Episodes

  • Yung Booke Speaks on Spending His Birthday with Young Thug in Miami & Atlanta Misconceptions

    Yung Booke Speaks on Spending His Birthday with Young Thug in Miami & Atlanta Misconceptions
    Jun 6 2026
    “Social media is a cheat code now, you don’t even have to know how to rap” ~ Yung Booke Atlanta recording artist Yung Booke joins Lalaa Shepard for a brand new episode of Skipping Class presented by The Progress Report. During this exclusive conversation, Yung Booke reflects on his longtime relationship with Young Thug, celebrating his recent birthday alongside the Atlanta superstar, and witnessing Young Thug’s fight for freedom and the impact it had on Hip Hop and Atlanta culture. He also discusses his relationship with Future, his experience being featured on Metro Boomin and DJ Spinz’s A Futuristic Summa project, and how Atlanta’s music scene has evolved over the years. Yung Booke opens up about the current state of the content game, why he believes social media has become a “cheat code,” and shares his thoughts on the misconception that Atlanta artists support each other more than artists from other cities. He also addresses the stereotype that people from Atlanta are country, speaks on positivity for the youth, fatherhood, entrepreneurship, and the importance of building a lasting legacy. Additionally, Yung Booke discusses his newly released project Bandana 6.3 with Lil Freaky, getting signed to Blackground Records 2.0, lessons learned throughout his career, and what fans can expect from his long-awaited debut album. Hosted by Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamyungbooke/ https://www.instagram.com/lalaashep/ https://www.instagram.com/theprogressreport101/ https://www.instagram.com/tprmediagroup1/ Website: https://TPRMediaGroup.com Listen to us on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-progress-report-podcast/id1494070183 Listen to us on Spotify Podcasts https://open.spotify.com/show/5sBgF6wWa7NmHraP2QuBEv?si=a0f5f19b8a494fb5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    25 mins
  • SunniThaRapper Reflects on BeatKing, Working with Matthew Knowles & the Reality of Being a Female Artist

    SunniThaRapper Reflects on BeatKing, Working with Matthew Knowles & the Reality of Being a Female Artist
    Jun 3 2026
    Houston’s own SunniThaRapper joins Lalaa Shepard for an all-new episode of Skipping Class presented by The Progress Report. During the conversation, SunniThaRapper reflects on growing up in Houston as an only child raised by a single mother, her early introduction to music, and how poetry helped shape her creative journey. She also discusses her experience as a member of the Houston-based R&B and Hip Hop trio Blush, which was signed and managed by Matthew Knowles, and shares valuable lessons she learned while working under one of the most respected names in the music industry. SunniThaRapper opens up about meeting Destiny’s Child and Solange, the influence Houston had on her career, and the artists who helped shape her sound. She also speaks on the rise of female rap, the impact of social media and TikTok on today’s music business, and why independent artists often face major financial challenges while building their careers. Additionally, SunniThaRapper reflects on her relationship with the late BeatKing, shares her thoughts on Tina Knowles and Houston culture, discusses the meaning behind her name, and explains why she believes female artists face unique obstacles that many male artists may never fully understand. Watch the full interview and subscribe for more exclusive conversations presented by The Progress Report. Interview by Lalaa Shepard Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnitharapper/ https://www.instagram.com/lalaashep/ https://www.instagram.com/theprogressreport101/ https://www.instagram.com/tprmediagroup1/ Website: https://TPRMediaGroup.com Listen to us on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-progress-report-podcast/id1494070183 Listen to us on Spotify Podcasts https://open.spotify.com/show/5sBgF6wWa7NmHraP2QuBEv?si=a0f5f19b8a494fb5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    31 mins
  • JOSE GUAPO Speaks on Coming Home From Jail, Sobriety, Gucci Mane & Pooh Shiesty Situation

