The Progress Report Podcast

Michael V. Epps joins The Progress Report’s Skipping Class for an in-depth conversation about growing up in Chicago, landing his breakout role as Jake on the hit television series The Chi, balancing acting and music, navigating fame at a young age, family support, mental health, and what’s next in his career. Throughout the interview, Michael also discusses his musical influences, recording proces...

Jackson, Mississippi native Ricky Hoodrich joins Skipping Class with Lalaa Shepard for an exclusive conversation about his journey from DJ to becoming one of the industry’s respected producers and engineers after relocating to Atlanta. Throughout the interview, Ricky reflects on his career, working alongside Peewee Longway, and helping create some of the music that has defined Atlanta’s trap scene...

In this new episode of Skipping Class presented by The Progress Report, Durham, North Carolina artist Big YBA sits down with Lalaa Shepard to discuss first meeting DeeBaby backstage during his Atlanta tour, receiving a co-sign from R&B icon Keisha Cole on his breakout record “Miss It,” and the success surrounding the song and music video. Big YBA also addresses comparisons to YTB Fatt, shares his...

In this episode of Skipping Class presented by The Progress Report, Southern Soul artist Mike Clark Jr. sits down with Lalaa Shepard to discuss his musical journey, growing up in Macon, Georgia, and how singing has always been a part of his life. Mike reflects on working at Applebee’s and in security while pursuing music, going viral on TikTok, and the support he received from family throughout hi...

On this week’s episode of Lunch Table Talk, Lalaa Shepard, Boss Britt, and DJ eXeL keep it real about modern dating and internet culture. From relationship red flags and toxic exes to fake designer bags, online trolling, and people living for social media validation, no topic is off limits. The crew also discusses whether networking matters more than talent, if crying online has become normalized,...

“Anything that causes us pain and trauma, it never really goes anywhere you just have to learn to manage it” ~ Pastor Keion Henderson  On this episode of Skipping Class presented by The Progress Report, Lalaa Shepard sits down with Pastor Keion Henderson for an honest conversation about faith, forgiveness, leadership, marriage, and purpose.  Pastor Keion opens up about being raised by a single mot...

“I don’t make low IQ music” ~ Enphamus  On this episode of Skipping Class, Lalaa Shepard sits down with Albany-born, Atlanta-raised artist Enphamus for a conversation about his musical journey, navigating Atlanta’s rap scene, lessons learned from Waka Flocka, collaborating with Young Nudy, balancing fatherhood, and his recent 22-pound weight loss transformation.  Enphamus also addresses comparison...

“I want to die empty with no music on my hard drive!” ~ DJ Spinz  In this episode of Skipping Class, presented by The Progress Report, Lalaa Shepard sits down with legendary producer and DJ DJ Spinz for an in-depth conversation about his journey from Augusta, Georgia, to becoming one of the architects behind Atlanta’s modern sound.  DJ Spinz reflects on his early beginnings, the influence of his g...

“Social media is a cheat code now, you don’t even have to know how to rap” ~ Yung Booke  Atlanta recording artist Yung Booke joins Lalaa Shepard for a brand new episode of Skipping Class presented by The Progress Report.  During this exclusive conversation, Yung Booke reflects on his longtime relationship with Young Thug, celebrating his recent birthday alongside the Atlanta superstar, and witness...

Houston’s own SunniThaRapper joins Lalaa Shepard for an all-new episode of Skipping Class presented by The Progress Report. During the conversation, SunniThaRapper reflects on growing up in Houston as an only child raised by a single mother, her early introduction to music, and how poetry helped shape her creative journey. She also discusses her experience as a member of the Houston-based R&B and...

“This my first time doing a sit down situation so you can say I beat the streets” ~ Jose Guapo In this exclusive interview conducted by Lalaa Shepard, Jose Guapo opens up about recently coming home from jail, sobriety, beating his cases, personal growth, and entering a healthier space mentally, physically, and spiritually. Guapo speaks honestly about serving time, jail conditions, being treated li...

“God spoke to me himself” ~ 2-17  2-17 joins Lalaa Shepard for a powerful new episode of Skipping Class presented by The Progress Report. During this conversation, 2-17 opens up about turning his life over to God, becoming a husband, celebrating 10 years of marriage, and proud father of four sons, and how family changed the direction of his life and career. He reflects on personal growth, protecti...

“I feel closer to my sister Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes now because it’s a different type of connection” ~ Reigndrop Lopes  In this new episode of Skipping Class presented by The Progress Report, Lalaa Shepard sits down with Reigndrop Lopes, the younger sister of TLC legend Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, for an emotional and insightful conversation about family, music, healing, and preserving one of music’s mos...

