The rapper DJ Proof (I think that's his name) that was shot & killed
recently produced an album titled "Searching for Jerry Garcia". I
don't know much about rap music or this particular artists, but as a
huge fan of the music of Jerry Garcia, I'm curious about how & why
this album received it's title. Any info would be appreciated

Dear ddsquared-ga,

In these articles it is reported that Jerry Garcia was an inspiration for him.

?Inspired by Jerry Garcia, the lead singer of The Greatful Dead, Proof
says he's a huge fan, not only as an artist but as a "genius" who
suffered and died from character flaws common to all people. "He
played every kind of music -- he had jazz albums, classical albums, he
went against the grain," Proof said. "He didn't care about the record
sales ... I mean, his shows outsold his record sales. That almost
don't make sense to me."
Google cache only
http://72.14.203.104/search?q=cache:GMDtM9KjGh4J:www.ironfistrecords.com/+%22Searching+for+Jerry+Garcia%22+inspired&hl=en&gl=uk&ct=clnk&cd=1

?The title is a reference to the late Jerry Garcia, the guitarist from
Grateful Dead whose commitment and positivity has greatly inspired the
Detroit rapper, born Deshaun Holton.?
http://www.thesituation.co.uk/reviews/05/proof.html

?Proof says the title was simply inspired by a Grateful Dead documentary.
"Jerry Garcia died from a poor diet, drugs and stress," Proof says.
The man can relate.?
http://www.metrotimes.com/editorial/story.asp?id=7889

http://ezinearticles.com/?Proof-Searching-for-Jerry-Garcia;-Album-Review&id=57944
http://www.1strowseats.com/blog/?p=97

Other references may be found under this Google search
://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=%22Searching+for+Jerry+Garcia%22+inspired&btnG=Search&meta=

I hope this answers your question. If it does not, or the answer is
unclear, then please ask for clarification of this research before
rating the answer. I shall respond to the clarification request as
soon as I receive it.
Thank you
answerfinder

Search strategy
Took a chance that he was inspired by him and used this search term.
"Searching for Jerry Garcia" inspired

Why didn't I think of that?! Guess that's why they pay you the big bucks! ;-)