"Chopped and screwed" is a music genre that originated in the Houston hip-hop scene during the 1990s. It involves slowing down the tempo of a song and manipulating its pitch, creating a unique sound. This technique often includes skipping beats, repeating sections, and adding effects, which gives the music a laid-back, hypnotic feel. The term is closely associated with DJ Screw, who pioneered this style. He would take popular tracks and alter them, making them distinctively different from their original versions. This method has influenced various artists and genres, contributing to the evolution of hip-hop and Southern rap.