- Plano, TX
- Hip Hop Artist
- $5000-10000
Black Gold Ta-Nya formerly Black Gold has performed with some of the industry's top artist. Now streaming on all platforms Black Gold Ta-Nya’s album TEN has...
Phillip Hodge (Thuggizzle)
Overview
Thuggizzle is a rapper and actor whose talent, story, and presence captivate audiences. With over a million YouTube subscribers, he’s known for raw lyricism, powerful stage energy, and inspiring storytelling drawn from his life growing up in foster care. Beyond music, his natural acting ability and community work make him stand out. Recognized nationally as both an artist and activist, Thuggizzle delivers professional, memorable performances for live shows, private events, festivals, and film/TV projects. Book Thuggizzle for talent, impact, and a show your audience will never forget.
Reviews
2 reviews
Martha V.
February 14, 2026He's The Real Deal
Currently booked
Hired as: Hip Hop Artist, Rapper
Phillip Hodge (Thuggizzle)
100
Collins
November 15, 2025San Antonio Legend
What made this event great was that he is able to rap about anything straight on the spot like bro he's really talented. Never a dull or dry moment with this artist.
Hired as: Rapper
Booking information
Price range: $10,000-$100,000
Languages: English
Gig length: 15 - 60 minutes
Insurance: $1,000,000 - General Liability Insurance covering personal injury, property damage, and event-related incidents during performances or public appearances. This coverage protects both the performer (Thuggizzle) and the client/event venue.
What to expect
When you book Thuggizzle (Phillip Hodge), you’re getting more than a performer — you’re bringing an experience that inspires, uplifts, and energizes your audience.
Known for his 100% freestyle performances — “Straight Off the Brain, No Pen and Pad” — Thuggizzle brings a rare authenticity and electric energy to every stage. His shows blend raw lyricism, motivational storytelling, and audience connection that keeps crowds fully engaged from start to finish.
Audiences can expect:
🎤 Dynamic Live Freestyles: Every verse is improvised, created in the moment with crowd participation — no written lyrics, just pure talent and energy.
💬 Inspiring Messages: Thuggizzle shares his real-life journey from foster care and the streets of San Antonio to award-winning artist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. His story motivates listeners of all ages to rise above challenges and believe in their purpose.
🌊 Positive Vibes & Clean Energy: Thuggizzle’s performances are positive, family-friendly, and packed with encouragement, making them perfect for schools, festivals, corporate events, and community gatherings.
💧 Community Impact: As founder of Thuggizzle Cares Inc. and Thuggizzle Water LLC, he uses his platform to promote literacy, sustainability, and youth empowerment. Booking Thuggizzle means supporting a performer who gives back to the community.
📚 Educational & Motivational Segments: At select events, Thuggizzle incorporates messages from his “Thuggizzle Reads to Kids” series — showing how reading, resilience, and creativity can transform lives.
🔊 High-Energy Performance with a Purpose: Whether it’s a live concert, motivational keynote, youth event, or media appearance, audiences leave inspired, entertained, and ready to make a difference.
Every Thuggizzle performance is uniquely tailored to the audience and event — from high-energy hip-hop sets to motivational speaking and youth literacy programs. His versatility makes him a powerful fit for schools, festivals, corporate conferences, charity events, or family-friendly community shows.
When you hire Thuggizzle, you’re not just getting entertainment — you’re booking a movement built on faith, creativity, and giving back.
About
Phillip Hodge, professionally known as Thuggizzle, is a rapper, entrepreneur, and philanthropist from San Antonio, Texas. Overcoming a challenging childhood in shelters, group homes, and the foster care system, Thuggizzle turned his pain into purpose—building a movement centered on creativity, faith, and community empowerment.
Through his Thuggizzle Music Group, he gained national attention for his signature 100% freestyle performances and charting projects like No Pen and Pad (Extended Edition). Beyond music, he founded Thuggizzle Cares Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to literacy and youth development with programs such as Thuggizzle Reads to Kids, Lil Phillip Cares, and Thuggizzle Make The Grade. These initiatives encourage children to read, improve academically, and dream beyond their circumstances.
Thuggizzle is also the founder of Thuggizzle Water, an eco-friendly Appalachian Mountain Spring Water brand that promotes sustainability and community well-being. The brand has been featured in major press outlets and recognized for its environmental and social impact.
His life journey has earned him awards such as Best Music & Community Activist in the U.S. 2025 and Best Community Activist in San Antonio 2025. From performing on KENS 5 Great Day SA to receiving recognition from civic leaders like Judge Peter Sakai, Thuggizzle continues to inspire through authenticity, resilience, and service.
A true example of transformation, Thuggizzle’s mission is to uplift others—proving that no matter where you start, faith, hard work, and heart can lead to greatness.
Additional booking notes
To ensure the best experience for your audience and a smooth setup, please review the following technical requirements and performance notes for Thuggizzle (Phillip Hodge).
Performance Setup
Performance Type: Live freestyle rap, motivational speaking, and/or community engagement presentation (tailored to event type).
Set Length: Flexible — can range from 10 minutes to 1 hour depending on event needs.
Setup Time: Minimum 30 minutes prior to performance.
Breakdown Time: Approximately 15 minutes after performance.
Audio Requirements
🎤 Sound System: Professional PA system suitable for venue size.
🎚️ Microphones: One wireless handheld microphone (Shure or Sennheiser preferred). A backup wired mic is appreciated.
🎧 Monitors: At least one stage monitor/speaker with clear vocal feedback.
