The Progress Report Podcast

“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, Nuke2Stiff breaks down the meaning behind his name, what it means to carry the title of a “hood hero,” and the pressure that comes with representing where you’re from. He also speak...

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 his career. BIG30 also opens up about his come up in Memphis, linking with Pooh Shiesty, navigating the music industry independently, and building his name while staying solid through industry pressure. This episode captures an important time...

“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 neighborhood for safety and growth, while also reflecting on how his upbringing and early experiences influenced his hustle and work ethic starting back in grade school.  One of the standout moment...

“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 career, while A.M Moni shares what it was like growing up during that era and now stepping into music himself. The father-son duo also speaks on their new collabor...

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, with early encouragement from her mother playing a major role in building her confidence. As a military brat, she explains how growing up in different environments shaped her pers...

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 story, being raised by his grandmother, and the emotional journey that inspired his new book ‘Problem Child’ and album ‘Mr. Carter’. Terrell talks about:     •    His transition from church singing with Fred Hammond to acting     •    Lesson...

“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. Cam Kirk opens up about coming up during Atlanta’s “renaissance” era, his time at Morehouse College, and how he built his name by throwing events and creating opportunities from the ground up...

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 while unpacking trending topics shaping the culture. At The Progress Report, we believe in progress over perfection, and these conversations reflect different viewpoints as we continue to grow, learn, and challenge ideas together. In this episode, the...

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 family challenges, losing passion for music after issues with a previous record label, and what ultimately motivated him to return to the studio. The Atlanta artist also discusses navigating friendships, the impact of losing people close to him...

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-profile Young Thug YSL RICO case. During the conversation, Slimelife Shawty reflects on growing up in Atlanta, discovering music as a kid, and how artists like T.I. and 50 Cent influenced his early passion for rap. He al...

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 how their sisterhood helps them navigate challenges within a group, their creative approach to songwriting and self-expression, and the stage chemistry they’ve built through rehearsals and artist development. They also discuss their new EP “No Filter” a...

“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 events. Hosted by Lalaa Shepard, Boss Britt, and DJ eXeL, this episode touches on everything from hip-hop debates to mental health and cultural conversations. SwayvoTwain — the...

“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. He speaks on clearing his name, overcoming public misconceptions, and the emotional toll the situation took on him mentally, financially, and spiritually. Gunplay also addresses the viral controversy surrounding his daughter’s GoFund...

“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 forming The Aphilliates alongside DJ Drama and Don Cannon, becoming a DJ at just 17 years old while attending Clark Atlanta University, and building his name during one of the most influe...

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.O.M.N.” She also speaks on receiving a major co-sign and feature from Saucy Santana, and how that moment elevated her confidence and visibility. During the interview, Black Queen addresses the viral online situation invo...

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 with Future’s son, King Kobi. Guap opens up about losing his hard drive, rebuilding creatively, and getting back to having fun with music, while DJ Outta Space shares his perspective as a respected DJ in Atlanta’s nightlife...

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 into motivation. RND Manolo also explains why independence requires discipline, sacrifice, and belief in your vision. Watch more exclusive interviews and artist stories on The Progress Report. Subscribe for more content. Instagram: ...

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 money, entitlement, and a reported $2,500 FLAT situation. We unpack: • Are family members automatically entitled to your success? • Should you give loved ones a lump sum or a monthly allowance? • Do social pressures create unrealistic expectations when someone “m...

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 with Big Meech and Southwest Tee, the BMF era, and navigating loyalty, controversy, and public opinion. After serving 10 years in federal prison, Drunken Mas opens up about what incarceration taught him — and how it be...

“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 this episode, Gloss Up talks about launching her lip gloss business, learning to record independently, sampling classic records, working with artists like YFN Lucci and Suki, an...