Career and love brought hip-hop MC Flare Tha Rebel™ back to his hometown of Kansas City, MO, which sparked a creative renaissance. As The Pitch noted, "As a member of hip-hop collective Anti-Crew, Flare Tha Rebel made quite an impact on the Kansas City hip-hop scene. After making the leap from KC to Chicago in the late '00s, he's now back..." His homecoming has proved fruitful – his track "Playground" was voted the Number 1 Song of 2022 by listeners of 90.9 FM The Bridge.

Known for electrifying live band performances that showcase masterful lyricism, Flare occasionally collaborates with Woodland Ave. Derived from the street name of the school where they met; Woodland Ave. is a collective of four solo artists. Flare Tha Rebel (vocals), Ryan Marquez (keys, vocals), Matt Phoenix (guitar, vocals), and Bob Pulliam (drums), all of which met at Lincoln College Preparatory Academy in Kansas City, MO, joined by Lauren Williams (bass, synth bass). Together, they craft a distinctive sound that infuses elements of hip hop, rock, pop, and jazz.

There’s also a duality to Flare’s approach as many of his songs are connected to his Art to Empower initiative, raising awareness and funds for a variety of social justice causes and nonprofits. Such as his Royalty EP poster designed by muralists JT Daniels, which raises funds for the Equal Justice Initiative and music video release party for single “Rosé All Day” that raised funds for the Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault.

Throughout his career, Flare has shared stages with heavyweights including Chance The Rapper, RZA of Wu-Tang Clan, Mac Lethal, Nappy Roots, and CES Cru. His most recent release is the critically acclaimed EP, Summer You, Summer Me, followed by his feature on the Kemet Coleman song “Android”.