History approaches…

On March 24th, 2012, Strange Music kicks off The Hostile Takeover 2012 Tour at The Midland in Kansas City. The biggest tour hip hop has ever seen will be set off by a label that started in a basement.

We were able to talk to Krizz Kaliko to get his thoughts on the evening’s proceedings. Krizz also shared recommendations for out-of-towners making the trip to witness the monumental occasion for hip hop, Strange Music and Kansas City.

Why do you think it would be worth it to travel to Kansas City to see this show you guys have coming up at The Midland?

If you can travel and have the ability to do it and the desire to do it, I would because there’s no other rap show like this. There’s no other rap show in the world that I know of that’s like the one that we put on. Seriously, we go to other shows just to make sure that we’re on point. We go see these other rappers, and I won’t name them but trust me, there’s no other show like this.

We end up getting our inspiration from shows that aren’t rap like The Blue Man Group and rock and metal shows. All kinds of different stuff like that. Dubstep and shows like that, otherwise we don’t really have inspiration as far as hip hop performances go. If you want to see the best rap show you’ve ever seen in your life, I would travel to The Midland on the 24th of March.

Granted you guys always give it your all every single time but is there something special about the atmosphere of the show you guys put on in Kansas City?

It is. That’s where we grew this thing so the energy just feels different. The energy feels like “Oh my God!” I mean it pretty much feels like that everywhere but for some reason in Kansas City it’s different. It’s that hometown love. When the Chiefs play away there are Chiefs fans at other stadiums but when they play at Arrowhead there’s something about that electrifying energy that just feels different. I know that’s what it feels like. I know what I feel when I’m up there every time and I know it’s not going to be any different on the 24th.

What do you think of The Midland as a venue?

I love it. I’ve been going there since I was a kid and they remodeled it and made it look still kind of vintage but it’s like really dope. It’s like the perfect balance between vintage and modern and I love playing it. The stage is pretty big and it’s harder to work that big old stage but I love that venue.

If someone was coming in from out of town and wanted to know what to do before the show and maybe after as well, what would you tell them?

Well you know Kansas City is famous for barbecue so I’d definitely say hit up the best barbecue spots. I like Gates. I like Jack’s Stack too but I can’t eat there. Something about their spice does something weird to my stomach. So I’d say go to Gates Bar-B-Q because that’s world-famous. Jack’s Stack is a little tastier but Gates is the one that people rave about all around the country. I’d say to do that. I’d also say hit up Power and Light. I know a lot of people say you shouldn’t say that as a black man because they’re a little prejudiced towards black folks but I still go because I don’t necessarily have to go to the club part. I go to the Sprint Center and go to different events and stuff like that.

The nightlife is pretty good in Kansas City contrary to popular belief but if they’re going to be doing something before the concert I’d definitely say hit up Jack’s Stack and possibly, if it’s on the weekend, hit up the River Market which is near The Midland. It’s got a lot of cool stuff. I’m a pretty regular guy when I’m not rapping so I do stuff like that–look for fresh produce at The River Market. Those would be my suggestions.

So what is your favorite barbecue?

I’d say Gates. I don’t even eat barbecue that much anymore but I’d say Gates. I do Gates. I do Famous Dave’s which is everywhere. I actually like Jack’s Stack but something about their rub doesn’t agree with me. I’d have to say Gates is my favorite barbecue.

What do you recommend from Gates, say you had your last meal there.

I’d say short end and fries or burnt ends with fries. That burnt ends is crazy!

Anything you want to say to fans that are coming in town for this show?

My final comment would be, if you’ve been to a Tech N9ne show, and you’re thinking “Ah, I’ve already seen them before,” it’s only going to get better and it starts in Kansas City and it started with Kansas City.

We’ve never started a tour in Kansas City, we’ve never done a tour this long–no one has ever done a tour this long in hip hop.

Come be a part of the history that is Strange Music: Tech N9ne, Krizz Kaliko, and the crew.

VIP Packages are SOLD OUT for Kansas City.

Get your TICKETS to the Kansas City show of the “Hostile Takeover 2012” Tour while you still can!