    JOSE GUAPO Speaks on Coming Home From Jail, Sobriety, Gucci Mane & Pooh Shiesty Situation
    Jun 2 2026
    “This my first time doing a sit down situation so you can say I beat the streets” ~ Jose Guapo In this exclusive interview conducted by Lalaa Shepard, Jose Guapo opens up about recently coming home from jail, sobriety, beating his cases, personal growth, and entering a healthier space mentally, physically, and spiritually. Guapo speaks honestly about serving time, jail conditions, being treated like a regular person while incarcerated, and people taking photos of him while he was locked up. Jose Guapo also reflects on losing his father and brother and explains how those losses changed his outlook on life. He shares why he is now more focused on accountability, discipline, peace, health, and building his legacy moving forward. During the conversation, Guapo discusses the Rich Kidz era impact, Atlanta music culture, the impact of “Take Me Thru Dere,” and the influence of the “A Futuristic Summa” and “FILA25” projects. He also reveals that rapper Breskii, who appears on “Take Me Thru Dere,” is his real-life blood sister. Guapo also discusses upcoming music, why a lot of his catalog is currently unavailable on DSPs, and his upcoming project “Son Of A Giant: Forever B-Shot.” In addition, Jose Guapo speaks on his relationship with T.I. and how T.I. stepped up for him following the passing of his father. He also shares thoughts on the Gucci Mane and Pooh Shiesty situation, and Hoodrich Pablo Juan’s Welcome Home concert. The Atlanta rapper also reflects on the lives and legacies of Young Scooter, Trouble, Rich Homie Quan, and Takeoff while discussing the responsibility of carrying the torch for Atlanta culture. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joseguapo_backup/ https://www.instagram.com/lalaashep/ https://www.instagram.com/theprogressreport101/ https://www.instagram.com/tprmediagroup1/ Website: https://TPRMediaGroup.com Listen to us on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-progress-report-podcast/id1494070183 Listen to us on Spotify Podcasts https://open.spotify.com/show/5sBgF6wWa7NmHraP2QuBEv?si=a0f5f19b8a494fb5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • 2-17 Reflects On Filming Bankroll Fresh’s Funeral, Giving His Life To God & “Walked In” Going Platinum

    2-17 Reflects On Filming Bankroll Fresh’s Funeral, Giving His Life To God & “Walked In” Going Platinum
    May 30 2026
    “God spoke to me himself” ~ 2-17 2-17 joins Lalaa Shepard for a powerful new episode of Skipping Class presented by The Progress Report. During this conversation, 2-17 opens up about turning his life over to God, becoming a husband, celebrating 10 years of marriage, and proud father of four sons, and how family changed the direction of his life and career. He reflects on personal growth, protecting his peace, and balancing creativity while navigating life and the music industry. 2-17 also speaks on his relationship with Bankroll Fresh, filming the legendary “Walked In” music video, and watching the record eventually go platinum years later. He also reflects on filming Bankroll Fresh’s funeral service and shares stories from one of the most important eras in Atlanta hip-hop history. Lalaa Shepard and 2-17 also discuss Atlanta music culture, appearing in the “Hotlanta” film, inspiration from D4L, learning the business side of music and publishing, and how Chief Keef changed the way music videos were filmed during that era. Throughout the interview, 2-17 reflects on social media, viral moments connected to “Walked In,” his passion for music and film, and the evolution of Atlanta’s music scene over the years. 2-17 also congratulates The Progress Report on celebrating 10 years of media, culture, and independent growth. Hosted by Lalaa Shepard. Presented by The Progress Report. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/217atl/ https://www.instagram.com/lalaashep/ https://www.instagram.com/theprogressreport101/ https://www.instagram.com/tprmediagroup1/ Website: https://TPRMediaGroup.com Listen to us on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-progress-report-podcast/id1494070183 Listen to us on Spotify Podcasts https://open.spotify.com/show/5sBgF6wWa7NmHraP2QuBEv?si=a0f5f19b8a494fb5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    44 mins
  • Left Eye’s Sister Reigndrop Lopes Reflects On Her Sister’s 55th Birthday, Return to Honduras, Relationship with TLC

