“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 by Entrees food business.

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 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!

“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”.

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 over, money management and entrepreneurship, fatherhood and raising 4 kids, his upcoming special ‘Chest Out’ releasing late December, and much more!

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 “Comfy” with Tink, and her upcoming album, ’The Last Doll’ releasing November 15th!

“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.

“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.

“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”.

“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!

“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. 

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. 

“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. 

“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.

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’.

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. 

“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.

“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. 

“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

“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. 

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. 

“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”.

Lalaa Shepard, Boss Britt, and DJ eXeL of The Progress Report Podcast share their thoughts and opinions on gymnast Jordan Chiles getting her medal snatched away, the viral Australian break dancer, Caresha speaks out finally, and more!

“If you got some money and some motion, you not supposed to be in Memphis” ~ Jay Fizzle Paper Route Empire artist #JayFizzle returns to Skipping Class to speak with Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report about his debut album, ‘Who Is Grizzape’, featuring his 10th baby mama on the project, music with his son’s and daughter’s, aiming for 50 kids, child support issues, Ralo and 03Greedo first day out experiences, Paper Route Tour coming up, support from Deion Sanders and his family for Young Dolph and his kids, plans for reality TV, and linking with Key Glock, Kenny Muney, Big Moochie Grape, Joe Gifted, and Big Scarr for music.

“The Progress Report was one of the first places that made me feel like somebody when I get interviewed, that made me feel like I was somebody back in the day” ~ Zaytoven The Progress Report media coorspondent Mik Fly caught up with the trap music legend himself #Zaytoven to get his thoughts on the current state of the music industry, upcoming business endeavors, and project announcements. 

“Sometimes, I don’t even know what I do… I’m just supporting my friends” ~ Nuface Hip Hop historian #NuFace joins Lunch Table Talk presented by The Progress Report Podcast with hosts Lalaa Shepard, Boss Britt, and DJ eXeL to speak about originally being from Detroit and relocating to Atlanta after experiencing Freaknik, looking up to the blue print of Clarence Alexander Avant, attending Clark Atlanta University and seeing and meeting a lot of Hip Hop acts for his first time, believing in artists early, the importance of checking in on strong friends, offers ideas for making money behind the scenes and adding value, having his work featured in LL Cool J’s Rock The Bells event, multiple Hip Hop exhibits, preserving the culture, and raising 4 daughters.  #NuFaceWasThere 

“You need a team for sure” ~ BHM Pezzy  Atlanta, GA artist #BHMPezzy skips class with Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report to speak about being raised by his grandmother, his experience signing to a major record label as a teen, almost quitting music, his close relationship with God, preferences in women and not minding soft BBLs, shares why he wouldn’t sign with Gucci Mane, issues with “Webbie Flow” sample, upcoming project ‘12 Shades Of Grey’, and music with music producer Forever Rolling, and investments outside of music. 

Compton, California artist #KlovisKhepri skips class with Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report to speak about growing up on the West Coast, receiving a college scholarship to play football, creating feel good music that speaks to the soul, shares his thoughts on the Kendrick Lamar & Drake rap beef, and speaks on the importance of artist accolades such as Grammy Awards. 

Independent artist #MyyaP skips class with Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report to speak about coming up on the East side of Milwaukee, learning how to rap from her older brother, writing her own music, 30 day tour with Veeze, and plans for music with Anycia, Sexyy Red, and Lakeyah. 

“In this world its good and bad, you gotta pick which one you is” ~ Baby Zay Baby Zay skips class with Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report to speak about growing up in Atlanta, GA, recently getting released from prison after serving one year, taking a 2 year sentence for his former friend that snitched on him, starting out being an music engineer and coming up with super producer ATL Jacob, taking music serious after his first recording session at Patchwerk Studios, linking with DJ Swamp Izzo because of Young Thug for his project, ’Way Too Easy’ project, and co-parenting. 

“Hard work beats talent, them long nights gon pay off” ~ AMG Twinz The AMG Twinz skip class with Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report to speak about originally being from Columbus, GA and relocating to Atlanta in Highschool, getting introduced to rapping from their uncle at age 13, changing their rap name, avoiding bad record deals, relationships with Young Thug and Karlae, upcoming performances on Metro Boomin and Future’s ‘We Trust You Tour’, and plans for their upcoming album. 

