The Progress Report Podcast

By REVOLTBusiness Entrepreneurship News Entertainment News Music

The Progress Report Podcast episodes

October 21 V.I.C. Says He NEVER Got Paid for “Wobble” or “Get Silly,” Explains Disappearing, Quavo, New Look
“I felt my comfort in hiding, the attention was overwhelming” ~ V.I.C.
V.I.C. gets real like never before during this episode of Skipping Class with Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report, opening up about the highs and lows that came with creating two undeniable classics, “Get Silly” and “Wobble.”
Despite the massive success and longevity of both records, V.I.C. reveals that he never got paid for either hit and explains how that reality affected his mental health and his relationship with music. He reflects on becoming bigger musically than his own face and brand, feeling overwhelmed by attention, struggling to enjoy the fruits of his success, and eventually finding comfort in disappearing from the public eye.
V.I.C. takes us back to his upbringing, from being born in Queens, New York and relocating to College Park, Georgia, to cutting hair as a teenager and eventually breaking into music. He also explains the deeper meaning behind V.I.C. — “Victorious in Christ” — and why he is finally embracing the meaning of his name after experiencing an identity crisis and temporarily changing it.
The conversation also gets into his relationship with music executive Johnnie Cabell, the unexpected success of “Get Silly,” why V.I.C. originally didn’t even like “Wobble,” and his thoughts on both records continuing to go viral and reach new generations years later.
V.I.C. also apologizes to Quavo for turning him down when Quavo wanted to record with him during the early days of Migos, explaining that he was mentally in a dark place at the time and that it was never personal. He reflects on witnessing Migos’ early grind and shares memories of the late Takeoff.
After music did not work out the way he expected, V.I.C. says life led him to the streets alongside his brother before experiencing a spiritual awakening. He speaks candidly about being angry with God, eventually experiencing God for himself, finding humility and returning to his faith.
V.I.C. also discusses the downfall of Silento, changing his signature look and cutting his braids because he was tired of being recognized, his years of hiding himself, what he wants people to understand about him today, new music, and what “progress” means at this stage of his life.
This is V.I.C.’s story beyond “Wobble” and “Get Silly” — the success, the money he says he never received, the mental battles behind the scenes, disappearing from the spotlight, finding God and finally becoming comfortable with who he is.
Watch the full episode of Skipping Class and tap in with The Progress Report Media Group for more exclusive conversations.
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/v.i.cmakedaworldwobble/
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

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1 hr 4 min
October 19 Big Moochie Grape on Young Dolph Preparing Him for Hate, GRAPETOVEN & Being Zaytoven’s New Gucci Mane
Memphis rapper Big Moochie Grape returns to Skipping Class with Lalaa Shepard for another conversation as The Progress Report celebrates its 10-year anniversary! As an alumni guest of the platform, Moochie reflects on his growth, his changing mindset, learning money and time management, understanding his purpose, and moving differently at this stage of his career.
Big Moochie Grape breaks down his new collaborative project “GRAPETOVEN” with Zaytoven and recalls receiving over 100 beats when the two first connected. Moochie says one of his goals with the project was to show Zaytoven that he could be his new Gucci Mane and also recalls Drumma Boy telling him that he’s harder than Gucci Mane.
After years of being compared to Gucci Mane and Project Pat, Moochie appears to be embracing those comparisons more than ever. Gucci Mane was one of his favorite artists growing up, and GRAPETOVEN finds Moochie and Zaytoven putting their own spin on classic records and sounds associated with Gucci Mane, OJ Da Juiceman, and Future. Moochie also speaks on his reinterpretation of Future’s “13 Nights” with his own record “13 Days.”
Moochie also exclusively reveals that he has an upcoming collaborative project with Charlotte, North Carolina rapper Fetty P Franklin, who appears on GRAPETOVEN on the record “Brady Bunch.”
The conversation gets deeper as Moochie reflects on Young Dolph’s continued impact on his life and career. He explains how Dolph directly and indirectly prepared him to deal with hate, breaks down “Still Signed To Dolph,” and discusses the responsibility he feels to continue Dolph’s legacy. When asked what he believes Dolph would think about his career today, Moochie says he believes Dolph would be proud while also wishing he could still be here to mentor and guide him through this stage of his journey.
Moochie also addresses calling himself the modern-day Biggie and explains why he considers himself one of the hardest bigger rappers doing it (“one of the hardest fat rappers doing it”). He speaks on wanting to work with fellow Memphis artist Don Trip, shows love to female rappers including Monaleo, Moneymyface, and Jorjiana, and discusses what it’s actually like dating Big Moochie Grape. He also breaks down “What Are U” and “Look Better In Person,” addressing the women who constantly tell him he looks better in person.
Big Moochie Grape also opens up about lessons learned from the music industry, prioritizing his mental health, pouring back into himself, and what the word “progress” means to him at this point in his life and career.
Watch the full episode of Skipping Class and stream GRAPETOVEN by Big Moochie Grape and Zaytoven on all platforms.
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/bigmoochiegrape1/
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