    Left Eye’s Sister Reigndrop Lopes Reflects On Her Sister’s 55th Birthday, Return to Honduras, Relationship with TLC
    May 28 2026
    “I feel closer to my sister Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes now because it’s a different type of connection” ~ Reigndrop Lopes In this new episode of Skipping Class presented by The Progress Report, Lalaa Shepard sits down with Reigndrop Lopes, the younger sister of TLC legend Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, for an emotional and insightful conversation about family, music, healing, and preserving one of music’s most iconic legacies. During the interview, Reigndrop reflects on growing up alongside Left Eye and shares some of her favorite memories of her big sister while opening up about the deep spiritual connection she still feels with her today. She also discusses Left Eye’s love for rap music, her own love for rock music growing up, and how those influences helped shape their creativity and individuality over the years. The conversation arrives just after Left Eye’s 55th heavenly birthday on May 27th and also highlights Reigndrop’s upcoming Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes birthday celebration and fundraiser event in Atlanta focused on healing, wellness, creativity, fashion, and community connection. Reigndrop also speaks on her current relationship with Chilli and T-Boz of TLC, explains why she still was not a fan of the TLC biopic, and reveals plans for her own future project centered around telling Left Eye’s story properly. In the episode, Reigndrop confirms that she plans to release Left Eye’s long-awaited album “Supernova” to streaming platforms. She also revisits memories of traveling to Honduras with her sister, reflects on Dr. Sebi, and opens up about recently returning to Honduras for the first time in over 20 years since Left Eye’s passing. The conversation also touches on healing after loss, celebrity friendships, AI and deceased celebrities, and the meaning of “progress” while carrying forward a family legacy. Watch the full interview now on YouTube and visit TPRMediaGroup.com for more exclusive interviews and original content presented by The Progress Report. Interview by Lalaa Shepard Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/reigndroplopes/ https://www.instagram.com/lalaashep/ https://www.instagram.com/theprogressreport101 /https://www.instagram.com/tprmediagroup1 /Website: https://TPRMediaGroup.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    33 mins
  • Mykko Montana on Beating the “One Hit Wonder” Label & Protecting His Peace, “Do It” Success & More!

    Mykko Montana on Beating the “One Hit Wonder” Label & Protecting His Peace, “Do It” Success & More!
    May 26 2026
    Atlanta artist Mykko Montana joins Lalaa Shepard for a brand new episode of “Skipping Class” presented by The Progress Report. During the conversation, Mykko Montana reflects on the lasting success of his breakout record “Do It” featuring K Camp and produced by Bobby Kritical, and why the song continues to grow years after its original 2012 release. He explains how the record became an Atlanta staple, a party classic, and a timeless anthem that still connects with fans today. Mykko Montana also opens up about his current mindset, focusing on mental health, inner healing, accountability, and no longer playing the blame game. He speaks honestly about fatherhood, his relationship with his father, overcoming criticism and “one hit wonder” conversations, and embracing his legacy as an artist who helped shape Atlanta music culture. The interview also touches on health and wellness, connecting with nature, legendary performances throughout Atlanta, new music, and thoughts on current industry conversations. This interview was conducted by Lalaa Shepard for The Progress Report. Watch more exclusive interviews, podcasts, performances, and entertainment news coverage at TPRMediaGroup.com and subscribe to The Progress Report on YouTube for more content. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mykkomontana/ https://www.instagram.com/lalaashep/ https://www.instagram.com/theprogressreport101/ https://www.instagram.com/tprmediagroup1/ Website: https://TPRMediaGroup.com Listen to us on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-progress-report-podcast/id1494070183 Listen to us on Spotify Podcasts https://open.spotify.com/show/5sBgF6wWa7NmHraP2QuBEv?si=a0f5f19b8a494fb5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    49 mins
  • Rico Richie on Lou Young Beef, Lil Wayne Tour Bus Shooting & Birdman’s $1M Offer For “Poppin” Song

