“Don’t call ___ comeback!” NYT crossword clue

The clue “Don’t call ___ comeback!” is a quote made famous by rapper LL Cool J in his 1990 song “Mama Said Knock You Out.” The phrase is used to assert that a return to prominence or success isn’t actually a comeback because the speaker was never truly gone. In crosswords, quotes like this often hinge on recognizing iconic cultural references.

The answer to the clue is **IT A**. These two short words complete the phrase “Don’t call it a comeback!” and are essential to