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43 min
October 15 Louie Ray on Rio Da Yung OG Being His Blood Brother, Flint vs Detroit, Indie Grind & 500-Gram Chain
Flint, Michigan rapper Louie Ray joins Lalaa Shepard for a new episode of Skipping Class presented by The Progress Report Media Group for a revealing conversation about his independent journey, family, relationships, the Flint rap movement, and his evolution as an artist and businessman.
Louie Ray opens up about learning how to make money independently after making mistakes early in his career and explains why he is now open to signing the right record deal. He also breaks down the cultural and musical differences between Flint and Detroit, describing Detroit’s sound as more polished while Flint maintains the rawness that helped make its music stand out.
The conversation gets personal when Louie Ray discusses his blood brother Rio Da Yung OG and reveals that despite living only minutes away from each other, they did not truly connect until they were teenagers. He reflects on the years they missed growing up together, what they have taught each other, realizing how much they need one another, seeing Rio return home from prison, and whether fans could eventually get a joint project from the brothers.
Louie Ray also speaks about working with Babyfxce E on “BBL,” the massive success of his 2020 record “Coochie” during the COVID era, his love and support for fellow Flint artists and boxing champion Claressa Shields, and even shows off his massive 500-gram chain.
Toward the end of the conversation, Louie Ray gets vulnerable about how his grind has affected his personal life, missing out on love, prioritizing his family, and what “progress” means to him today.
Watch the full episode of Skipping Class with Louie Ray and tap in with The Progress Report Media Group for more exclusive conversations with the artists shaping the culture.
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/louieray__/
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

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42 min
October 14 Amy Luciani on Staying in Her Marriage to Dwight Howard, Public Drama & ‘Bad Touch, Good Touch’ book
“I’m so happy I stayed in my marriage” ~ Amy Luciani
Amy Luciani returns to Skipping Class for an honest conversation about how much life has changed since her last sit-down with Lalaa Shepard.
Now approaching two years of marriage to Dwight Howard, Amy opens up about why she chose to stay in her marriage, taking accountability for her own mistakes, navigating their marital issues publicly, and learning to tune out outside opinions. She also reflects on becoming a stepmother to Dwight’s five children, wanting children of her own, and why she says, “Me and my husband is what matters, you not gon’ beat the media.”
Amy also introduces her children’s book, Bad Touch, Good Touch, created to help children and families understand appropriate and inappropriate touching. She explains why she held onto the book for two years before releasing it, the personal experiences behind its message, and the importance of giving children language to protect themselves.
From Detroit to entrepreneurship, music, marriage, motherhood and personal growth, Amy Rose Howard is in a completely different chapter — and this conversation gets into the reality behind it.
Watch the new episode of Skipping Class with Amy Luciani now on The Progress Report.
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/amylucianiworld/
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

