D-12

Inspired by Wu-Tang Clan's collective of revolving rappers, MC Proof united Detroit's finest young freestylers into D12, who were shot to fame when its star turn was picked up by legendary producer Dr. Dre and nurtured into the superstar Eminem. Also known as Dirty Dozen, the group built a growing local reputation before Eminem left to pursue his solo career and key member Bugz was shot dead. With the group on its knees, Eminem returned to help catapult debut album Devil's Night (2001) to Number 1 in the US and UK and turn the single Purple Pills into a huge international hit. Featuring guest appearances from Kanye West, Obie Trice and Dr. Dre, its follow-up D12 World (2004) brought more success, again topping the charts in the US and UK and selling over 3.5 million copies worldwide. The group appeared in Eminem's film 8 Mile and also in the comedy The Longest Yard, but tragedy struck when Proof was murdered in a night club in 2006.