🔌 Input/Output: Standard XLR or ¼-inch input for playback device (laptop, phone, or USB audio interface).
Lighting
💡 Stage Lighting: General wash or spotlight preferred. LED or colored stage lighting welcome but not required.
⚡ Indoor/Outdoor Adaptable: Thuggizzle can perform in both indoor and outdoor settings; however, adequate lighting should be provided for evening or low-light events.
Staging & Space
🎤 Stage Size: Minimum 8’ x 8’ performance space recommended.
🚶 Audience Interaction: Thuggizzle often moves through the crowd and engages with attendees, so allow open floor space in front of the stage when possible.
🪑 Setup Area: Small table or backstage area for water, promotional materials, and personal items.
Power
⚡ Electrical: At least one standard 120V power outlet near the stage for audio and lighting equipment.
🔋 Backup Power: If outdoors, please ensure access to a generator or reliable power source.
Additional Options
🎬 Media/Recording: Event organizers may record or livestream with prior written consent.
💧 Product Display: Thuggizzle may request a small table for Thuggizzle Water or Thuggizzle Cares Inc. promotional materials.
📚 Reading & Youth Events: For Thuggizzle Reads to Kids appearances, please provide a chair or stool and an area where children can sit comfortably (library, school gym, or stage floor).
Travel & Lodging
🚗 Travel Radius: Based in San Antonio, TX — available for travel throughout Texas and nationwide (travel and lodging fees may apply for out-of-town bookings).
🏨 Lodging: For long-distance bookings, one hotel room (non-smoking) is required if overnight stay is necessary.
Professional Conduct
✅ Family-friendly content available upon request.
🙏 Clean, motivational, and positive messaging for all youth or corporate events.
💬 Thuggizzle will arrive early for sound check and remain available for media, photos, or meet-and-greet sessions if arranged in advance.
Services offered
Set list
Every Thuggizzle show is unique — 100% freestyle, straight off the brain, no pen and pad.
No two performances are ever the same. I build my set around the crowd, the energy, and the message that moment calls for.
A typical performance includes a mix of original tracks, live freestyles, and motivational storytelling, customized for the audience and event type.
🎤 Signature Performances Include:
“No Pen and Pad (Extended Edition)” – A powerful opening that showcases Thuggizzle’s freestyle skill and raw authenticity.
“Off the Brain” – Fully improvised performance created live from audience suggestions.
“Make the Grade” – A motivational anthem celebrating education, growth, and perseverance.
“From the Streets to Strength” – A reflection on overcoming adversity and finding faith.
“Read to Kids Freestyle” – A special clean, family-friendly freestyle inspired by Thuggizzle Reads to Kids.
“100% Freestyle Str8 Off the Brain” (2026 Album Previews) – Exclusive unreleased material performed live.
🔊 Freestyle Segments
Thuggizzle’s freestyle sets are built from audience interaction — he asks the crowd to throw out words, names, or topics and creates a full song in real time. These moments always bring laughter, inspiration, and unforgettable energy.
💬 Motivational & Community Segments
At school, church, or corporate events, the set may include spoken segments focused on:
Faith, motivation, and positive decision-making
Overcoming trauma and breaking generational cycles
Literacy and youth empowerment (Thuggizzle Cares / Reads to Kids themes)
🎶 Performance Length
10–20 minutes (short appearance or youth event)
30–45 minutes (standard concert or showcase set)
Up to 1 hour (full-length motivational concert experience)
Every performance is tailored to fit the venue, crowd, and purpose — whether it’s a music festival, school program, charity event, or private celebration.
Influences and inspiration
My biggest influences come from real life — the struggles, the lessons, and the blessings that shaped who I am today. Growing up in shelters, group homes, and the foster care system taught me how to turn pain into purpose and find my voice through freestyle and faith.
Musically, I’ve always been inspired by artists who speak truth and stand for something bigger than themselves. Legends like Tupac Shakur, DMX, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Snoop Dogg, E-40, Too Short, and Lil Wayne all influenced my energy, delivery, and ability to move a crowd. These are artists I not only listened to — but shared stages with.
From 2 Chainz to Cypress Hill, performing alongside some of hip-hop’s greats pushed me to keep elevating and stay authentic. Each of them showed me that success comes from consistency, creativity, and connection with the people.
Outside of music, my faith in God is my foundation. My late best friend Billy Bob Wells helped introduce me to that love of God, which changed my life forever. That same spiritual influence now drives everything I do — from my music and performances to my nonprofit Thuggizzle Cares Inc. and Thuggizzle Reads to Kids program.
I’m also influenced by everyday heroes — foster youth, single parents, educators, and community leaders who keep pushing forward no matter what. Their strength reminds me why I do what I do: to motivate others to rise up, believe in themselves, and break the cycle.
My mission, like my music, is inspired by those who came before me — but powered by my own story. I’m proof that no matter where you start, you can make it, you can make change, and you can make history.
Setup requirements
To ensure the best performance experience, please provide the following items and equipment: 🎤 Audio 1 Wireless handheld microphone (Shure or Sennheiser preferred) 1 Backup wired microphone Professional PA system with clear vocal output 1 Stage monit
🎤 Audio 1 Wireless handheld microphone (Shure or Sennheiser preferred) 1 Backup wired microphone Professional PA system with clear vocal output 1 Stage monitor or floor speaker for performer feedback Audio input for music playback (XLR or ¼-inch cabl
Report Phillip Hodge (Thuggizzle)
Rapper