The Progress Report Podcast

“I learned to always stay independent” ~ Big K.R.I.T.  In this powerful episode of Skipping Class, Big K.R.I.T. sits down with host Lalaa Shepard to reflect on his journey, creative independence, and the realities of the music industry. From dedicating an entire album to his beloved car Cadalee Biarritz to producing his own records, K.R.I.T. breaks down what it truly means to stay authentic in hip...

Welcome back Classmates! 🎒🔥 We’re kicking off 2026 with our FIRST episode of Lunch Table Talk, and the conversations are REAL! Hosted by Lalaa Shepard, Boss Britt & DJ eXeL, this episode covers everything trending in hip-hop, pop culture, and the music industry — from viral celebrity moments to serious industry discussions. 🎤 Topics we break down: • Cardi B responds to Celina Powell • Offset th...

“Losing Doe B still hurts everybody” ~ CBM Soulja  CBM Soulja sits down with Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report for a powerful and emotional conversation about life, loss, and resilience. In this interview, CBM Soulja opens up about learning of Doe B’s passing while he was incarcerated, the pain of losing a close friend, and the impact it had on his life and mindset.  He reflects on beating two...

“When Young Scooter passed away YKNIECE came in the picture and uplifted our whole spirit and energy because we thought it was kinda over…” ~ AMG Twinz  Twin brothers, Paris and China — AMG Twinz return to The Progress Report for a powerful and honest conversation about their journey, personal growth, and the moments that shaped their path. In this episode, the duo reflect on the passing of Young...

“Hardest tape since mixtapes”  Bally Baby and Hoodrich Keem return to Skipping Class, but this time they make history with their first-ever joint interview on the platform. The two sit down to talk about bringing real mixtape energy back to the culture with ‘BABY DRANK’ navigating growth while protecting their peace, and what it means to evolve without losing authenticity. They reflect on their jo...

“Glorilla the only person in this world who can say she wrote a song for me” ~ Kevo Muney  Memphis artist Kevo Muney sits down with Lalaa Shepard on Skipping Class, powered by The Progress Report, for a raw and personal conversation about his life, his music, and the mindset it took to keep going. Kevo Muney reflects on growing up in Memphis, learning the realities of the city early, and how exper...

Dallas, TX rapper HeadHuncho Amir pulls up for an in-depth conversation with Lalaa Shepard on Skipping Class presented by The Progress Report, where he breaks down his journey, mindset, and vision for longevity in the music industry. In this interview, HeadHuncho Amir talks about growing up in East Dallas, how the city shaped his sound, and the moment he knew it was time to take music seriously. ...

"I wanted to take the risk of the trial instead of pleading guilty to a couple of chargers I didn't do" ~ Ca$h Out  Exclusive Interview: Cash Out calls in from prison to speak with Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report in his first in-depth conversation since receiving a life sentence.  In this powerful and emotional discussion, Cash Out reflects on:  Why he chose to go to trial instead of taking a...

“We all our biggest enemies… I was in the way of myself” ~ Xanman  DMV artist Xanman pulls up to Skipping Class hosted by Lalaa Shepard with The Progress Report for a transparent and entertaining conversation about his journey in music.  He talks growing up in Landover, Maryland discovering music as a kid, and how his uncle — a drummer — helped shape his early sound. Xanman reflects on the DMV sce...

“On the creative side… make sure you love what you’re doing, it’s a lot of smoke and mirrors” ~ TM88 “Success ain’t overnight, its ok to have a job to get by, don’t care about what people think” ~ Fuse 808 Mafia  The Progress Report presents its latest edition of Skipping Class joined by super producers TM88, Fuse of 808 Mafia, Mucho, Slugg, Mayhem, Tre Pounds & Mac all representing Crash Dummy Re...

Memphis rapper Big Homie G returns to Skipping Class for his second episode and gets more personal than ever. In this sit-down, he opens up about catching walking pneumonia, having to learn to walk again, and how the experience changed his mindset and music.  G also talks fatherhood, teaching his son about guns, dealing with doubt, healing from loss, and what it means to love openly as a Black man...

“What makes me most proud is the money I get from producing to take care of my 5 kids” ~ Buddah Bless  In this exclusive sit-down of Skipping Class presented by The Progress Report, platinum producer Buddah Bless opens up about his journey from church drums in Stone Mountain to producing chart-topping records for some of hip-hop’s biggest names.  He talks about being born in Long Island, moving to...

