50 Across

NYT Daily ? September 28, 2025

Rap battle participants

Answer:

MCS

Hint:

Think of the initials for artists who often drop rhymes over beats, like in the early days of hip-hop. They’re not just performers—they’re the ones who craft the lyrics.

Explanation:

"Rap battle participants" points to "MCS" because MC stands for "master of ceremonies," the term for rappers who perform in battles or on stage. The plural "MCS" fits since battles usually involve multiple rappers facing off. It’s a straightforward reference—no wordplay, just hip-hop culture shorthand for the artists trading verses.

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General solving tip

Match the clue's grammar: plural with plural, past with past. If the clue ends in 's' or uses a past-tense verb, mirror that form in the entry.

More tips → General Hints