54 Across

NYT Daily • August 3, 2025

Kris Kross #1 hit with the lyric "How high? Real high, 'cause I'm just so fly"

Answer:

JUMP

Hint:

["Here’s a helpful hint for your crossword clue:\n\n*\"This action might make you ask, 'How high?'—and it's also the title of a 1992 chart-topper.\"*\n\nThis hint keeps the focus on the key phrase from the lyric while gently steering the solver toward the action (jumping) and the song title without outright giving it away."]

Explanation:

The clue references the 1992 hit song *"Jump"* by the hip-hop duo Kris Kross, which topped the Billboard charts. The lyric provided—*"How high? Real high, 'cause I'm just so fly"*—is a direct line from the song, reinforcing the title *"Jump"* as the answer. The wordplay here is straightforward, as the clue relies on recognizing the song's title and its association with the group. The phrase *"How high?"* also subtly hints at the action of jumping, further connecting the lyric to the answer. No complex puns are involved; the solution hinges on pop culture knowledge of 90s music.