Linkin Park's Mike Shinoda is excited to take his solo project, Fort Minor, on a U.S. tour -- even if it costs him a bundle.

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"No matter how well this tour does, if it sells out plus some in every single venue, I'm gonna lose money," says Shinoda, who's taking out an entourage that features two more rappers, three string players, three backup singers, a DJ, a drummer and special guest vocalist Holly Brooke.

"I didn't want to downscale the production. I want to bring a great show to people 'cause I feel strongly about the music. I really want people to get the right presentation of it and to have a good time, kind of on my tab."

Fort Minor released its first album, "The Rising Tied," in November. It was executive produced by rapper Jay-Z and features guest appearances by John Legend, Kenna, Common, the Roots' Black Thought and Linkin Park DJ Joe Hahn.

Fort Minor kicks off its tour Saturday in Minneapolis and will be on the road into early March, with dates in North America and the Asian Rim.

Linkin Park has started writing songs for its third studio album, which the group plans to release later this year.