Half of hip-hop's Run the Jewels, alongside Killer Mike / FRI 4-24-26 / Children's author Kinney / Acrobat's display / Tubes that go down? / Best-selling author who founded Paris's Théâtre Historique / Hearty soup ingredient in Caribbean cooking / Electronica instruments, informally / Grand Duke of Luxembourg until 2025

Constructor: Andrew Spooner

Relative difficulty: Easy to Easy-Medium (depending on how familiar you are with all the names...)

THEME: none 

Word of the Day: EL-P (11D: Half of hip-hop's Run the Jewels, alongside Killer Mike) —

Run the Jewels, also known by the initials RTJ, is an American hip-hop superduo, composed of Brooklyn-based rapper and producer El-P and Atlanta-based rapper Killer Mike. They released their critically acclaimed debut album Run the Jewels as a free download in 2013 and have since released the follow-up albums Run the Jewels 2 (2014), Run the Jewels 3 (2016), and RTJ4 (2020), all of which have been released for free and received critical acclaim. (wikipedia) // Jaime Stuart Meline (born March 2, 1975), better known by the stage name El-P (shortened from his previous stage name El Producto), is an American rapper, songwriter, and record producer. He began his career as a member of the widely acclaimed Company Flow, and has been a driving force in alternative hip-hop since the 1990s. He is now most widely-known as one half of Run the Jewels. He has produced for rappers including Aesop Rock, Cage, and Mr. Lif. He was a member of The Weathermen and was the co-founder, owner, and CEO of the Definitive Jux record label. // He has released four solo studio albums, two albums with Company Flow, and four albums with Run the Jewels. (wikipedia) 

• • •

Not enough marquee power in this one. I don't really understand which of these longer answers you'd want to build a grid around. A good Friday / Saturday grid will have at least a half a dozen longer answers that sizzle and pop, that seem fresh, that give the answer real life. Today ... this was like drinking flat soda (I don't really drink soda anymore, but I remember ... actually, I did have a Dr. Brown's Cream Soda after a long day of walking around a very hot Manhattan last week and that thing tasted Perfect—not flat at all). The one answer with real juice today was THE LAST STRAW. That's an answer that will stand up and fight for your honor. Where have all the good answers gone and where are all the gods? Where's the streetwise Hercules to fight the rising odds!? THE LAST STRAW says "here I am!" The rest of these answers? Not really heroes. They don't seem inadequate, they just don't have any star quality. DO NOT DISTURB. DESERT ISLAND. OK, yes, those are solid. But BUSINESSLIKE. That is ... BUSINESSLIKE (loosen up, baby!). And after those four, most of what you got are banks of 8s, and while, again, most of these are up to the task of filling white space without making me want to throw things, almost none of them are making me go, "ooh, nice." I think both the NW and the SW corners are admirably clean, that is what I'll say. This grid has a few things I really like, like a film noir icon (BOGART) and a truly great novel (Anna KARENINA), and, I mean, how doesn't like hand-holding OTTERs? But this is a Friday NYTXW! The bar is high, and this puzzle just doesn't seem to be trying hard enough to clear it.

Lotta names today. Four in the SE alone! (five if you count JENNY, which you probably shouldn't, since that's not how it's clued, but still...). The puzzle felt a little overly enamored of names, though outside of Name Corner you really only have BOGART and ENO and DUMAS ... and EL-P! I laughed so hard at the clue for EL-P, just imagining a huge subsection of my readers going "'ELP! I don't know who this is!" What I really laughed at was the idea that adding "alongside Killer Mike" was going to clarify things for people. Please understand: I own a Run the Jewels LP (EL-P!) and *I* couldn't remember this guy's name today. When I think of all the "rap name" haters out there among the solvers ... I gotta thank this clue and answer for giving me a laugh. I don't think EL-P is unworthy of being in the crossword, but I guarantee you that for the majority of solvers, he's going to be the most obscure thing in the grid (though for me, JEFF and HENRI were more obscure (the idea that I know what any Grand Duke of Luxembourg is called, LOL)). I can't really believe EL-P made it into the grid before OZU, one of the greatest directors in cinematic history. How are all these other three-letter people getting into the grid before OZU? Hang on ... Huh. Wow. OK, turns out EL-P has been in the grid before! Five years ago! And on a Wednesday!!?!? What a day that must have been. What the hell did I say then? Ha, basically, I said everything I just said, only better:

I have to say something about EL-P today, and that is: LOL, wow. I mean ... I own two RTJ albums and *I* couldn't quite remember EL-P's name. I've been doing NYT crosswords for a while, and let me tell you, RUN THE JEWELS is better known than EL-P and the initialism RTJ is better known than EL-P and KILLER MIKE, the other half of RTJ, is way way better known than EL-P, so it is ultra-bizarre that the first thing to enter the NYTXW from the RTJ Universe is somehow EL-P. He's the far lesser known, and white, half of RTJ, yet he's the first to get into the grid. I feel like that's a metaphor for ... something. More power to him, though. I have nothing against him at all. But when I say "LOL" I mean I don't think I've seen a name that is going to be less familiar to the overall NYTXW solving base than EL-P. It's going to look like a mistake to most people. They're just gonna stare and shrug and cross their fingers.

