The Progress Report Podcast

“Young black men don’t be lawless… but you gon manage your life based off what you have access to” ~ BEO Rush

BEO Rush, Selfmade Shark, Squally G, StingLikeABee, Lil Wildlife, YSL Fireboy, and Lil 9 all skip class with Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report to speak out about coming from Louisiana except YSL Fireboy who proudly reps Harlem, New York, Louisiana’s crooked prison system, coping with deaths and tragedy, getting blamed for friends death, being influenced by Cash Money, maturing, connection to YSL, and fatherhood.

Swayvo Twain skips class with The Progress Report to speak about originally not wanting to do music because his parents did music, hardships of being a kid of celebs and making a name for himself as an artist, growing up with his grandparents as his parents were on the road during his childhood in Columbia, South Carolina, ’Articles of Swayvo Twain’ upcoming project, being the sexiest fat n*gga alive, and passion for acting.

H-Town to ATL! Underground legends Slim Thug and Propain sit down with Lalaa Shepard for a new edition of Skipping Class presented by The Progress Report to speak about their upcoming movie and project inspired by Houston culture titled, ’Double Cup” both releasing Spring 2025, both artists recall first meeting each other, run down their H-Town Mount Rushmore lists, discusses the importance of black ownership, collaborating with Beyonce, Young Dolph, Nipsey Hussle, Megan Thee Stallion, Rich Homie Quan, and not being affected by not receiving credit in the game for their contributions to the culture. 

Lalaa Shepard, Boss Britt, and DJ eXeL join forces for a new edition of Lunch Table Talk presented by The Progress Report to share their input on Detroit rapper Big Dank suing Lyft, Drake’s success without major label support and new album, Lil Durk’s wrongful death lawsuit, BMF potentially being canceled, rap beefs with Kash Doll and Asian Doll, and Alabama Barker and Bhad Bhabie. 

The Progress Report Media Group is highlighting black creative heroes all year long! Rich Homie Monta joins The Progress Report Podcast with hosts Lalaa Shepard, Boss Britt, and DJ eXeL to speak about meeting Rich Homie Quan when he was young and being his baseball coach, eventually becoming his manager experiencing every high and low together, being an active advocate for mental health, rough upbringing n Atlanta, GA, and remaining pure. 

Big Dank skips class with Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report to speak about appearing on Ms Deb’s show ‘Deb’s House’, taking music serious at 8 years old with her dad, having confidence instilled from her family, admits to being big since a child and living with ongoing thyroid issues, Lyft lawsuit, health issues, dating deal breakers, ghost writing for artists, and her new R&B single, “So What”.

Atlanta rapper Lil Donald skips class with Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report to speak about his new project, ‘Don Soza - Nobody Knows Me’, losing his mother during a high point in his career, getting dissed by fake friends, fatherhood, dating tall women, and more.

Fuquan Forrest skips class with Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report to reflect on being locked up for 2 years for theft, turning his life around starting his clothing brand Bold Culture, styling for K Camp, Blac Chyna, Phor from Black Ink, and more.

Jiah skips class with Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report to speak about being an athlete since a kid, passion for music and writing, being compared to other artists, females taking over, and defines our keyword “progress”. 

Shawty Lo JR skips class with Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report to speak about Shawty Lo passing away 9 years ago, coping with grief, Down 4 Lo week in Detroit and Atlanta, D4L split, and more!

“Da Baby a real one” ~ Trap Dickey

Hartsville, South Carolina artist Trap Dickey skips class with Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report to speak about his song “Blue Devils” blowing up online, putting on for the Carolina’s, 

‘Trap Or Die’ project, plans for upcoming music, fatherhood, and leaving the streets to become a full-time rapper. 

“Music been my passion for a long time, I just don’t want anything to happen and I’m just known for shaking ass” ~ Mizz Twerksum/ Saturdayy

Mizz Twerksum joins The Progress Report Podcast with Lalaa Shepard, Boss Britt, and DJ eXeL for a new edition of Lunch Table Talk to speak about going viral in the early 2000s twerking on social media, pouring into her passion for music and releasing her self-titled EP ‘Saturdayy’, making money on OnlyFans, love life, and more!

Aleza returns to Skipping Class with Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report to speak about her recent birthday, background as a hooper, ‘Back To Me’ project, working with Juicy J, motherhood, and her upcoming R&B song releasing Valentine’s Day.

Director Beasy Jones, Big Stevo (producer and co-writer), actor Reginald Walker, and Charles Burgees (writer of the film) all skip class with Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report to speak about their roles in their newly released film ‘Negligence’ now streaming for free on Tubi! 

East Memphis artist A.R. The Mermaid skips class with Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report to speak about getting into music, being influenced by Atlanta rapper Hoodrich Pablo Juan, going fully independent after her deal ended with 300 Ent, relationships with other female artists such as Slimeroni and K Carbon, love for yoga, sexuality, dating men and women, past issues with deceased artist Enchanting, and her upcoming project titled ‘What’s Next’.

