The Progress Report Podcast

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”. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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”. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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“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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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’. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“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 the TV shows, The Real Housewives of Atlanta, ‘The Game’, popular films such as ‘White Chicks’, acted as T-Boz in the ‘TLC Biopic’, and several other films. Drew also reflects on her decision to divorce her husband after 10 years which inspired her to get back into music kicking off 2025 with her new single, “I Did It To Me”. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“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 daughter was already 9 months old, dream collabs with Nipsey Hussle and Michael Jackson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“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 issues with Keyshia Ka’oir, and shares why she believes Gucci Mane is a clone! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“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, remembers the late Rich Homie Quan and Beat King, growth and progress, the independent grind, and her upcoming album ‘Round Trip’ releasing January featuring Kodak Black! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“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”! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“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 and producers in the music industry! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“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 by Entrees food business. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“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 Sun, and most recently playing with the Las Vegas Aces and earning the WNBA Sixth Player of the Year Award. Tiffany Hayes also discusses her 2024 Olympic experience playing 3x3 basketball for Azerbaijan (Europe), experience playing overseas, not being able to benefit from NIL deals, women dunking in the WNBA, pre-game fashion, entrepreneurship, plans for retiring, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“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 being an independent artist, paying homage to Eazy - E on new song, releasing 3 albums this year, giving out merch for free to fans, and Jasun defines our keyword “progress”. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“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 over, money management and entrepreneurship, fatherhood and raising 4 kids, his upcoming special ‘Chest Out’ releasing late December, and much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“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 “Comfy” with Tink, and her upcoming album, ’The Last Doll’ releasing November 15th! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“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’. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“I feel like I’m back connected with me” ~ Just Call Me Veto Just Call Me Veto skips class with Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report to speak about his roots in New Orleans, New Jersey, and Atlanta, seeking peace, passion for wrestling, Vibin with Veto Podcast, the importance of traveling the world and getting his music played in Africa, recording his potential last album and contemplating being done with music to use his voice in other ways. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“I’m grieving and grinding” ~ Talameshia Houston, Texas artist #Talameshia skips class with Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report to speak about her upbringing in Houston, singing since age 3, singing in the choir, getting signed to Beyonce’s dad, Matthew Knowles while she was in a girls group, dating the late Beat King, coping with his passing, importance of mental health, and her new EP, “T Time”. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“If the money was still the same right now, I would still be stripping right now” ~ GiGi Maguire The one and only GiGi Maguire joins Lunch Table Talk presented by The Progress Report Podcast with hosts Lalaa Shepard, Boss Britt, and DJ eXeL to speak about growing up in Philly, being born a side baby, becoming a teen parent and relocating to Atlanta to escape abusive boyfriend, Magic City history and starting working there in 2005 making history for her performances, formerly being known as your favorite strippers favorite stripper, addresses rumors that she has a BBL and speaks on complications with her butt injections, ageism in the strip club, proudly being 45 years old and would still strip if the money was in the clubs like it once was, recalls being friends with benefits with Lil Wayne, getting approached by younger men, pegging men, getting “flewed" out to eat at Applebee’s, goal to open restaurant dedicated to her mother who was an herbalist, introduces her niece who is a dancer and their upcoming media brand Lip Service Souf which is a branch of Angela Yee’s Lip Service Podcast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“I’m very grateful to have been able to sustain this long and have a fruitful career” ~ Yung Joc Yung Joc skips class with Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report to speak about his upbringing and childhood, creating timeless music, his older songs going viral on Tik Tok, his thoughts on the Atlanta music scene now, losing Rich Homie Quan, giving artists their flowers while they are alive, transitioning to music, reality TV, acting, and radio, heterosexual men performing at homosexual events, thoughts on the Presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, and his upcoming suspense drama film ‘Allure’ releasing October 2024 on Tubi. