There’s a great interview between Elissa Schappell and Karen Russell (whose forthcoming Swamplandia! is incredible) in the Winter Reading issue of Tin House. In it, Russell mentions listening to hip-hop as a way to overcome writing anxiety:

Sometimes if I’m in a really low self-esteem phase I listen to hip-hop, because those gentleman are making terrible metaphors and they’re not apologizing for it. You’re welcome! is their attitude. I admire that! Too often I feel the opposite […] Writing fiction, making any art, can feel awfully egotistical […] You do have to have a weird kind of confidence to assert that you’ve got a story worth telling.

I have to agree with Russell, since I listen to a ton of hip-hop while drafting (or, okay, while driving, walking, washing dishes….), and mention of those “terrible metaphors” made me recall some of the lyrics that have stuck with me. I think those bold, cringe-worthy stabs at simile are worthy of some celebration:

I blow up spots like little sisters. (Playa’s Anthem)

Now I’m knocking like Jehovah (Country Grammar)

I be all over the bread like sesame seeds. (Too Clean)

I’m a franchise, like a Houston Rocket.  (Excuse Me, Miss)

Like Fame, I’ll live forever. (Protect Ya Neck)

I play my enemies like a game of chess. (Ready or Not)

These cats fold like gyros*. (Diamonds)

*pronounced the incorrect New Yorker way, no less!

This is but a drop in the outrageous metaphor bucket. What are some of your favorite lyrics?