ION INDIE MAGAZINE August 2014, Volume 3 | Page 23

Story and Photography by Yvonne Day
Gina Murillo, also known as HeAdChAnG3, is a woman who has a message
to share with the universe, her peers, and other female rappers who strive
to make a loud noise in the music industry. She speaks through her lyrics
and the music that you hear beaming out of your stereo. Gina hit notes
on the tenor sax for two years in high school, but has not pursued any
formal training. As a writer and rapper, Gina began to perform publically
at age 21. I first saw her on stage at an open mic night four years ago and
have watched HeAdChAnG3 transform into a solid Hip Hop artist with a
positive attitude and a presence you cannot ignore.
When I asked what drives her to write the intense lyrics and harsh
delivery that you may see on stage, Gina replied, “I’ve always known
(since I was young) that I loved entertaining others, whether it being
funny or dramatic. I decided to take it further when I turned 20. It is a
passion that eventually started driving me crazy from suppression.” Gina
is now 26 and writing music or poetry and performing is a release from
the harsh reality that she has experienced as a young girl.
Gina has spent most of her life in Grand Junction, Colorado. Her
background has a tone that rings true to a hard core metrosexual lifestyle
that would corrupt and stifle the most innocent of children. Alcoholism
and drugs were quite prevalent in her home. After the death of her father,
she became a part of the system that so many people read about, talk
about, but rarely experience firsthand. She bounced between foster
homes from the age of 10 until she was emancipated at 18 years old.
Stability, acceptance, love, and happiness are some of the things that she
wants in her life. Most of us have the same desires. HeAdChAnG3 has
filled a void and found an outlet through her songs.
As one of Colorado’s most popular female Hip Hop artists, Gina, aka
HeAdChAnG3, likes to lift weights, spend time outdoors with her dog
Roscoe, and “dance like the floor is on fire”. She is very comfortable and
outspoken about her sexually ambiguous lifestyle and choices. Yet, there
is a softer side to Gina who claims to be a hopeless romantic. She gets
gooey when listening to the likes of SARAH MCLACHLAN or LAUREN
HILL and ANI DIFRANCO, but also enjoys KORN, STP, METHOD MAN,