    Rico Richie on Lou Young Beef, Lil Wayne Tour Bus Shooting & Birdman’s $1M Offer For “Poppin” Song
    May 21 2026
    Rapper and entrepreneur Rico Richie joins a brand new episode of Skipping Class presented by The Progress Report and hosted by Lalaa Shepard. During the interview, Rico Richie reflects on his journey from being a standout football player at Georgia Tech and briefly making it to the NFL before transitioning into music. He opens up about the frustration and anger he experienced after football did not work out the way he envisioned, and how those same emotions resurfaced years later during the rise of his breakout 2015 single “Poppin.” Rico Richie speaks on “Poppin” becoming a massive record while he was serving time in prison, missing out on opportunities as the song exploded worldwide, and the emotional toll of watching his career take off while being locked up. He also discusses the “Poppin” remix featuring Chris Brown, Meek Mill, and French Montana, and how the momentum surrounding the record changed his life. The conversation also covers Epic Records offering him $750,000 for “Poppin” before Birdman later offered him $1 million in cash for the single. Rico Richie explains how everything shifted after getting caught up in the Lil Wayne tour bus shooting incident tied to Young Thug, ultimately causing him to miss out on major money and opportunities at the height of his buzz. Elsewhere in the interview, Rico Richie addresses his issues with comedian Lou Young, opening a studio in downtown Atlanta, prison life, fatherhood, boxing, street mentality, and shifting his focus toward growth, peace, business, and building a better future. Rico Richie also discusses his new single “Loaded,” his current mindset, and what’s next for him moving forward. Interview conducted by Lalaa Shepard for The Progress Report. Watch more interviews, performances, podcasts, and exclusive content: TPRMediaGroup.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realroadrunnerrichie/ https://www.instagram.com/lalaashep/ https://www.instagram.com/theprogressreport101/ https://www.instagram.com/tprmediagroup1/ Website: https://TPRMediaGroup.com Listen to us on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-progress-report-podcast/id1494070183 Listen to us on Spotify Podcasts https://open.spotify.com/show/5sBgF6wWa7NmHraP2QuBEv?si=a0f5f19b8a494fb5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr
  • Don Trip & Eddie Valero Speak on Family Trauma, Vulnerability in Music & Independence

    Don Trip & Eddie Valero Speak on Family Trauma, Vulnerability in Music & Independence
    May 18 2026
    “Independence means you can’t blame nobody” ~ Don Trip “When you’re independent, you have to grind twice as hard!” ~ Eddie Valero Memphis artists and entrepreneurs Don Trip and Eddie Valero sit down with Lalaa Shepard for a new episode of Skipping Class presented by The Progress Report. During the interview, the two speak on vulnerability in music, fatherhood, independence, ownership, family relationships, major record labels, ageism in hip hop, prison, touring independently, and maintaining integrity in today’s music industry. Don Trip also opens up about his relationship with his mother, fake industry relationships, and why independence means accountability. Eddie Valero reflects on family struggles, his father serving time in prison, and lessons learned throughout his journey in music and business. The two also discuss their collaborative project “Armageddon,” dropping May 22nd, the Step Brothers 4 Life Tour, industry politics, and what progress means to them today. Interview by Lalaa Shepard Presented by The Progress Report Watch more exclusive interviews and content at TPRMediaGroup.com #LongLivePif Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrdontrip/ https://www.instagram.com/eddievalero_/ https://www.instagram.com/lalaashep/ https://www.instagram.com/theprogressreport101/ https://www.instagram.com/tprmediagroup1/ Website: https://TPRMediaGroup.com Listen to us on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-progress-report-podcast/id1494070183 Listen to us on Spotify Podcasts https://open.spotify.com/show/5sBgF6wWa7NmHraP2QuBEv?si=a0f5f19b8a494fb5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 2 mins