The Progress Report Podcast

Flint, Michigan rapper Louie Ray joins Lalaa Shepard for a new episode of Skipping Class presented by The Progress Report Media Group for a revealing conversation about his independent journey, family, relationships, the Flint rap movement, and his evolution as an artist and businessman. Louie Ray opens up about learning how to make money independently after making mistakes early in his career and...

“I’m so happy I stayed in my marriage” ~ Amy Luciani Amy Luciani returns to Skipping Class for an honest conversation about how much life has changed since her last sit-down with Lalaa Shepard. Now approaching two years of marriage to Dwight Howard, Amy opens up about why she chose to stay in her marriage, taking accountability for her own mistakes, navigating their marital issues publicly, and le...

Major Nine, also known as Chad Thomas, joins Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report for a new episode of Skipping Class to discuss his journey from football to establishing himself as an artist, songwriter, producer, and independent creative. The former Cleveland Browns player reflects on his passion for both music and sports, playing football at the University of Miami, his perspective on NIL deals...

East Atlanta rapper Lil Quill returns to Skipping Class presented by The Progress Report for an in-depth conversation with Lalaa Shepard about his growth, independence, brotherhood, and the new chapter of his career. Lil Quill reflects on finally finding confidence in his music and preparing to release his 10th project, DEQUILLIUS. Now fully independent, he breaks down what he learned from his pre...

“I don't force creativity, it shows in the product” ~ Yung Lan Multi-platinum producers Yung Lan and BeatMonster Marc sit down with Lalaa Shepard for a new episode of Skipping Class presented by The Progress Report Media Group for an in-depth conversation about their brotherhood, longevity in the music industry, the evolution of music production, and their upcoming collaborative album, Back to the...

“Im just like my fans… I cry like you cry” ~ Derez De’Shon Southside Atlanta artist Derez De’Shon returns to The Progress Report’s Skipping Class for his second interview with Lalaa Shepard, four years after their first conversation in 2022. As The Progress Report celebrates its 10-year anniversary, Derez opens up about the experiences, losses, growth, and vulnerability behind his latest release,...

Birmingham, Alabama rising artist Moneymyface joins Lalaa Shepard for a new episode of Skipping Class presented by The Progress Report! During the conversation, Moneymyface gets candid about her identity as a female rapper and explains why she personally isn’t a fan of “pussy rap” and has never wanted that type of subject matter to be the foundation of her music. While embracing her femininity, sh...

“Fame without fortune is even worse” ~ JT Money Miami rap legend JT Money joins Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report for a new episode of Skipping Class to reflect on more than 36 years in the music industry and the longevity that has allowed him to experience several generations of hip-hop. JT Money speaks on performing at the FAMU kickoff alongside Uncle Luke and Trick Daddy, growing up on funk...

“Im not on this tour, Wayne not on this tour… Is it really a Cash Money Reunion?” ~ Hot Boy Turk Hot Boy Turk returns for his third interview with Lalaa Shepard for a new episode of Skipping Class presented by The Progress Report. Nearly a decade into our history of conversations, Turk gets candid about where he is today personally, musically, and as a businessman. Turk addresses not being include...

On a new episode of Skipping Class presented by The Progress Report, Atlanta artist Casper Bluff sits down with Lalaa Shepard for an in-depth conversation about his journey, perseverance, and signing to Gunna’s new record label, Shady Baby. Casper reflects on growing up on the Westside of Atlanta, experiencing gentrification in his neighborhood, making music as early as elementary school, and init...

“COVID made me a rapper” ~ H3adband Baton Rouge artist H3adband joins Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report for a new episode of Skipping Class to discuss his journey from playing basketball in college to becoming a full-time recording artist. During the conversation, H3adband explains how attending college during the COVID-19 pandemic unexpectedly pushed him toward music, even admitting that “COVI...

“You can handle it if God gave it to you” ~ Kaliii Kaliii returns to The Progress Report for her third interview with us and her first-ever episode of Skipping Class, hosted by Lalaa Shepard. This time around, the conversation gets much more personal as Kaliii opens up about becoming a first-time mother, navigating postpartum and changes to her body, taking a brief hiatus from music, and finding h...

DJ Ace returns for Part 2 of his Skipping Class conversation with The Progress Report, continuing his stories from decades of firsthand experience in Atlanta and Southern hip-hop. In this episode, Ace reflects on the lives, careers and legacies of Shawty Lo, Bigga Rankin, Alley Boy, Trouble, Bankroll Fresh, Young Capone, Rich Homie Quan, Lil Keed and T-Hood, sharing personal memories, lessons and...