“The studio is literally my therapy and saving grace” ~ Drew Sidora

Actress, songstress, dancer, and songwriter Drew Sidora visits The Progress Report Podcast with hosts Lalaa Shepard and DJ eXeL to speak about her extensive history in entertainment! Drew Sidora opens up about originally being from Chicago, raised in a two parent household, learned to play piano at age 3, has been signed to Slip-N-Records, BabyFace, and a girls group with Def Jam but none of the music was ever released. Drew then got into acting as a teen and has since had major roles on t...

“One mood, one cadence in this industry ain’t gone get it, that’s boring” ~ Yung L.A.

Yung Ralph & Yung L.A. skip class with Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report to speak about rebranding themselves, both coming from Atlanta, GA Zone 3, ‘Juug Lingo’ collab project produced by Nard&B, finally are able to enjoy the fruits of their labor after getting business right, love for smaller markets and other independent artists, remembers Rich Gang days, success with Young Thug, Rich Homie Quan, and Birdman. 

“You the hardest thing to come out BR since Lil Phat”

Baton Rouge artist Tre Savage makes his second appearance on Skipping Class with host Lalaa Shepard presented by The Progress Report to speak about his latest project ‘I AIN’T HAVE NOTHING BUT A DREAM’, getting exclusive vocals from the late Lil Phat, hardships of being Webbie’s son and rapping, upcoming joint projects with Webbie and Boosie’s son, Tootie Raww, recently meeting Boosie for the first time, dreams of becoming an actor, fatherhood and first learning he would be a dad when his daugh...

“People don’t know the half of what I’ve been through because I suppressed it so long…” ~ Mac Bre-Z

Gucci Mane’s first artist Mac Bre-Z, most known for her verses on Gucci Mane’s early 2000s songs “Pillz” and “Go Head” does her second interview with Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report to break down her frustrations with Gucci and confirms that there is no “beef” between them but she wants compensation and credit for her contributions to their songs, “Pillz” and “Go Head”. During the episode, Mac Bre-Z addresses social media critics who call her crazy, her is...

“I paved the way… I crawled the way for a lot of these Houston female rappers so that they can walk” ~ Just Brittany

Just Brittany joins The Progress Report Podcast’s Lalaa Shepard, Boss Britt, and DJ eXeL for a new edition of Lunch Table Talk where we discuss Just Brittany’s journey to becoming sober, past life as a stripper, winning ‘Signed’ reality TV show in 2017 and learning from mixing business with pleasure, recalls having a stalker, overcoming domestic abuse with Z-Ro and Houston turning their back on her prompting her to relocate to Atlanta, re...

“It wouldn’t be no Future if it wasn’t for Yung L.A.” ~ Alley Boy

Atlanta heavyweights Yung L.A. and Alley Boy do their first joint interview together with Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report to speak about what each other means to the city and culture of Atlanta, new single “Back on That” produced by Nard&B/ Trenchwerk, upcoming collaboration album ‘Mob Lingo’ and tour, the independent grind, cons of signing a record deal, ageism in Hip Hop, health tips for smokers, fatherhood, living with past trauma and PTSD, karma, and defines our keyword “PROGRESS”!

“Covid saved my life” ~ Marcus Muscogee “$co”

Marcus Muscogee “$co” skips class with Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report to speak about growing up in a military family, serving 11 years in the army, going overseas twice, plans to go back to college and eventually become a music therapist, balancing family life and a third marriage, coping with the death of his mother, and learning to trust God! 

FishXGrits skips class with Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report to speak about rapping since age 3, has over 18 projects out, has features with Peewee Longway, Hoodrich Pablo Juan, and Sauce Walka, and explains the “IZM” lifestyle.

“I am the greatest song writer alive from Campbellton Road… Grady Baby” ~ Sean Garrett

Super producer, artist, and songwriter Sean Garrett skips class with Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report to speak about growing up in ATL, writing hits for Beyonce, Ciara, Chris Brown, Mary J Blige, Polo Da Don, Scott Storch, Fergie, Kelis, Jamie Foxx, Bangladesh, Gucci Mane, Mario, remembers the late music mogul Chubbie Baby, recalls relationship with Michael Jackson, speaks on new single “Baddie” featuring Jacquees, importance of men being vulnerable to women, offers financial advise, and shares untold stories about artists an...

25 year old, 175 light heavyweight, PRO fighter Najee Lopez skips class with Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report to speak about his journey to becoming the person he is now, losing his father, growing up as a mixed male being African American and Puerto Rican, having over 200 amateur fights before officially going pro, growing up in East Atlanta, staying disciplined mentally, physically, and spiritually. 

“People think celebs are God JR or Jesus Jenkins” ~ Z-Ro

Houston legend Z-Ro makes his debut on The Progress Report Podcast’s Lunch Table Talk segment with hosts Lalaa Shepard, Boss Britt, and DJ eXeL to speak about why he thinks the Mike Tyson and Jake Paul boxing match was fake, SLAB culture, avoiding legal issues sampling music, duties as a public figure, sex with robots, “No Ice” new single, relationships with other Texas artists, and focusing on health. 