Atlanta artist Mykko Montana joins Lalaa Shepard for a brand new episode of “Skipping Class” presented by The Progress Report. During the conversation, Mykko Montana reflects on the lasting success of his breakout record “Do It” featuring K Camp and produced by Bobby Kritical, and why the song continues to grow years after its original 2012 release. He explains how the record became an Atlanta sta...

Rapper and entrepreneur Rico Richie joins a brand new episode of Skipping Class presented by The Progress Report and hosted by Lalaa Shepard. During the interview, Rico Richie reflects on his journey from being a standout football player at Georgia Tech and briefly making it to the NFL before transitioning into music. He opens up about the frustration and anger he experienced after football did no...

“Independence means you can’t blame nobody” ~ Don Trip  “When you’re independent, you have to grind twice as hard!” ~ Eddie Valero  Memphis artists and entrepreneurs Don Trip and Eddie Valero sit down with Lalaa Shepard for a new episode of Skipping Class presented by The Progress Report. During the interview, the two speak on vulnerability in music, fatherhood, independence, ownership, family rel...

A brand new episode of Lunch Table Talk presented by The Progress Report is now live featuring Lalaa Shepard, Boss Britt, and DJ eXeL. This episode dives straight into trending conversations surrounding relationships, celebrity culture, accountability, hip-hop drama, and social media debates.  The crew breaks down the rumored split between Megan Thee Stallion and Klay Thompson, Cardi B reactions,...

“No credit, no conversation… Corporate has been stealing” ~ Shatasha Williams In this episode of Skipping Class presented by The Progress Report, Lalaa Shepard sits down with legendary vocalist Shatasha Williams, best known as the voice behind Bone Thugs-N-Harmony’s classic hit “Thuggish Ruggish Bone.” During the conversation, Shatasha Williams reflects on her relationship with Bone Thugs-N-Harmon...

A new episode of Lunch Table Talk presented by The Progress Report is now live, featuring Lalaa Shepard, Boss Britt, and DJ eXeL. This virtual edition dives straight into the culture, starting with Cardi B’s “Little Miss Drama” tour taking over with sold-out dates, viral moments, and unforgettable performances. From the twerk contest energy to Magic City vibes, we break down how Cardi continues to...

Atlanta is the culture, we set the trends” ~ DJ Ray G DJ Ray G and DJ Ru Major skip class with host Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report to speak on their roles as the official DJs for Cardi B’s sold out “Little Miss Drama” tour. In this episode, they take us inside the tour experience, breaking down everything from the energy of sold out arenas to turning each show into a full-on party atmosphere...

Nino Breeze pulls up to Skipping Class presented by The Progress Report for an in-depth conversation with Lalaa Shepard. The St. Petersburg, Florida native opens up about his journey from rapping at a young age to serving time in prison and coming home with a renewed focus on music, growth, and longevity. Now signed to Rick Ross’ Maybach Music Group (MMG), Nino Breeze shares what it’s really like...

Waka Flocka taps in with Lalaa Shepard for an exclusive TPR Live virtual interview with The Progress Report, where he opens up about everything from his current run on the Boys 4 Life Tour alongside Bow Wow and Omarion to his evolution as an artist and entrepreneur. While still on tour, Waka reflects on the energy of performing, including his viral SeaWorld performance that had the internet talkin...

“Its always somebody who can relate to you no matter where you at in life” ~ Nuke2Stiff Nuke2Stiff joins The Progress Report for a new episode of Skipping Class presented by The Progress Report, where he opens up about his journey growing up in Summerhill Atlanta, stepping into music seriously in 2024, and building his name in the Atlanta music scene. In this conversation with Lalaa Shepard, Nuke2...

Memphis, Tennessee rapper BIG30 sits down with Lalaa Shepard for a flashback episode of Skipping Class presented by The Progress Report. In light of recent conversations surrounding Gucci Mane, Pooh Shiesty, and the Memphis rap scene, this interview resurfaces key moments where BIG30 addresses his relationship with Gucci Mane, clears up rumors about not signing, and reflects on the early stages of...

“My best investment is my engineer” ~ E. Heard  Selma, Alabama artist E. Heard joins Skipping Class presented by The Progress Report for an honest and insightful conversation with Lalaa Shepard, opening up about his journey, mindset, and the decisions that shaped his path. From life before rap to learning hard lessons in the streets, E. Heard explains why he had to distance himself from his neighb...