The Progress Report Podcast

REVOLT
REVOLT
  • 5.0 (12)
  • Music
  • Updated Weekly

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. We don’t chase clout—we create impact. Our mission is to give artists and creatives the space to speak their truth, share their grind, and inspire progression. From breaking new music to covering industry trends, The Progress Report is trusted by artists, respected by fans, and rooted in authenticity. This is where hustle meets media. This is The Progress Report.

  1. 2d ago

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

  2. 3d ago

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

  3. Oct 2

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

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

  5. Sep 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 “p***y 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

  7. Sep 18

    Hot Boy Turk Addresses Why He’s NOT On Cash Money & No Limit Tour, “Fake Turk” + Music With Master P

    “Im not on this tour, Wayne not on this tour… Is it really a Cash Money Reunion?” ~ Hot Boy Turk Hot Boy Turk returns for his third interview with Lalaa Shepard for a new episode of Skipping Class presented by The Progress Report. Nearly a decade into our history of conversations, Turk gets candid about where he is today personally, musically, and as a businessman. Turk addresses not being included on the current Cash Money & No Limit Tour and reacts to the viral Houston moment where another man took the stage performing his lyrics. While Turk says he was able to laugh at the situation, he makes it clear that his place in history is already solidified and questions whether it can truly be considered a Cash Money reunion without himself and Lil Wayne involved. Turk also clears up the longstanding misconception that Cash Money Records and No Limit Records had real beef, reflects on his relationship with Master P, and discusses their “Wodie” remix collaboration. He also speaks on learning the business side of the music industry, the lessons that came with becoming independent, and why he believes the music business can be even more dangerous than the streets. The conversation gets into Turk receiving backlash for using AI for artwork and covers, why he continues to embrace the technology, and his thoughts on his teenage sons choosing not to use AI. Turk also reflects on unexpectedly going viral after performing outside of Lowe’s, putting diamonds inside his teeth after years of wearing golds, and his experience getting veneers. Later, Turk shares his thoughts on what Lil Durk should focus on as he moves forward with his life, gives his perspective on the Papoose and Remy Ma relationship situation, explains what he wants people to understand about him at this stage of his journey, and shares his goals for 2027 as he continues evolving as an artist, businessman, husband, father, and human being. Turk also discusses his latest music, including “Joseph Reign,” how he defines success today, feeling underestimated, being betrayed by people close to him, his upcoming independent From Magnolia To The World Tour, and much more. Watch the full episode of Skipping Class and let us know your thoughts in the comments. Subscribe to The Progress Report for more exclusive interviews, conversations, and independent music culture. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/originalhotboyturk/ 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

  8. Sep 16

    Casper Bluff on Signing to Gunna’s Shady Baby After 10+ Years Bond, Cash Money Deal & His Come Up

    On a new episode of Skipping Class presented by The Progress Report, Atlanta artist Casper Bluff sits down with Lalaa Shepard for an in-depth conversation about his journey, perseverance, and signing to Gunna’s new record label, Shady Baby. Casper reflects on growing up on the Westside of Atlanta, experiencing gentrification in his neighborhood, making music as early as elementary school, and initially pursuing sports before deciding to take music seriously. He also speaks about his musical influences, his sister being an artist before him, and his mother buying him his first studio equipment. During one of the most personal moments of the conversation, Casper opens up about losing his mother while he was in the 12th grade. As the youngest of six children, he explains how her passing forced him to grow up quickly and become a man. After doctors initially gave his mother only two weeks to live, she lived for over another year and used that time to help prepare him for adulthood and his future. Casper also discusses becoming a father, experiencing a major breakthrough in his career, and signing to Cash Money Records shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic. He explains how the timing of the pandemic prevented the situation from developing the way he envisioned, but ultimately gave him experience that prepared him for the next chapter of his career. Now signed to Gunna’s Shady Baby, Casper explains that he and Gunna have known each other for more than 10 years and were brothers long before deciding to do business together. He speaks about watching Gunna’s evolution, why artists should not expect handouts simply because they are connected to successful people, and the moment he realized his years of consistency were being noticed. Casper also addresses criticism that his sound and style resemble Gunna’s, reflects on advice from the late Chubbie Baby, talks about Gunna’s “health is wealth” mentality, and reveals an upcoming collaboration with Gunna produced by Tay Keith. Plus, things get hilarious when Lalaa tells Casper that she sees a resemblance to Rylo Rodriguez and Lil Gotit—comparisons Casper definitely has some thoughts about. 😂 Tap in for the full conversation and hear Casper Bluff explain what success looks like to him, what he has learned from his journey, and what is coming next musically. New episode of Skipping Class presented by The Progress Report. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/casperblufff/ 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

See All (698)

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

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. We don’t chase clout—we create impact. Our mission is to give artists and creatives the space to speak their truth, share their grind, and inspire progression. From breaking new music to covering industry trends, The Progress Report is trusted by artists, respected by fans, and rooted in authenticity. This is where hustle meets media. This is The Progress Report.

Information

  • Channel
    REVOLT
  • Creator
    REVOLT
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    698
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © The Progress Report Media Group LLC
  • Show Website
    The Progress Report Podcast

More From REVOLT