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1 hr 1 min
October 09 Major Nine on NFL Career, Producing for Rick Ross, Writing for Chris Brown & ‘Lil Tape 3’
Major Nine, also known as Chad Thomas, joins Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report for a new episode of Skipping Class to discuss his journey from football to establishing himself as an artist, songwriter, producer, and independent creative.
The former Cleveland Browns player reflects on his passion for both music and sports, playing football at the University of Miami, his perspective on NIL deals, and showing love to rising Miami star Malachi Toney. Major Nine also looks back on taking music seriously while still in high school, going from performing for $300 and a bottle to building an independent career and eventually being honored with his own street in Liberty City, just blocks away from where he once washed cars.
Major Nine gets into his writing and production bag, discussing co-producing Rick Ross’ “Apple of My Eye” featuring Raphael Saadiq and writing his collaboration with Chris Brown and Young Thug. He also speaks on the lessons he’s learned throughout the music industry, his independent grind, and drawing inspiration from Miami legend JT Money.
The conversation gets personal as Major Nine breaks down his latest project, Lil Tape 3, including the meaning behind the Lil Tape series and “Aisha,” a vulnerable record inspired by the day he learned his mother had passed. He opens up about using music as therapy, keeping himself grounded as he reaches new levels, holding people accountable, and maintaining his priorities throughout his journey.
Listen to Skipping Class on all streaming platforms and watch the full episode now at http://TPRMediaGroup.com.
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/major_nine/
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

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20 min
October 08 Lil Quill Finds Confidence in His Music, Talks Gucci Mane, Hoodrich Pablo Juan, & 10th Album
East Atlanta rapper Lil Quill returns to Skipping Class presented by The Progress Report for an in-depth conversation with Lalaa Shepard about his growth, independence, brotherhood, and the new chapter of his career.
Lil Quill reflects on finally finding confidence in his music and preparing to release his 10th project, DEQUILLIUS. Now fully independent, he breaks down what he learned from his previous label experiences, the realities of advances and workload, and why he feels equipped to handle his career on his own.
During the conversation, Quill addresses his history with Gucci Mane, including making it clear that his success and jewelry today are his own while still acknowledging the role Gucci played in helping bring him to a larger audience.
He also opens up about his relationship with Hoodrich Pablo Juan, revealing that the two weren’t seeing eye to eye for a period of time before Quill and Yung Mal ultimately performed at Pablo Juan’s 2025 Welcome Home Concert. Quill speaks on their reunion, an upcoming collaboration with Pablo Juan, and getting back to where things started.
Quill also reflects on his longtime brotherhood with Yung Mal, how the two made it out while watching others around them fall victim to the streets, and why he credits Mal for being the big brother in their relationship. He shares when fans could finally hear another Mal & Quill collaborative project after nearly eight years.
Elsewhere, Lil Quill talks about going viral for getting fresh in Walmart clothes, the meaning behind his Blessed Lil Bastards imprint, showing younger people a better path, being a father figure despite not having children of his own, his niece roasting him over his veneers, his growth outside of East Atlanta, and becoming more intentional about taking care of himself.
After years of interviews with The Progress Report, Lil Quill also admits there was a time when he would show up too high to really talk — and explains what he wants listeners to take away from this new era: growth.
Skipping Class presented by The Progress Report
Subscribe to The Progress Report for more exclusive interviews, independent artist stories, music conversations, and Atlanta culture.
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/lil.quill/
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

