The Progress Report Podcast

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 business moves outside rap  💔 Remembering PNB Rock and how the game has changed  💬 Their definition of progress and message to day-one fans Watch the fu...

“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.”  Keisha and Kima open up about:  Meeting each other before joining Bad Boy  Recording background vocals for Biggie’s “Juicy” The experience of...

“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 process, life overseas, and the real challenges producers face behind the scenes. Kino also clears up common misconceptions about production and reflects on the lessons learned through his journey in the music indust...

“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 it takes to survive in the music business when most groups only last a few years.  They talk about:  🎙 Performing on Moesha and wild behind-th...

“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 CeeLo Green, Khujo Goodie, and Rico Wade, and the massive impact of Outkast being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.Backbone also reflects on over 30 years in the game...

“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 motivated, and his unique MoneyBagg Yo-like sound. He opens up about attending school for audio engineering, working with artists like J Money, DG Yola...

“It just be me, when I get out my own way things will be better” ~ Omeretta  Atlanta rapper Omeretta The Great returns to The Progress Report Podcast with hosts Lalaa Shepard & DJ eXeL for her second interview, and she’s speaking her truth louder than ever. From her viral hit “Sorry Not Sorry — Atlanta” to calling out the city for being messy, Omeretta opens up about the real challenges, betrayals, and breakthroughs she’s faced on her journey. In this raw and powerful conversation,  Omeretta talks about:  💰 Having money stolen and learning who’s really in her corner </p...

“I’ve always been hard I ain’t never had to second guess that sh*t” ~ Paper Route Woo  Paper Route Empire’s Paper Route Woo joins Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report’s Skipping Class to talk about his new project ‘Slime Dunkin’, life after basketball, fatherhood, and the legacy of Young Dolph. He shares what it was like growing up in Memphis, transitioning from hooping to rap, update on Bankroll Freddie behind bars, and how he’s keeping the Paper Route name alive with purpose. 🎤 Topics include: • Inspiration be...

South Carolina’s own 803 Fresh sits down with The Progress Report for an exclusive Skipping Class interview! 🎤 He opens up about his massive single “Boots on the Ground,” how the Fantasia remix came together, and his 20+ year journey through multiple music genres before finding success in the Southern soul scene. 803 Fresh also talks about: 🔥 Growing up in Wagner, SC surrounded by blues and gospel music 💪 Staying grounded while experiencing new fame 🎶 Giving hope to artists from small towns 📅 His message to day-one supporters an...

South Carolina’s own Kardashhh joins Skipping Class with Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report to share her journey from Columbia to signing with Empire after only 6 months of rapping. In this interview, she opens up about her viral hit “Plan B”, working with Sukihana on “Stank Walk,” responding to backlash over her Kai Cenat song, and misconceptions about her parents’ support.  Kardashhh also talks about:  Her biggest musical influences (Pretty Ricky, Chris Brown, Ciara)  Female rappers dominating the game right now  Comparisons to Sexyy Red  Her OnlyFans hustle and how much she really makes  Why people should list...

“Be careful cause one wrong move and you can get life in prison or be dead” ~ Lil Quill  In this powerful episode of Skipping Class, Atlanta rapper Lil Quill sits down with Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report to open up about his journey — from repeated jail time and the harsh reality of prison life to rebuilding everything he lost.  He speaks on:  Adjusting after incarceration & lessons learned  The importance of mental health (“I never knew mental health was real”)  Atlanta scene drama & what would happen if his jail calls leaked  Losing people while locked up and findin...

Chicago rapper Glizzy Glow pulls up to The Progress Report’s Skipping Class segment with Lalaa Shepard to talk about her journey from the Southside of Chicago to going viral with her hit “Cut Water” and “Jet2 Holiday.”  In this exclusive interview, Glizzy Glow:  Shares how she first started rapping and her viral freestyle moment   Speaks on the controversy behind her breakout records   Talks motherhood, her proudest performance moments, and Chicago juke music culture   Breaks down her upcoming projects and support for female artists   Opens up about her public relationship with Memo600 and why she created a diss song From vir...

