Hodge grew up on the outskirts of Philadelphia and was already playing bass with the city’s numerous neo-soul groups while still in college, including singers Jill Scott and Maxwell, rapper Common, and keyboardist James Poyser. At the same time, Hodge was honing his jazz chops playing with Donald Byrd and Terrence Blanchard. He won a Grammy as part of Robert Glasper’s “Black Radio” album in 2012. His own debut album “Live Today” was released shortly after in 2013. Hodge has arranged hip-hop for the National Symphony Orchestra for rap icon Nas’ “Illmatic 20th Anniversary” in 2014. His project The Color of Noize is an advocacy program for inner city youth and the self-titled album in 2020 was Hodge’s third album for Blue Note.