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59 min
October 02 Yung Lan & BeatMonster Marc talk Back to the Future album, 7 figure catalog sale, remember Tay Keith
“I don't force creativity, it shows in the product” ~ Yung Lan
Multi-platinum producers Yung Lan and BeatMonster Marc sit down with Lalaa Shepard for a new episode of Skipping Class presented by The Progress Report Media Group for an in-depth conversation about their brotherhood, longevity in the music industry, the evolution of music production, and their upcoming collaborative album, Back to the Future.
Originally from Richmond, Virginia, Yung Lan grew up heavily influenced by the Atlanta sound and eventually connected with Atlanta producer BeatMonster Marc through social media. Marc, whose history in Atlanta music dates back to the D4L and Shawty Lo era and includes working around the Rich Kidz movement, showed love to the young producer and helped open doors for him early in his career. Years later, their relationship has grown beyond music into a genuine brotherhood while both have continued building extensive production catalogs.
Throughout the episode, Yung Lan and BeatMonster Marc reflect on producing records for artists including Fetty Wap, NBA YoungBoy, Rich Homie Quan, Young Dolph, Blac Youngsta, Lil Uzi Vert, Moneybagg Yo, 2 Chainz and more. They also revisit the massive success of Blac Youngsta’s “Booty,” which they produced together, and discuss the impact a life-changing record can have on a producer’s career. Yung Lan even shares the full-circle story of gifting his barber a plaque after his barber originally introduced him to Blac Youngsta.
Yung Lan also opens up about selling his music catalog for seven figures while still owning his masters, managing other producers, and why he believes producers today face a very different industry than the one he and Marc entered. The conversation gets into producer advances, loop makers, creativity, being placed into musical boxes, crossing over into country music, and what producers can do differently to create longevity.
The two also break down their upcoming album, Back to the Future, a project produced and curated by Yung Lan and BeatMonster Marc that reconnects with the energy of Atlanta’s futuristic era. The project brings together artists including Travis Porter, J Money, OJ Da Juiceman, the late Rich Homie Quan, Cashout, Yung LA, Young Cooley, Hollywood YC, Bandit Gang Marco and more.
BeatMonster Marc reflects on producing records for the late Rich Homie Quan, while Yung Lan remembers meeting the late Tay Keith when he was still a college student and reflects on his passing. They also discuss hearing their music on the radio for the first time, life outside of the studio, family, creativity, and what “progress” means to them at this stage of their careers.
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/yunglan/
https://www.instagram.com/beatmonster_marc/
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

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33 min
September 28 Derez De’Shon Breaks Down ‘I’m Not Ok But…’ Deluxe, Becoming a Grandpa & Remembers Rich Homie Quan
“Im just like my fans… I cry like you cry” ~ Derez De’Shon
Southside Atlanta artist Derez De’Shon returns to The Progress Report’s Skipping Class for his second interview with Lalaa Shepard, four years after their first conversation in 2022. As The Progress Report celebrates its 10-year anniversary, Derez opens up about the experiences, losses, growth, and vulnerability behind his latest release, I’m Not Ok But… (Deluxe Version).
Derez reflects on taking a much-needed hiatus from music and explains why stepping away was necessary for him to regain confidence in releasing music and address his mental health. He speaks candidly about dealing with depression and mental health struggles since childhood, survivor’s guilt, pain, suicidal thoughts, and the difficulty of losing people he once leaned on during his darkest moments. He also discusses slowing down on drugs, struggling with self-forgiveness, and why being vulnerable with his fans has become such an important part of his music.
Derez also revisits the success of his breakout record “Hardaway,” including the story behind breaking his plaque and why nobody prepared him for the emotional highs and lows that came with having a hit record. Looking back, he explains how reaching a new level of success changed some of the people around him and shares the lessons he now passes along to other artists, including the mistakes he made by keeping too many people around.
During the conversation, Derez defines success on his own terms as finding peace within himself and shares why his children are a major source of that peace. He also reveals that he became a grandfather to four grandchildren around the same time and speaks about watching his family continue to grow.
Derez breaks down records from I’m Not Ok But… (Deluxe Version), including “Thoughts Of You” featuring Sy Ari Da Kid, which he says was originally inspired by Summer Walker and produced by London on da Track. He also talks about making music about complicated relationships, putting women’s names in songs, and continuing to embrace the “pain music” label while viewing his music as confessional.
The conversation also includes a heartfelt reflection on the late Rich Homie Quan. Derez discusses having unreleased music with Quan and looks back on our 2022 interview, which took place after Derez performed at Quan’s 10-year anniversary concert.
Looking ahead, Derez says he plans to remain consistent with new music and reveals plans to release another pain-driven project around Valentine’s Day, inspired in part by heartbreak and the experience of watching someone he still has feelings for move on. He closes by showing love to the day-one fans who have continued supporting him throughout every phase of his journey.
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/derezdeshon/
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