ELP has appeared a few other times in NYTXW history, in different contexts—though both contexts are musical. ELP is the abbr. for the prog rock band Emerson, Lake & Palmer, who were apparently a big deal when I was a baby, but I can't name anything they did. Oh, wait, "Lucky Man"? Was that them? Yes! (Not Yes, the other prog rock band, Yes the affirmative exclamation!). "Lucky Man" was ELP's highest-charting song in the U.S. at No. 48. The other way ELP has been clued is via the musical My Fair Lady, as the supposed way that Eliza Doolittle would say "help." "''ELP me, 'enry 'iggins, you're my only 'ope!" (in French, it's 'ENRI 'iggins, of course).

Bullets:

• 20A: Charges (BILLS) — all the crossword's difficulty today came from ambiguous clues on short answers ... or else from the "?" clues on the longer answers. It took me many crosses to see BILLS, and a couple crosses to get CASH (24A: "Green"), and I screwed up and wrote in HEM before FIT (21A: Concern for a seamstress), and couldn't come up with DUMAS's name despite having the "D" and knowing the name was going to be French (I think of DUMAS as a novelist, not a theater person) (23A: Best-selling author who founded Paris's Théâtre Historique). 
• 3D: Tubes that go down? (RIGATONI) — they "go down" in that you eat them. True of most food, I'd imagine. Not my favorite clue.
• 18A: Low volume? (TEASPOON) — because the volume of liquid in a teaspoon is "low" (compared to other standard measurement units). Kinda weak. These "?" clues are not landing the way they oughta. 
• 31A: "The best cheese of its type in the world," per George Orwell (STILTON) — what is "its type?" Semi-soft cheese? English cheese? Blue cheese? Just say it's the best cheese, George. You're usually so good with words.
• 16A: Field for both Martin Luther and Martin Luther King Jr. (THEOLOGY) — "Martin Luther" made me think of this amazing Tweet I saw yesterday (as well as the replies) ...

• 1A: Once-in-a-lifetime events (BIRTHS) — got this right away (though I waited til crosses confirmed it before I wrote it in). This clue is clever precisely because it's misdirective without having to resort to a "?" It's true, you're only born once. Of course, a woman might give birth multiple times in her lifetime ... but the clue is talking about being born, not giving birth. 
• 35D: Acrobat's display (PDF FILES) — ooh, I liked this clue too. This one got me. I definitely wanted something like AGILITY. I had the "D" (from DESERT ISLAND) but when I tried to get the crosses on either side of it—chaos. "This has to be SNEAK UP, but nothing starts 'PD-' Let me try the cross on the other side ... well that's RAF, but ... '-DF'? WTF is going on!?" D'oh!
• 39D: Hearty soup ingredient in Caribbean cooking (OXTAIL) — also a hearty ingredient in this grid. Part of that very nice SW corner. Was able to get this fairly easily from the "X" in AXON
• 47D: Where the Red Delicious apple originated (IOWA) — oh good, now I know who to blame. I call this mealy thing the "garbage apple," in that it tastes like garbage and I want to throw it in the garbage.

Signed, Rex Parker, King of CrossWorld

[Follow Rex Parker on BlueSky and Facebook and Letterboxd]
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The world's end, in Norse mythology / FRI 12-26-25 / Casting need / Old coin with a picture of Generalissimo Franco / Origin story family in DC Comics / Cracked wheat used in tabbouleh / How a supervillain might brag / Food that can be prepared de canasta / Royal Australian Air Force insignia / Nation dubbed the "cradle of mankind"

Constructor: Andrew Spooner

Relative difficulty: Easy-Medium

THEME: none 

Word of the Day: MOA (39A: Down Under bird that scientists are working to "de-extinct") —

Moa (order Dinornithiformes) are an extinct group of flightless birds formerly endemic to New Zealand. During the Late Pleistocene-Holocene, there were nine species, in six genera. The two largest species, Dinornis robustus and Dinornis novaezelandiae, reached about 3.6 metres (12 ft) in height with neck outstretched, and weighed about 230 kilograms (510 lb); the smallest, the bush moa (Anomalopteryx didiformis), was about the size of a turkey. Estimates of the moa population when Polynesians settled New Zealand circa 1300 range from 58,000 to 2.5 million.