R&B/pop artist Neila returns to The Progress Report for a new episode of Skipping Class, seven years after her first interview with us in 2019! The South Florida-born, Atlanta-based artist catches Lalaa Shepard up on everything that has changed since their first conversation, including the release of her new four-track EP, Pop Priestess. Neila breaks down blending futuristic R&B, hypnotic pop, hea...

“Gucci Mane was locked up on every album. I never got fired I quit!” ~ DJ Ace  DJ Ace joins us for a new episode of Skipping Class presented by The Progress Report for an in-depth conversation about his journey as a DJ, road manager and key figure who witnessed some of the most important moments in Gucci Mane and 1017 history firsthand. In Part 1, DJ Ace reflects on knowing Gucci Mane si...

In this new episode of Skipping Class, Lalaa Shepard sits down with rising Omaha, Nebraska rapper Naffy G for an in-depth conversation about her music, life experiences, motherhood, and plans for the future. Naffy G speaks on performing at Coalition DJs’ New Music Mondays, the success of her record “Ruth Chris,” receiving a co-sign from Tia Kemp, and the story behind “Naffy Krueger.” She also disc...

“Do good business” ~ Beezo Beatz Multi-platinum and Billboard-charting producer Beezo Beatz returns to The Progress Report for a new episode of Skipping Class with Lalaa Shepard. Beezo reflects on producing Roddy Ricch’s “Every Season” while he was still broke and working a regular job, how the record became his breakout moment, and gives his perspective on Roddy Ricch’s musical hiatus and what fa...

‘I Don’t Want Them Big Ass Teeth Man” ~ Yung Ralph Yung Ralph returns for a new episode of Skipping Class presented by The Progress Report! After his first solo interview with us in 2020 and returning alongside Yung L.A. in 2025, the Atlanta veteran catches up with Lalaa Shepard about life, music, longevity, and everything that has changed over the years. Ralph speaks on removing his signature gol...

Atlanta rising artist SMJ joins Lalaa Shepard for her first-ever interview on a new episode of Skipping Class presented by The Progress Report! The 22-year-old Westside Atlanta native introduces the world to who she is as an artist and breaks down her new project, Pleasure To Meet You, which she describes as her proper introduction to the world. SMJ reflects on performing since the age of 3, begin...

“R&B is way cooler than rap” ~ Pofsky Pofsky joins Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report for a new episode of Skipping Class to discuss his nearly 20-year musical journey, transitioning from rap into R&B, signing to Eric Bellinger’s ALL WINS, and building his identity as an artist, entrepreneur, and creative executive. During the conversation, Pofsky reflects on beginning his musical journey at a y...

Real Recognize Rio returns to Skipping Class presented by The Progress Report for his first interview with Lalaa Shepard since 2020. The Eastside Atlanta artist catches us up on everything that has changed over the years, his growth as an artist and man, and his newly released project, Here to Stay. Rio has consistently released music since 2017, and with Here to Stay, he intentionally made room f...

In a new episode of Skipping Class presented by The Progress Report, Lalaa Shepard sits down with independent artist Myrically to discuss his incredible journey of survival, recovery, and finding purpose through music. Myrically reflects on the August 2020 construction accident that completely changed his life when a crane malfunction caused a 750-pound steel beam to fall on the right side of his...

Southside Atlanta artist T-Bo DaVIP joins Lalaa Shepard for a new episode of Skipping Class presented by The Progress Report to discuss his journey from dancing as a youngster to building his career as an independent artist. During the conversation, T-Bo DaVIP reflects on growing up on the Southside of Atlanta and recalls dancing in Jagged Edge’s “What’s It Like (Remix)” with Jermaine Dupri. He al...

Hip-hop legend Too Short (Too $hort) joins Lalaa Shepard for an exclusive conversation on Skipping Class, reflecting on his legendary career, fatherhood, timeless records, and his latest album. Too Short breaks down the story behind “BIA BIA” with Lil Jon, explains how moving to Atlanta and building relationships with producers like Lil Jon and Jazze Pha gave his career new life, and reflects on p...

“Life can be serious but you have to have fun too” ~ Maleigh Zan Maleigh Zan returns to Skipping Class presented by The Progress Report for an honest conversation with host Lalaa Shepard about her growth over the past two years, the lessons she has learned within the music industry, and the importance of staying true to herself and the community she has built. During the conversation, Maleigh Zan...