“I don’t rely on just music, I’m a hustler, I just got to do my thang and keep going” ~ Cheeze Beatz

Super producer Cheeze Beatz skips class with Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report to speak about originally being from Miami, moving to Atlanta at age 12 with a man who eventually abandoned his mom, being raised by women, started off as a rapper then began producing, shares intimate stories about artists such as Nicki Minaj, Plies, Nardo Wick, Yung Joc, and speaks about his business ventures outside of music such as his Hibachi...

Colonial Heights, Virginia artist Truth Why skips class with Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report to speak about hardships growing up being a mixed male, being a former athlete and thoughts on NIL deals, being influenced musically by Chris Brown, being a full-time entrepreneur alongside his dad, and fatherhood. 

Fort Myers, FL artist SBM Zay does his very first interview with Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report to speak about life with cerebral palsy, becoming a full-time rapper, not interested in signing with a major record label, upcoming single with Enphamus, and shares advice for other artists on the independent grind.

“I think a lot of people feel stuck in playing basketball… I knew I didn’t want to play forever” ~ Tiffany “Tip” Hayes

Tiffany “Tip” Hayes makes her debut on The Progress Report Podcast with hosts Lalaa Shepard and DJ eXeL to speak about growing up in Polk County, Florida, being coached by her mother as a kid, being recruited by the goat, Coach Geno Auriemma at UConn and starting since her Freshman year in college, being inspired by Allen Iverson, getting drafted to the Atlanta Dream, rocky split 10th season, playing one year with Connecticut...

“Ive gotten back to just having fun with everything… It started off as a passion then at a certain point it turned into work and it became less fun but we must find out way back to that joy and why we started doing it!” ~ Jasun Jabbar

Jasun Jabbar returns to The Progress Report to speak about his passions for rapping, producing, and acting, recalls working on the first seasons of BMF and Big Meech being freed, acting with Keyshia Cole on her biopic, learning lessons from actress Loretta Divine, lists his Mount Rushmore of actors, speaks on bei...

Lalaa Shepard, Boss Britt, and DJ eXeL of The Progress Report Podcast get together for another edition of Lunch Table Talk to speak about Donald Trump defeating Kamala Harris for the 2024 Presidential election.

“Movies change everything… People act stupid when your famous and I didn’t like that” ~ Brandon T Jackson

Brandon T Jackson makes his debut on The Progress Report with host Lalaa Shepard to speak about growing up in Detroit, being the son of 2 pastors, life as a preachers kid, moving to Hollywood to pursue his dreams of becoming a comedian and actor at age 19, landing major film roles and his life changing forever, opening for Chris Tucker, being mentored by Sinbad and Rip Michaels, working relationship with Shad Moss AKA Bow Wow, British actors taking o...

Lalaa Shepard, Boss Britt, and DJ eXeL of The Progress Report Podcast get together for a new edition of Lunch Table Talk to speak about 2024 being a rough year for Hip Hop, Katt Williams predicted people would be exposed all year, Lil Durk locked up, Quando Rondo forgiveness, Young Thug is free, and voting season is amongst us!

“I dress really girlie and cute but I’m a real n*gga too” ~ Kash Doll 

Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report Podcast catches up with Kash Doll at the Revolt Studios in ATL to reflect on coming up in Detroit, reveals she used to hoop in school, reflects on walking out the “GWOAT” Claressa Shields for her boxing match, background as a dancer, receiving organic support from male rappers, especially Detroit artists, fan tattoos, shares that she’s still single but still loves Tracy T’s kids like they are her own, motherhood, new single “Com...

“Love is an action word… Love is being selfless” ~ Amari Noelle

Amari Noelle skips class with Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report to speak about her background in the church, growing up in Gary, Indiana, discovering her voice at a young age, getting kicked off her college basketball team pushing her to become an artist, collaborating with Jacob Latimore, Kirko Bangz, and Kodie Shane on music, tour life with Kaash Paige, acting career, balancing the grind, and her upcoming album,’The Reintroduction’.

Lalaa Shepard, Boss Britt, and DJ eXeL of The Progress Report Podcast share their thoughts on doing business with friends, double standards of dating for males and females, Jess Hilarious and Loren’s roles on The Breakfast Club, Atlanta rapper Peso Montana receiving a 50 year sentence in prison, how much we miss Wendy Williams in the media space, and more!

Griffin, GA artist King Elway chops it up with Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report live at his ‘2 Soulful’ listening experience. During the conversation, King Elway discusses selling the project for $100 following Nipsey Hussle’s infrastructure, ‘2 Soulful’ production and features with Translee, Starlito, Deante Hitchcock, Jody Breeze, and his homies from Griffin, GA, entrepreneurship and owning Wing It Deli, a shoe cleaning business, being a barber, all while being an artist and a father. 

Trenton, New Jersey artist Hunnit Milez makes his return back to Skipping Class with Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report to speak about filming a music video with live goats on a farm for his song “Youngest Turnt”, fatherhood and healing from trauma, interest in acting, and his upcoming project.