“I just stay away from these b*tches” ~ Quezz Ruthless 22 years old rapper #QuezzRuthless skips class with Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report to speak about coming up in Memphis, TN, support from the city and other rappers, the importance of moving away from the city after becoming famous, coping with death, and unreleased music with Big Scarr.

Quana Bandz skips class with Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report to speak about her upbringing in Atlanta, experiencing different sides and eventually getting kicked out of Atlanta public schools, being around NBA YoungBoy and starting to rap, meeting Lil Keed and eventually having a daughter named Naychur. Quana also shares intimate details of her relationship with the late rapper Lil Keed, having a miscarriage before his funeral, receiving support from his family, her new single “Fat A$$”, and relationships with other female rappers Anycia, Kayla B, Enchanting, and Karlae.

2 time Olympic gold medal champ and only female to hold undisputed world titles in three weight divisions, the one and only Claressa Shields hosts a public workout in Atlanta, GA at Hitsville gym and speaks with Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report about other women in sports that she likes to watch, recalls her father originally not wanting her to box because she was a female, giving back to her community and kids, recalls walking out with Detroit’s own Kash Doll last year and this year she reveals she will be walked out by Dej Loaf and the Detroit Piston’s drum line, and she defines our keyword “progress”. 

“If you are independent or signed, there’s no difference in the work you have to do” ~ Ray Daniels Ray Daniels makes his debut on Lunch Table Talk presented by The Progress Report Podcast with hosts Lalaa Shepard, Boss Britt, and DJ eXeL to speak about being self-taught, originally being from the East Coast by the way of Atlanta, GA now. Ray speaks on his journey in the music business and how the game is shifting, being a superhero for black people through his podcast, the importance of having boundaries in the music industry, Nicki Minaj carrying female rap, Sexyy Red being relatable, female rap having to be genderless, fatherhood, morals needing to be placed over money, entrepreneurship and not being afraid to invest in himself, having boundaries in the music industry, and offers advice for podcasts to make money outside of Youtube. 

“Gucci Mane told me, I want to get you out of your environment, you remind me of me” ~ FTO Sett FTO Sett makes his debut on Skipping Class presented by The Progress Report with Lalaa Shepard to speak about growing up in South Vegas, Memphis, cutting off his hair, growing up with Pooh Shiesty and Big Scarr, FTO name meaning, giving back to his community, releasing one song before getting signed by Gucci Mane, and his new EP ‘King Crook’. 

“I’m not gatekeeping the game, I'm passing it down” ~ Big Trap StickLife CEO Big Trap skips class with Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report to speak about becoming the CEO of StickLife Productions, originally wanting to be a rapper growing up and wanting to provide opportunities for upcoming artists through his production company, growing up in Decatur, GA, having his first child at age 16, shares how he is related to rapper Peewee Longway, and background serving in the military. 

Roofs by Don speaks on transitioning from just being an artist to creating his own roofing business, missing out on a $3,000 Rick Ross feature before understanding the music business, tips for successful entrepreneurs, and more!

“I know how much everyone is a fan of him… never in my life did I think I would wake up and say I gotta Chris Brown feature” ~ Skylar Blatt Cincinnati, Ohio artist #SkylarBlatt makes her debut on Lunch Table Talk presented by The Progress Report Podcast with hosts Lalaa Shepard, Boss Britt, and DJ eXeL to speak about her upbringing in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio, goals to give back to the community, love for gaming, her sexuality and preferences when dating, background in sports, offers advice for healing from childhood trauma, and her 2 projects ‘Blatt Szn’ and ‘Blattys Knight’.

“Being signed to a label really slowed me down” ~ Co Cash Memphis rapper #CoCash skips class with Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report to speak about being born and raised in Memphis, becoming a rapper and rebranding with a new name, his relationship with other Memphis rappers, comparisons musically to Da Baby and Young Dolph, still feeling underrated and under heard, being health conscious and no longer eating meat or smoking, fatherhood and being a girl dad, and his upcoming self-titled project ‘Cash’

20 year old artist #LayBankz makes her debut on Lunch Table Talk presented by The Progress Report with hosts Lalaa Shepard, Boss Britt, and DJ eXeL to speak about growing up in Philly, dancing, singing since age 3, rapping since age 15, breaks down the differences from club music in different cities, upcoming music with Latto and best advice, thoughts on Enchanting passing and their last conversation, TikTok helping her music career, and her 2 projects ‘Now You See Me’ and ‘After 7’.