Get Changed is a colloquial term originating from Chicago, signifying the act of being killed. The term derives from the physiological transformations a body undergoes post-mortem, such as Algor Mortis and Rigor Mortis, hence the expression 'get changed.' This phrase gained traction alongside the emergence of drill music from Chicago, a genre characterized by narratives of gang conflicts and violence.
Influence of Drill Music
Drill music, with its gritty and raw depiction of street life, has played a pivotal role in popularizing the term 'get changed.' Often, the lyrics reflect the harsh realities of gang warfare, where threats and retaliations are part of the everyday lexicon. This term effectively encapsulates the fatal consequences faced by those involved in these conflicts.
Cultural Impact
In the track 'This Ain’t What You Want (remix)' by Lil Durk, a prominent figure in drill music, the term 'get changed' is used to emphasize the deadly stakes of confronting him. With lines like “I can't do no shows cause I terrify my city, they say I terrify my city – N*ggas get slumped, you're the first to get blamed - A n*gga try us, you're the first one to get changed,” Lil Durk underscores the perilous environment and the inevitability of violence for those who challenge him.
This phrase, though grim, highlights the intense realities and the cultural milieu from which it sprang. As drill music continues to influence listeners worldwide, the term 'get changed' remains a stark reminder of the life-and-death struggles that define this genre.