The Beginning
Alicia Keys Lyrics

The lyrics in "The Beginning" by Alicia Keys suggest that she embodies the history and evolution of hip-hop music. She states that she is "history on the turntables" and that she represents both "old school" and "new school" styles. This implies that she is a skilled DJ who can mix and scratch records from different eras. Keys also describes herself as a mysterious force that exists inside the singer cables. She compares herself to Nina Simone, a legendary singer and civil rights activist, and evokes the image of Harlem in the dark, which symbolizes the gritty, underground origins of hip-hop.

The following stanza implies that Keys is the embodiment of hip-hop's essence and roots. She is the "musical to the project fables," meaning that her music tells stories of struggle and triumph that resonate with people from disadvantaged communities. She is also the words that are scratched out on the record label, suggesting that her message is unfiltered and raw. Keys further asserts that she is the wind that accompanies the spinning of the record, the "dramatic static" that builds up before a song starts, and the "erratic energy" that enters one's skin. These metaphors convey the excitement and significance of hip-hop music, which is not just a form of entertainment but an art form that can move people emotionally and politically. Finally, Keys warns that if one does not let her in, she will become the "shot in the air when the party ends," signifying that the energy and passion of hip-hop cannot be contained or silenced.