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41 min
September 25 Moneymyface on Not Making “P*ssy Rap,” Lil Baby Co-Sign, “Bae Please” & Motherhood
Birmingham, Alabama rising artist Moneymyface joins Lalaa Shepard for a new episode of Skipping Class presented by The Progress Report!
During the conversation, Moneymyface gets candid about her identity as a female rapper and explains why she personally isn’t a fan of “pussy rap” and has never wanted that type of subject matter to be the foundation of her music. While embracing her femininity, she says she’s intentional about what she wants to represent through her artistry.
Moneymyface also speaks on receiving support and co-signs throughout her journey from SZA, Lil Baby, Wale, Belly Gang Kushington, and Wallo, and reflects on growing up as a fan of Southern rap legends Gucci Mane and Boosie.
She breaks down the making of her new single “Bae Please,” revealing how a spontaneous studio session turned into her jokingly approaching the record the way male rappers do — resulting in a song packed with personality and humor.
Outside of music, Moneymyface opens up about motherhood and raising her 6-year-old son, explaining how becoming a mother has made her more reflective and conscious of the example she sets. She also discusses teaching her son the difference between pursuing your passion and the work that currently pays the bills while encouraging him to remain creative.
The conversation takes an unexpected turn when Moneymyface reflects on learning to do hair at just 12 years old and recalls working in a salon throughout her teenage years and into adulthood. She also shares the shocking story of learning that a woman she once worked with was later accused of kidnapping children.
From Birmingham to building momentum as an independent artist, Moneymyface speaks on her music, motherhood, influences, industry support, and continuing to develop her own lane.
Watch the full episode of Skipping Class and let us know your favorite moment in the comments!
Follow Moneymyface and stream “Bae Please” on all platforms.
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/moneymyface/
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

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28 min
September 22 JT Money Reflects on 36+ Year Career, Defends Yung Miami’s “Spend Dat” & Sampling His Own Music
“Fame without fortune is even worse” ~ JT Money
Miami rap legend JT Money joins Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report for a new episode of Skipping Class to reflect on more than 36 years in the music industry and the longevity that has allowed him to experience several generations of hip-hop.
JT Money speaks on performing at the FAMU kickoff alongside Uncle Luke and Trick Daddy, growing up on funk and soul, the influence of Scarface and Ice Cube, and Atlanta being one of the first cities to embrace his music. He also reflects on the controversy Poison Clan experienced because of their explicit lyrics, defends Yung Miami amid backlash surrounding “Spend Dat,” and recalls meeting JT of the City Girls through his longtime connection with her mother.
JT Money discusses his Day Party Deluxe project, his “Little Sister” record dedicated to young women, and sampling his own classic “Shake Whatcha Mama Gave Ya” multiple times throughout his career. He also explains why he wants younger artists to sample his music, speaks on unreleased music with Ball Greezy, collaborating with Too $hort on “Something Bout Pimpin’,” working with Khia in the early 2000s, and remembers the late Bigga Rankin.
JT Money also reflects on “Shake Whatcha Mama Gave Ya” appearing in The Players Club, his full-circle relationship with Ice Cube, his health journey, what “progress” means to him, and shares a message for his day-one supporters.
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/jtmoneyjbaby/
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

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31 min

About The Progress Report Podcast

From the publisher's feed

The Progress Report is more than media—it’s a movement. Founded in Atlanta, we are a premier hip-hop platform dedicated to documenting the culture, amplifying untold stories, and championing the voices that shape the streets and the sound. Through raw interviews, real conversations, and unapologetic content, we bridge the gap between underground talent and mainstream recognition.