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 6/15 show at the The Worcester Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts is Lewn.

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

I started in a group called LAWST back in 2003/2004. We had a small amount of “buzz” after entering ‘The Underground Phychos Contest’ held by Psychopathic Records in 2005. Soon after the contest, we were offered a chance to open for Tech N9ne in Hartford, CT. I ended up performing the show as a solo artist due to some complications with the group and I’ve performed as LEWN ever since.

I’ve always gained my inspiration from many different places. It’s hard to say that one specific artist has inspired me the most, but if I had to answer, I would say Bone Thugs ‘N’ Harmony were my biggest inspiration early in life, and obviously Tech N9ne has been another artist that I’ve gained a lot of inspiration from over the years.

As far as my aspirations go, I feel like I’m already where I need to be as far as music goes, I would like to record a lot more songs (and I will) but the fact that a few thousand people have already heard of me and they continue to support what I do is good enough for me. If it gets any bigger than it is, that’s great, but I appreciate the fact that anybody listens to me at all, period.

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

Great! I’ve been opening on the East Coast for Tech since 2006, so it’s always fun to join the show anytime he comes around. I’m looking forward to being a part of this one just as much as I always have. I’m definitely proud of the fact that I’m able to enjoy the growing crowds year after year as things continue to expand for Strange Music.

How long have you been down with Strange Music?

Since around 2002 or 2003, I believe. I’ve been a street team leader in [Connecticut and Massachusetts] since 2007 and also had the opportunity to work for Strange as a graphic artist for a few years and that was a great learning experience all around as well.

What can the Technicians expect out of your show?

Technicians can expect the kind of opener that makes sense for a Tech N9ne show – we start the show off and get everybody moving and ready for rest of the night. I’ve always enjoyed being the first artist to see the crowd.

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

Thank you for always being supportive of me and all the other artists, without you, there is no show, end of story.

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