Moa are traditionally placed in the ratite group. Genetic studies have found that their closest relatives are the flighted South American tinamous, once considered a sister group to ratites. The nine species of moa were the only wingless birds, lacking even vestigial wings, which all other ratites have. They were the largest terrestrial animals and dominant herbivores in New Zealand's forest, shrubland, and subalpine ecosystems until the arrival of the Māori, and were hunted only by Haast's eagle. Moa extinction occurred within 100 years of human settlement of New Zealand, primarily because of overhunting. [...] The creature has frequently been mentioned as a potential candidate for revival by cloning. Its iconic status, coupled with the facts that it only became extinct a few hundred years ago and that substantial quantities of moa remains exist, mean that it is often listed alongside such creatures as the dodo as leading candidates for de-extinction. Preliminary work involving the extraction of DNA has been undertaken by Japanese geneticist Ankoh Yasuyuki Shirota.

Interest in the moa's potential for revival was further stirred in mid-2014 when New Zealand Member of Parliament Trevor Mallard suggested that bringing back some smaller species of moa within 50 years was a viable idea. The idea was ridiculed by many, but gained support from some natural history experts.

In July 2025, American biotechnology Colossal Biosciences announced early phases of plans to "revive" the South Island giant moa by adding moa genes to a related species in collaboration with the Ngāi Tahu Research Centre with funding from Peter Jackson.

• • •

The puzzle seems fine, nothing really ugly about it. It just felt boring. Also, irksome. Three superhero clues, two Albus Dumbledores, and a "de-extincted" MOA in a pear tree. OK, just one ALBUS Dumbledore today, but one yesterday as well, so it sure feels like two. And RAGNAROK isn't technically clued via the Marvel movie title Thor: RAGNAROK, but that's certainly the only way I know that term (12D: The world's end, in Norse mythology). The idea of "de-extincting" animals is horrifying to me. If things are dead, they're dead, let them be dead. Nothing good is going to come from humans trying to raise the dead. We can't even be bothered to do the basic work of preserving the life that does exist on this planet. It's not like Things Are Better Now. We're extinctifying species more than ever. The hubris and lack of foresight here is astonishing. The ways those MOA will be exploited, ugh. Did no one read Tusks of Extinction? God knows I love a MOA. There's a picture of me around here with a museum recreation of one (aha, found it—see above). But that clue, ick. See also the clue on PESETA (54A: Old coin with a picture of Generalissimo Franco). The only time I want to see "Generalissimo Franco" in my puzzle is never. On the off chance you're not familiar with him, here you go:

His government's use of forced labour, concentration camps and executions after the war led to at least 30,000 deaths, with some estimates exceeding 200,000. Combined with wartime killings, this brings the death toll of the White Terror to between 100,000 and 350,000 or more. During World War II, he maintained Spanish neutrality, but supported the Axis powers, damaging the country's international reputation. (wikipedia)

In short, f*** that guy, and f*** this puzzle for the completely needless insertion of a murderous fascist dictator into my Friday puzzle. Gonna have to go replenish my holiday cheer supply later. Maybe have pie for breakfast, I dunno. But "Generalissimo Franco," yeesh, not on my Boxing Day bingo card, dislike. Dislike. I am smashing the Dislike button.

[USHERING]

The grid shape today means that there's not a lot of space for marquee fill. You get the two gridspanners, and they're nice, but the rest is workmanlike, at best. Nothing wrong with any of the 8s in the corners, but there's nothing particularly remarkable about them either. I think the NW is probably the most interesting. Makes me think of a really lazy bank robber, a dilly-dallying hold-up man who can't be bothered to run for it. A SLOWPOKE with a MONEYBAG. That mental image is amusing to me. And then you've got the KANGAROO hopping out of that corner. It's fun. The rest of the grid was less fun, more ho-hum. I guess there's some visual interest in having the answer TIGHTROPE WALKER streeeeeetch from one end of the grid to the other—though at 15 letters, that's always what a TIGHTROPE WALKER's gonna do (at least in a standard-sized puzzle). I guess the puzzle gets some credit for making the answer an Across and not a Down. Preserves the appearance of an actual tightrope. That's something, I suppose.