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wakko The Kidd skips class with Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report to speak about growing up in North Hollywood, both of his parents having a background in music and entertainment, started rapping and smoking at age 11, music with Rio Da Yung OG, Peewee Longway, Icewear Vezzo, and many others, entrepreneurship, owning a studio, and upcoming tour. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“You gotta go a little harder when you signed to a artist” ~ Noodah05 24 year old recording artist #Nooda05 joins Lunch Table Talk presented by The Progress Report Podcast with hosts Lalaa Shepard, Boss Britt, and DJ eXeL to speak about his relationship with Lil Baby, growing up in Atlanta, trauma selling in rap, adjustments to becoming a public figure, lyrics being used against rappers, and everything in between. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“I’m back dropping music, nothing is holding me down, I’m back to telling my story” ~ Rich Homie Quan Flashback 2021 edition of 'Conversations with Lalaa' series with The Progress Report's own Lalaa Shepard and the late Atlanta native Rich Homie Quan to speak about his come up doing open mics, his first big break with “Type of Way”, hating his most popular song to date, “Flex (Ooh, Ooh, Ooh)”, changes in the music industry since 2013, fatherhood, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Atlanta, GA artist Lotto Savage skips class with Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report to speak about getting out of his record deal with Bases Loaded, originally being 21 Savage’s hype man and originally not supposed to be a rapper, blowing through his money, Travis Scott being the first person to play his song “Trapped It Out”, learning how to rap from 21 Savage, shares his thoughts on YFN Lucci and Young Thug arrests, speaks on Lil Keed’s death being a sacrifice for his family, addresses his relationship now with Loso Loaded, fans confusing his name with Latto, shares why he stop drinking lean, and plans for his upcoming project titled ‘Unfinished Business’. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Super producer OG Parker skips class with Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report to reflect on their first interview back in 2016, golden days being signed to QC, always keeping God first, being raised in the church, producing Migos “Walk It Talk It” FT Drake, Megan Thee Stallion “Thot Sh*t”, PARTYNEXTDOOR “Loyal” FT Drake, Drake and Kendrick Lamar rap beef being good for Hip Hop, his debut EP ‘Moments’, and record label Neutral Records. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“The first person I started listening to was Rich Homie Quan” ~ T7 Miami, FL artist #T7 returns to Skipping Class presented by The Progress Report with Lalaa Shepard to speak about his latest project, ‘Baby Roller’ The EP, the flashy High Rollerz lifestyle, having to leave the city to get love, remaining professional during sound issues during performance, and the importance of artist development. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“All that one foot in and one foot out is a lose lose” ~ Lil Wookie Atlanta artist #LilWookie skips class with Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report to speak about serving one year in jail, learning himself and patience, hair growth, “Thot Life” song with Young Thug, thoughts on YSL, and new music. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“I didn’t have much of a childhood without being famous, my whole childhood I was famous” ~ Lil Terrio Lil Terrio makes his debut on Skipping Class presented by The Progress Report with host Lalaa Shepard to speak about going viral at age 6 and dancing online, monetizing content and avoiding getting finessed, shares his advice for people looking to lose weight, and plans for upcoming music. #OohKillEm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“41 is a family… same young n***as who had the same dream and wanted to win and came together” ~ TaTa/ Kyle Richh 2/3s of Brooklyn, New York music collective 41 (Kyle Richh & TaTa) skip class with Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report to speak about coming up together in Brooklyn, following their dreams of becoming rappers although their parents wanted them to be doctors, their song “Bent” officially going GOLD, getting Sexyy Red on the remix, best advice from Busta Rhymes and Jadakiss, upcoming music video for their collaboration song “B.A.S” with Megan Thee Stallion featured on her latest album ‘MEGAN’, and their best purchases. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dennis McDonald skips class with Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report to speak about growing up in the South Bronx playing sports, attending the Boys and Girls Club as a youth, becoming an actor at age 15 while being a teen parent, landing his role as Reggie in the Bad Boys films franchise, military and martial arts training to prepare for the role in the latest film, advice to inspiring actors, best fan encounters, and plans for upcoming roles and films. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“You only good as what you negotiate” ~ RecoHavoc Philly artist #RecoHavoc skips class with Emani Kash of The Progress Report to speak about growing up in Philly, rapping since age 12, signing a major record deal, going back independent, past life as a DJ, using music as therapy, and his new single “Circles”. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices