The Progress Report Podcast

“I was able to sustain because of Love & Hip Hop” ~ Yung Joc Atlanta legend Yung Joc sits down with Lalaa Shepard on Skipping Class presented by The Progress Report alongside his firstborn son A.M Moni for an authentic conversation about family, music, and legacy. In this episode, Yung Joc reflects on 20 years of his debut album ‘New Joc City’ which released June 2006 and the impact it had on his...

Philly artist Gwan Goodie joins Lalaa Shepard on Skipping Class presented by The Progress Report to talk her journey, new music, and life as both an artist and a mother. She discusses her new single “Pay For It” and her latest EP “Goodie Bag,” breaking down her growth as an artist and what she wants listeners to take from her music. Gwan Goodie shares that she started rapping at just 13 years old,...

Terrell Carter sits down with Lalaa Shepard for a powerful episode of Skipping Class presented by The Progress Report. In this episode, Terrell Carter opens up about his role as Varney on Beauty in Black, working with Tyler Perry, and how acting has impacted his real life — including fans reacting to his character. He also shares deeply personal moments about his upbringing, including his mother’s...

“I came up in a renaissance time in Atlanta” ~ Cam Kirk Atlanta’s creative scene wouldn’t be what it is today without visionaries like Cam Kirk. In this episode of Skipping Class, hosted by Lalaa Shepard, we sit down with photographer, creative director, and founder of Cam Kirk Studios to talk about his journey from PG County, Maryland to becoming one of the most influential creatives in hip-hop....

Welcome back to Lunch Table Talk, a weekly podcast segment presented by The Progress Report, where hosts Lalaa Shepard, Boss Britt, and DJ eXeL sit down and talk about the latest in culture, entertainment, relationships, and current events. Just like conversations at a real lunch table, nothing is off limits. From celebrity headlines to real-life perspectives, the crew shares their honest opinions...

Atlanta rapper CashTalk pulls up to Skipping Class, a segment presented by The Progress Report, for an honest conversation about life, growth, and music. CashTalk speaks on the inspiration behind his new project “REAL FOREVER (DELUXE)”, how fatherhood changed his mindset, and why his son motivates him to become a better man. During the interview, he opens up about personal struggles including fami...

Atlanta rapper Slimelife Shawty sits down for a powerful conversation on this new episode of Skipping Class, presented by The Progress Report. Conducted by Lalaa Shepard, this exclusive interview marks one of Slimelife Shawty’s first interviews since being released from jail, where he speaks openly about his journey through the streets, the music industry, and life after being tied to the high-pro...

The Progress Report’s Skipping Class interview series returns with rising girl group Vanity Rose. The trio — sisters Haze, Honey, and Henny — sit down with Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report to talk about their journey forming the group, balancing motherhood while pursuing music, and the work ethic it takes to stay consistent in today’s music industry. During the conversation, Vanity Rose shares...

“Everybody has seen everything with my parents and all that (D’Angelo and Angie Stone) and everyone is worried about me but I’m fine, I’m a young n*gga, I’m turnt… I just want everybody to give me a fair shake as an artist, I’m not a charity case” ~ SwayvoTwain SwayvoTwain returns to The Progress Report’s Lunch Table Talk for an honest and wide-ranging conversation about life, music, and current e...

“My proudest accomplishment is forgiving myself” ~ Gunplay Gunplay joins Skipping Class presented by The Progress Report for one of his most honest and revealing interviews to date. In this powerful conversation with host Lalaa Shepard, Gunplay opens up about the legal battle that changed his life, facing up to 15 years in prison, and spending over $250,000 fighting his case against his ex-wife. H...

“God tore me down to build me up” ~ Trendsetter Sense  Trendsetter Sense joins Lalaa Shepard on a brand new episode of Skipping Class, presented by The Progress Report, to reflect on his journey through the legendary mixtape era, his close relationship with DJ Drama and Don Cannon, and how faith ultimately led him into Gospel Hip Hop.  During the conversation, Trendsetter Sense opens up about form...

Zone 3 Atlanta artist Black Queen pulls up to Skipping Class presented by The Progress Report, hosted by MikFlyy, for an honest conversation about her rise, viral moments, and navigating the music industry as a female artist from Atlanta. Black Queen opens up about taking her career seriously after gaining millions of views, her growing buzz, and the energy behind her latest releases including “G....

Atlanta artist Guap Tarantino and Magic City DJ Outta Space link up for their first joint interview on Skipping Class, presented by The Progress Report. Although both have previously appeared on the platform individually, this marks their first time sitting down together to discuss their journey, growth, and new energy surrounding Guap Tarantino’s latest project, ‘RECHARGED’ which has a feature wi...

Chicago artist RND Manolo joins Lalaa Shepard for a new episode of Skipping Class, presented by The Progress Report, to talk about his journey as an independent artist and the reality behind the grind. He shares insight on growing up in Chicago, working a full-time trucking job to support his music career, opening up for YKNIECE at her sold-out show, and turning pain, loss, and life experiences in...

The Lunch Table is back and the conversations are getting real. Lunch Table Talk presented by The Progress Report Media Group is hosted by LaLaa Shepard, Boss Britt, and DJ eXeL, bringing unfiltered culture commentary, hip-hop debate, and real-life perspective to today’s biggest headlines. This week’s episode dives into the viral tension between GloRilla and her older sister after claims involving...

On this episode of Skipping Class presented by The Progress Report, Detroit OG Drunken Mas sits down for an unfiltered conversation about his journey through the streets, the music industry, federal prison, and redemption. Mass reflects on growing up in Detroit and working as a street promoter during the Death Row era, including his early relationship with Suge Knight. He also speaks on his bond w...

“Its like people be wanting me to be who I’m not” ~ Gloss Up  Gloss Up rejoins The Progress Report for the first time since 2022 for a real and honest conversation about her journey through music, reality TV, business, and personal growth. She opens up about the pressure to change her sound, losing herself along the way, and how she found motivation again after stepping back from the industry.  In...

In this episode of Lunch Table Talk presented by The Progress Report, hosts Lalaa Shepard, Boss Britt, and DJ eXeL break down the biggest conversations shaking up hip hop and culture right now. F rom Nicki Minaj going viral for comments about Donald Trump, to deep conversations around Kanye West’s mental health, the crew dives into whether artists should be separated from their controversies. They...

YFN Kay rejoins Lalaa Shepard for a new episode of Skipping Class presented by The Progress Report to speak on life after serving three years in prison, reuniting with his brother YFN Lucci, and the powerful journey of growth, sobriety, and family.  In this exclusive conversation, YFN Kay opens up about coming home, celebrating their first Christmas back together, reconnecting with his kids, and s...

From Valdosta, Georgia, rising artist Amber Shion joins The Progress Report for an honest and inspiring conversation about her journey in music.  Amber opens up about her musical influences, learning lessons along the way, and the moment she decided to take her music seriously in 2025. She shares how confidence, bold visuals, and staying authentic play a major role in her artistry — plus the uniqu...

“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...