This one started out with what felt like might be a proper level of Friday difficulty, but after I got out of the top third of the grid, the puzzle offered no more resistance. I think there was some hesitation with EPITOMES and the -IFT twins (RIFT + GIFT) (46D: Big break + 44A: Facility), but otherwise, every answer went right in, not much thought required. Up top, though, I slipped and slid around a little before gaining traction. Couldn't even get started in the NW until I'd done the most basic solving trick—start with the suffix you believe a clue requires. In this case, the "-LY" in SMUGLY (1D: How a supervillain might brag). From there I got YTD and then LOSE IT and ON HOLD followed soon after. I totally forgot LILYs were toxic to cats. I also thought "untended plots" were HOLEY (been reading a lot this holiday season, so I was thinking novels, not gardens). I thought the [Broad band?] was ORE (not OBI). I thought the BOUT was a MEET (10D: Contest). The biggest snag up top, though, was the final vowel in BULGUR (18A: Cracked wheat used in tabbouleh). "U" was my ... third choice. Definitely started with BULGAR ... that's something, isn't it? Yes. A noun meaning "a Bulgarian." Also, an alt-spelling of BULGUR. When the "A" didn't pan out, I switched to "E," which ... yeah, now I see that's more "one who bulges" than wheat type. Eventually, TRUE LOVE showed me the way. Thank you, TRUE LOVE.

Bullets:

• 25A: A cold one is unexpected (and usually unappreciated) (CALL) — true enough. But if you're me, all CALLs are unappreciated. When we used to have a landline and the phone would ring, I'd resent it. Why, why would you make this machine ring? In my house? Things were so peaceful. Nowadays, half my (cell) phone CALLs are spam (or so my phone tells me). The other half are doctors or dentists or what have you. I text. Makes me realize, I never did like the phone. An exhausting contraption. For me, the phone is an intrusive, energy-depleting machine. Maybe this is why I'm so bad about calling my parents. Or anyone. These people who talk on the phone in public (!?), talk on the phone while they're out walking (!?!?!?!) ... I will never understand.
• 29A: Food that can be prepared de canasta (TACOS) — I don't know this method of preparation. I just like that TACOS is the answer to 29-Across, and then 30-Across starts [___ Tuesday] (30A: ___ Tuesday (end of the pre-Lenten season) (SHROVE)). I was like, "ooh, more TACOS!?" But no. 
• 47A: It might be marked with an X (PORNO) — first, probably marked with more "X"s than that. Second, nothing about this clue signals abbrev. or shortening or slang, so I call foul. I think I'd call it PORN or a PORN MOVIE before I'd call it a PORNO. PORN sounds normal, whereas PORNO sounds like something that SLEAZO from yesterday likes to watch.
• 53A: Life partner? (CELLMATE) — this is cleverish. If you're doing "Life" (in prison), you might have a CELLMATE. I thought the answer was going to be something like TIMES or LIMB.

• 34D: Great illustrations (EPITOMES) — easy to misinterpret both "Great" and "illustrations." Puts you in mind of large paintings (or frescoes or murals). But today, it's just perfectly apt ("great") examples ("illustrations") of ... whatever.
• 43A: Origin story family in DC Comics (KENTS) — Superman's adoptive parents are the KENTS.
• 49D: Casting need (DIE) — this was kinda hard. We typically "throw" or "roll" dice (when playing, say, a TABLETOP game). I only encounter the verb "cast" in the context of the phrase "the DIE is cast" (alea iacta est), which is what Caesar is alleged to have said when he crossed the Rubicon. "The phrase is often used to indicate events that have passed a point of no return" (wikipedia). [I’m being told this clue probably refers to DIE-casting]

Time for the Boxing Day edition of 🌲🐈Holiday Pet Pics🐕🌲! Note: PLEASE DO NOT SEND ME ANY MORE PET PICS, I'M ALL FULL UP FOR THIS YEAR, thank you.

A couple of memorial photos up front. Here's Cody, who was beamed up to heaven in a heart-shaped bubble last month. What a sweet face...

[Thanks, Martha!]

And here's Lola, who died last year at age 13. As you can see, Lola was an expert shredder of presents (or plush toys, or scraps of paper, whatever you got, total pro)

[Thanks, Mimi!]

Here's Pico realizing he's in way over his head. "Why did I volunteer to be in charge of lights again!?!"

[Thanks, Marilyn!]

Lupo, on the other hand, is hiding. He has learned his lesson. "No way they're putting me on light-hanging duty again, man. No way!"

"Bah, hiding is boring, let's eat the tree!"

[Thanks, Jill!]

Zack just wants you to take it away. Away. Not amused. Not interested

[Thanks, Christian!]

And finally today, we have Odin, seen here saving Christmas once again. Sometimes you have to crush a few villagers if you wanna save Christmas. It happens. The point is: Christmas, saved. Once again. By Odin. RIP ten villagers. 

[Thanks, Luke!]

See you next time.

Signed, Rex Parker, King of CrossWorld

[Follow Rex Parker on BlueSky and Facebook and Letterboxd]
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