View source for Phillip Hodge

{{Infobox person
| name        = Phillip Hodge [[File:verified.png|14px]]
| image         = 1000020564.jpg
| other_names = Thuggizzle
| birth_name    = Phillip Hodge
| birth_date    = May 12, 1984
| birth_place   = San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
| occupation    = Rapper, entrepreneur, philanthropist
| known_for     = Founder of Thuggizzle Cares Inc.; creator of Thuggizzle Appalachian Mountain Spring Water
| nationality = American
| years_active = 2000s–present
| genre       = Hip hop
| background  = solo_singer
| website     = https://thuggizzlecares.org
}}

'''Phillip Hodge''', better known by his stage name '''Thuggizzle''', is an [[American]] rapper, entrepreneur, and community activist from San Antonio, Texas.<ref>[https://bestofbestreview.com/awards/phillip-hodge-best-music-and-community-activist-in-the-u-s-of-2025 Phillip Hodge: Best Music and Community Activist in the U.S. of 2025]</ref> He is known for his off-the-dome freestyle rapping, philanthropic work, and founding the nonprofit Thuggizzle Cares Inc.<ref>[https://thuggizzlecares.org Thuggizzle Cares Inc - Official Site]</ref>

== Early life ==
Phillip Hodge was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas.<ref>[https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2024/03/13/major-san-antonio-hotel-showcases-local-entrepreneurs-water-business Major San Antonio hotel showcases local entrepreneur's water business]</ref> Hodge’s childhood was marked by instability, with time spent in foster care along with his three sisters.<ref>[https://columbuscountynews.com/2025/02/phillip-hodge/ Phillip Ray Hodge – CCN]</ref> At age 9, he became a ward of the state and spent formative years navigating group homes.<ref>[https://www.expressnews.com/news/article/The-right-thing-to-do-S-A-rapper-Thuggizzle-16121538.php 'The right thing to do': San Antonio rapper to donate 10K]</ref>

== Music career ==
Hodge adopted the moniker '''Thuggizzle''' and gained recognition for his unique freestyle rapping ability, transforming personal adversity into musical artistry.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8lcOtPLeC0 Thuggizzle's Very First KENS 5 News Interview]</ref> His music is largely self-written and centers on themes of resilience and hope.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYoNHgWimto Interview With KSAT 12's Patty Santos & Hyatt Partnership]</ref> He has leveraged his platform to highlight social issues and inspire audiences.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/thuggizzle Thuggizzle YouTube Channel]</ref>

== Entrepreneurship ==
Hodge is the founder and owner of Thuggizzle Water LLC, a spring water business launched in collaboration with San Antonio hotels.<ref>[https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2024/03/13/major-san-antonio-hotel-showcases-local-entrepreneurs-water-business Major San Antonio hotel showcases local entrepreneur's water business]</ref> His entrepreneurship aims to provide healthy beverages to the community and generate funds for charitable initiatives.<ref>[https://www.datanyze.com/people/Phillip-Hodge/12953967955 Thuggizzle Water business info]</ref>

== Philanthropy and community activism ==
Hodge established '''Thuggizzle Cares Inc''', a nonprofit organization supporting underserved communities with education, resources, and outreach.<ref>[https://thuggizzlecares.org Thuggizzle Cares Inc - Official Site]</ref> As part of his activism, Hodge created the "Lil Phillip Cares" program for children and families in need.<ref>[https://pr.washingtoncitypaper.com/article/Phillip-Hodge-Announces-Thuggizzle-Cares-Inc-Launch-to-Empower-Communities-and-Expand-Educational-Initiatives?storyId=689d4508e159890002d505e8 Phillip Hodge Announces Thuggizzle Cares Inc Launch]</ref> He has also made substantial donations and appeared in media to raise awareness for causes impacting San Antonio.<ref>[https://www.expressnews.com/news/article/The-right-thing-to-do-S-A-rapper-Thuggizzle-16121538.php 'The right thing to do': San Antonio rapper to donate 10K]</ref>

== Awards and recognition ==
In 2025, Hodge was named Best Music and Community Activist in the U.S. by ''Best of Best Review''.<ref>[https://bestofbestreview.com/awards/phillip-hodge-best-music-and-community-activist-in-the-u-s-of-2025 Phillip Hodge: Best Music and Community Activist in the U.S. of 2025]</ref> His nonprofit, Thuggizzle Cares Inc., is profiled on GuideStar for its transparency and impact.<ref>[https://www.guidestar.org/profile/46-2219297 Thuggizzle Cares Inc - GuideStar Profile]</ref>

== Media coverage ==
Hodge and Thuggizzle projects have been covered by various news outlets and interviews:
* [https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2024/03/13/major-san-antonio-hotel-showcases-local-entrepreneurs-water-business KSAT News: Thuggizzle Water partnership] 
* [https://www.expressnews.com/news/article/The-right-thing-to-do-S-A-rapper-Thuggizzle-16121538.php San Antonio Express News: $10K donation]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8lcOtPLeC0 KENS 5 News Interview]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYoNHgWimto KSAT 12 Interview]
* [https://www.youtube.com/thuggizzle Thuggizzle YouTube Channel]
* [https://columbuscountynews.com/2025/02/phillip-hodge/ Columbus County News profile]
* [https://pr.washingtoncitypaper.com/article/Phillip-Hodge-Announces-Thuggizzle-Cares-Inc-Launch-to-Empower-Communities-and-Expand-Educational-Initiatives?storyId=689d4508e159890002d505e8 PR Washington City Paper: Nonprofit launch]
* [https://bestofbestreview.com/awards/phillip-hodge-best-music-and-community-activist-in-the-u-s-of-2025 Best of Best Review: Award announcement]
* [https://thuggizzlecares.org Thuggizzle Cares official]
* [https://www.guidestar.org/profile/46-2219297 GuideStar Nonprofit profile]
* [https://www.datanyze.com/people/Phillip-Hodge/12953967955 Thuggizzle Water business info]

==External links==
* [https://thuggizzlecares.org Official website]
* [https://open.spotify.com/artist/3rU4AjnMarRv8zO9P5D6CW Thuggizzle on Spotify]
* [https://x.com/Thuggizzle Thuggizzle on X (Twitter)]
* [https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillip-junior-hodge-b2057a239 Phillip Hodge on LinkedIn]
* [https://www.crunchbase.com/person/philip-hodge-3cb6 Phillip Hodge on Crunchbase]

== References ==
<references />

[[Category:American rappers]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Community activists]]
[[Category:People from San Antonio, Texas]]