“I knew I could ask pops for money but I didn’t do it” ~ King Harris In this exclusive Skipping Class interview with Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report, King Harris sits down to speak candidly about life beyond being known as T.I. and Tiny’s son. From growing up with privilege but choosing to earn his own respect, to navigating fatherhood and criticism, King opens up like never before. 🎶 He talks about his new EP “Too Lit”, performing at New Music Mondays, and carving his own lane while carrying...

“All praise due to God, if it wasn’t for him I would’ve been lost my mind” ~ Q Money In this exclusive prison call interview with Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report, Cleveland rapper Q Money opens up about life behind bars, lessons learned, and his journey of faith while incarcerated. From reflections on loyalty and betrayal, to speaking about the value of time, Q Money gets real about his experience, what keeps him motivated, and the music he plans to release when he’s free. This rare conversation gives fans a raw and honest look at the man behind...

Montgomery, Alabama’s own Lil E StillJumpin sits down with The Progress Report to share his story of resilience, music, and hustle. From his father breaking his first CD, to dropping “The Iciest Lil N***a” project, to spending $20K on his teeth and investing in jewelry for his family—Lil E opens up about his journey and what keeps him motivated. 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you don’t miss the next exclusive artist interview! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Memphis rapper Duke Deuce pulls up to The Progress Report to give a powerful and transparent interview. After a 3-year break from music, Duke is back with his brand-new album REBIRTH — and he’s bringing a whole new energy. In this episode, Duke speaks on: 🔥 His 3-year hiatus from the industry 🔥 Producing music with his father for REBIRTH 🔥 Relationships with QC, Offset, and rising star Glockianna 🔥 Being known as the “crunk revivalist” and what Memphis culture means to him 🔥 Mental health, fatherhood, gym life, and advice to other art...

Michael V. Epps sits down with The Progress Report’s Skipping Class to talk about life growing up in Chicago, family support, and his journey in the spotlight as an actor on The Chi. In this interview, Michael opens up about mental health, navigating fame at a young age, and the comparisons to Mike Epps and Omar Epps. He also shares his experience making music, upcoming projects, and his signature sound. Tune in as we discuss:     •    His role as Jake on The Chi     •    Chicago culture and influences     •    New music and creative process     •    Collabs with cast members & upcoming releases     •    What the word “progress” means to him Learn...

The Real Miss Baby Dee stops by The Progress Report for a raw and unfiltered Skipping Class interview! 🔥 She opens up about:     •    Her debut project “Texas Bama” and linking with Bigga Rankin 🎶     •    Life before music as a hair stylist (including working with Erica Banks) 💇🏾‍♀️     •    Support from other female rappers and her upcoming collabs 💎     •    Facing criticism for rapping about lady parts and embracing body confidence 👑     •    Motherhood, BBLs, breast lift surgery, and navigating industry pressure 💃🏾     •    Encouragement for single mothers raising kids with little support 💪🏾     •    The independent grind, defining progress, and what’s next 🚀 <p

“I’m back and better than ever” ~ RX Peso Atlanta culture runs deep, and RX Peso is one of the names you can’t ignore. After serving nearly 4 years in prison, Peso sits down with The Progress Report to talk his comeback, music, and the city. Topics include: ⚡ Fashion & setting trends in Atlanta ⚡ Addressing Future signing rumors ⚡ Creating YNs and what it means to the streets ⚡ Memories with Migos, 21 Savage & Lotto Savage ⚡ The emotional moment he learned about Takeoff’s passing <br...

“Music is my anger management… it helps me cope” ~ Real Dinero Cuthbert, GA artist Real Dinero joins Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report for a new edition of Skipping Class to share his journey from growing up listening to Boosie, Gucci Mane, Webbie, Waka Flocka to catching the attention of major record labels.In this exclusive interview, Real Dinero opens up about:     •    🎤 The meaning behind his name & past rap names    •    🌍 Coming from a small town 3 hours outside Atlanta    •    🔑 The differences between being signed to a major label vs. staying independent    •    🖤 His new project Anger Management and how music helps him cope    •    👨‍👧 Fatherhood and ra...