Bender. Proof’s friend, however, elaborated that Proof may have been following Etheridge’s intimidating lead, as the security guard fired a round in the air in an attempt to calm down the argument between Bender and Holton over a pool game gone afoul.
Regardless of the conflicting details, Proof’s death came as a shock to many who knew him. Fans and friends of the rapper depicted him as an easygoing and fun loving character that enjoyed the trappings of fame along with Slim Shady and his D12 cohorts but was never known to be violent.
Eminem has often eulogized his friend in verse, with Slim’s “Difficult” being the most recent incarnation. In the song, Eminem’s pained vocals and sincere words devoted to Proof resonate over the somber production and depicts the difficulty Em has had with the mourning process of losing such a close ally.
Some will recall in the loosely biographical Eminem film "8 Mile" the character Future, played by actor Mekhi Phifer; Future is known by most to be the celluloid depiction of Proof.
Up for sale is two pairs of Jordan football cleats. There is no set price, so I am willing to hear all offers. Lowballers are welcomed. Also there is no OG box, but one will be provided for both pairs.
If you recall, San Antonio Sneaks Up planned a city-wide scavenger hunt prior to the successful Sneaks Up 4 event last spring. The event, titled San Antonio Sneaks Up “Dunk Hunt”, provided San Antonio natives the opportunity to hunt for six pairs of a highly-detailed custom Dunk. This year, San Antonio Sneaks Up will construct another scavenger hunt; this time, it is called Sneaks Up Sole Search 2011. Instead of a custom Dunk, participators will be on the hunt for a custom Nike Air Max 90 that features an OG Air Jordan IV colorway. Much like last year’s custom creation, this sneaker was also designed by customizer Jake Danklefs.
Talib Kweli and Fonzworth Bentley headlined and put on awesome performances. The event was a huge success and I want to give a shout out to our sponors: Red Bull, Halo, Mike's Hard Punch, Heineken and T-Mobile. Thanks to all the participants and local performers: AJ Hernz, Bugsy, Question, Slic Vic, Yung Fyngas, Rob Tyson and Gab The Gift. We are really looking forward to Volume 3 and hope you stay with us on this adventure. Much love to all of you who continue to support us and to those of you who hate and motivate us, Sneaker Palooza Volume 3 coming March 11, 2012!!