“Be yourself, look over your own paper like we was in school… can’t copy nothing” ~ Rocklife Zho  Augusta, GA artist Rocklife Zho returns to The Progress Report for his first interview since 2021 with host Lalaa Shepard — and he’s coming back with a new mindset, a new project, and a whole new level of growth.  In this conversation, Zho speaks on the real-life lessons he’s learned from being a fath...

Rajel returns to Skipping Class presented by The Progress Report with Lalaa Shepard for a candid and emotional conversation about her life today as a new mother, partner, and rising reality TV personality.  In this interview, Rajel opens up about becoming a first-time mother with Boosie, the inspiration behind their daughter’s name Sevyn, and the biggest surprises she’s experienced on her motherho...

“I made gang banging cool” ~ Big Moochie Grape  Big Moochie Grape returns to The Progress Report for a raw and emotional Skipping Class interview, opening up about everything from his mother’s passing and mental health to Ralo, fatherhood, and new music on the way. In this exclusive conversation, Moochie gives fans a deeper look into his personal journey, growing pains, and the experiences that sh...

Welcome back to Lunch Table Talk, presented by The Progress Report with hosts Lalaa Shepard and DJ eXeL.  This week we dive into the biggest trending topics and conversations shaping music, sports, and culture.  We break down Megan Thee Stallion’s new single “Lover Girl” and the Total “Kissin’ You” sample, Lola Brooke’s consistency, Omeretta, Blueface coming home and the surrounding drama, Gucci M...

“For the world who wondering if Hoodrich Pablo Juan can rap still, shawty rapping better and he got more to talk about” ~ RX Hector  Hoodrich Pablo Juan is officially HOME after serving 5 years on a federal RICO charge — and Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report pulled up for his FIRST chat alongside RX Hector! This exclusive reunion is special for us… We’ve been covering Pablo Juan and RX Hector f...

“Even though we were signed to a major record label distributed all around the country and around the world, we still moved as independent artists” ~ Bun B  In this powerful new episode of Skipping Class, Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report Media Group sits down with Southern hip-hop icons Bun B and Cory Mo — two Texas legends who’ve built one of the most respected legacies in rap culture. Born a...

“Lil Marlo one of them ones from my side damn near like Shawty Lo” ~ Wee2Hard  Atlanta rapper Wee2Hard stops by Skipping Class (Presented by The Progress Report) with LaLaa Shepard to share his story — from growing up on the Wicked Westside of Atlanta to getting signed by QC (Quality Control) while still in 10th grade. In this exclusive interview, Wee2Hard opens up about:  🎤 His come-up and early...

Houston rappers Trill Sammy & Dice Soho pull up to Skipping Class with host Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report to reflect on their early come up, breakout moment with “Just Watch,” and how they went viral on Vine and Twitter before streaming even took off.  The duo open up about:  🔥 Their Houston roots & rap beginnings  💿 Pros & cons of being signed to major labels  💈 New music, style, and bu...

“We came up in the 90s where people were so blessed and grateful to be living their dreams” ~ Keisha (Total)  R&B icons Keisha and Kima of Total sit down for an exclusive Skipping Class interview with host Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report to talk about the golden era of Bad Boy Records, the legacy of 90s R&B, and how it feels seeing Megan Thee Stallion sample their classic hit “Kissin You.”  K...

“Hip Hop is a gift and a curse” ~ Kino Beats  Producer, DJ, engineer — Kino Beats returns to The Progress Report since first appearing on the platform in 2020 for an in-depth conversation about his growth, the loss of OG Maco, rappers in prison, and his continued collaborations with Peewee Longway and Curren$y.  In this interview, the Jamaican-born, ATL-based producer opens up about his creative p...

“We prayed we would do 30 years but we didn’t know we actually would… The average lifespan for an R&B artist is about 3 years” ~ 112  Slim and Mike of 112 joins host Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report’s Skipping Class segment to celebrate 30 years of legendary R&B history! The duo gets real about their journey from Atlanta to worldwide fame, how they’ve stayed strong for three decades, and what...

“Cant nobody out rap me except Young Dro” ~ Backbone Dungeon Family In this powerful episode of Skipping Class with The Progress Report, Atlanta legend Backbone of Dungeon Family sits down with host Lalaa Shepard to talk about his evolution, health journey, and upcoming project “Collection Plate.” He opens up about writing his latest music completely sober, the early days of Dungeon Family with Ce...

“MoneyBagg Yo raps like me… I was rapping first” ~ J Sipp  Meridian, Mississippi artist J Sipp sits down for a Skipping Class interview with host Lalaa Shepard to talk about coming up in the game, starting music at age 9, and doing a record with DG Yola before he got locked up. J Sipp also explains why he’d never go into the club business after learning directly from his dad, how he stays motivate...