The Progress Report Podcast

Hosted by REVOLT

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706

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Nov 2026

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About the show

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.

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November 7, 202649 min

Marcus T. Paulk & 3rd Eye Recordings Talk New Label, Moesha & The Parkers, Nipsey Hussle & More

From starring in iconic Black television shows like Moesha and The Parkers to stepping into the music industry as an A&R executive, Marcus T. Paulk is continuing to build his legacy! In this episode of The Progress Report’s Skipping Class, Lalaa Shepard sits down with Marcus T. Paulk, Rodney “K-R.O.K.” Gilcreast, and Kenneth Sarino of 3rd Eye Recordings LLC, an independent record label, publisher, and recording studio operating under Universal Music Group (UMG). Marcus reflects on his acting career, the cultural impact of Moesha and The Parkers, watching Brandy receive her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and his relationship with the late Nipsey Hussle. The conversation also dives into the vision behind 3rd Eye Recordings, bringing back music with substance, artist development, and the importance of educating artists about the business. K-R.O.K. discusses his journey from P.M. Dawn to working with legendary artists like Bootsy Collins, while the team shares insight into working with Brian McKnight Jr., Lil Xan, and developing the next generation of talent. Kenneth Sarino also breaks down the importance of data, strategy, and building a sustainable foundation for artists in today’s music industry. From Hollywood nostalgia to major-label partnerships and the future of music, this conversation is all about growth, longevity, and PROGRESS! Subscribe to The Progress Report for more exclusive interviews and conversations! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcuspaulk/ https://www.instagram.com/nevesslu47krok/ https://www.instagram.com/foxfreehold/ 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

November 3, 202652 min

Snap Dogg on Almost Signing to YSL, Young Thug Paying for His LASIK, Detroit’s Biggest Drill Rapper

“If it wasn’t for my kids, I would be dead or in jail” ~ Snap Dogg Detroit rapper Snap Dogg skips class with Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report for an in-depth conversation about beating the streets, fatherhood, staying sober, remaining independent and his journey through Detroit’s evolving hip-hop scene. Snap Dogg reflects on going from an athlete and college student to pursuing music full-time, admitting he initially didn’t know how to rap and started out as a hype man. He speaks on developing his drill sound, being mistaken for a Chicago rapper early in his career and receiving co-signs from Chief Keef, Lil Durk, Lil Baby and Young Thug. He also opens up about nearly signing to YSL, Young Thug paying for his LASIK eye surgery, why he considers himself the biggest successful drill rapper from Michigan and how King Von’s passing changed the business surrounding drill music. Snap Dogg reflects on losing his twin brother Bronco, his thoughts on the current Detroit rap scene and why artists need to support each other more. Snap Dogg also recalls meeting Snoop Dogg through comedian HaHa Davis and smoking his first blunt with Snoop despite normally staying completely sober. He discusses his Wild Exotic cannabis brand, becoming a streamer and how streaming helped revive his career, while explaining why he believes he never technically “fell off” because he was never officially signed or “on” in the first place. The conversation also touches on NIL deals, fatherhood, the realities of the streets and his artists Jiggs and Spiffie Luciano. Snap Dogg closes out the episode by speaking to his Day 1 supporters and introducing his new Michael Jackson-inspired single “Michael,” dropping Friday, November 6. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/snapdogg_27/ 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

November 2, 202620 min

Marquette King on Getting Cut From the NFL, Retiring, Pivoting to Music & ‘Nostalgic Frequencies’

Former NFL All-Pro punter and XFL champion Marquette King sits down with The Progress Report to discuss letting go of his NFL career and embracing the art of pivoting into music full-time. Marquette opens up about getting cut from the NFL, his thoughts on NIL deals and today’s athletes, and how his grandparents inspired his new EP, Nostalgic Frequencies. He also breaks down his genre-blending sound, staying active after football, traveling, his love for wine tasting, mental wellness, and who Marquette King is outside of sports and music. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marquetteking/ 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

October 28, 202637 min

Dude Dynamik on Paying Off $60K Debt Before Betting on Music, Overcoming Trauma & 26 Singles in One Year

“Don’t tell me I’m dope, tell the world” ~ Dude Dynamik Dude Dynamik joins Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report for a new episode of Skipping Class to discuss his journey from Cordele, Georgia to becoming a full-time independent artist and entrepreneur. During the conversation, Dude Dynamik reflects on growing up singing in the church choir and being raised by his grandparents in a household of 12 after losing his mother to blood clots when he was just six years old. He speaks on how those early experiences shaped his discipline, faith, perspective on life, and determination to keep going despite adversity. Dude Dynamik also discusses earning a football scholarship to Mercer University, working three to four jobs while in college, and making the decision to pay off nearly $60,000 in student loan debt before fully pursuing his music career. He breaks down the realities of being an independent artist, investing in himself, releasing 26 singles within a 12-month period, and pushing his single “Different Pocket” to more than 140 radio stations. He also explains the meaning behind the name Dude Dynamik, his thoughts on lyrical rappers receiving backlash, the power of music, and the meaning behind his signature motto, “Don’t tell me I’m dope. Tell the world!” He even connects his approach to music and branding to Waffle House while discussing the importance of giving people something they can recognize and remember. Dude Dynamik also previews his upcoming EP and accompanying micro-drama film series, “Dude, Is This Love?”, and shares what’s next for his career. Watch the full interview and subscribe for more episodes of Skipping Class presented by The Progress Report. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dudedynamik/ 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

October 21, 20261 hr 3 min

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

October 19, 202642 min

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

October 15, 202641 min

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

October 14, 20261 hr 0 min

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

October 9, 202619 min

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

October 8, 202658 min

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