With 97 stops pegged, the tour needs the best possible opening acts to capture the energy of the audience and keep the momentum going – a daunting task to some, but also a rite of passage. Strange Music caught up with some of the upcoming opening acts on the Hostile Takeover 2012 Tour, here is what they had to say.

Opening up for the 5/17 show at The Aggie Theater in Fort Collins, Colorado is Dirty D.

Tell us a little bit about yourself – how long you’ve been in the game, your inspirations, and your aspirations.

My name is Daniel Ronan, but I’m better known by my stage name Dirty D – Dirty But So Clean and I am a hip hop recording artist, producer and promoter from the Northern Colorado area. Ever since I was a child music has come naturally to me. I remember as a kid filling a lot of my time creating melodies over drum rhythms on my Casio keyboard – little did I know I was building upon a lifelong dream. I recently returned to my roots as a solo artist and couldn’t feel more confident in my abilities to take this music game exactly where I want. With the release of my most recent self titled album Dirty But So Clean I have come to the realization that I am destined to be a solo artist and with my passion for music there are no limits or restrictions that can hold me back from obtaining my full potential as a creditable musician. I am known for my clever lyrical wordplay and captivating hooks which makes me stand out amongst the crowd. I encompass a strong versatility with my music and I constantly work to perfect my craft which has given me the opportunity to work with the likes of Tech N9ne, Paul Wall, Prozak, Kottonmouth Kings, Bone Thugs N Harmony, Twista, Tha Alkaholiks, Rehab, Murs, Potluck and the list continues to grow.

How does it feel to be part of a legendary, world-record setting hip-hop tour?

It is an honor to be a part of the Hostile Takeover Tour and getting the opportunity to work with Tech N9ne again is an honor as well. I am inspired by him because he is an innovator and the hardest working cat in the biz. Artists like Tech N9ne and MGK motivate artists like me to grind hard and reach my goals as a musician while staying true to myself.

How long have you been down with Strange Music?

I been down with Strange Music since 2004. In 2005 I opened up for Tech for the first time while still in my former hip hop group and have had several opportunities since then to get the crowd hype for Strange shows. I got mad respect for Strange Music as a record label because they always show love for local artists in every city they roll through and I think that’s dope.

What can the Technicians expect out of your show?

When I hit the stage I bring a high energy performance and a presence that people can’t help but pay attention to. I put my heart and soul into each live performance I do as if it were my last. Technicians can expect me to keep them entertained while getting them hype for the artists they came to see.

Anything you would like to say to the Technicians coming out to the show?

Thanks for the support and I look forward to rocking with you on May 17!

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Like Dirty D on Facebook and follow him on Twitter (@DirtyButSoClean)

Click here for tickets and VIP Packages to Hostile Takeover 2012.