‘Grammy winner Hayes’ NYT Mini clue hints and answer (Sept. 6)

How’s your music knowledge? Well, today’s NYT Mini clue, “Grammy winner Hayes,” puts it to the test. This clue is straightforward, but relies on whether you know one particular soul music artist.

‘Grammy winner Hayes’ NYT Mini clue hints

Before I reveal the answer, here are four hints to help you reach the answer yourself.

• Hint 1: American soul musician.
• Hint 2: Artist behind the theme from Shaft.
• Hint 3: The first name of the voice of Chef in South Park.
• Hint 4: Begins with an “I.”

I’m about to reveal the answer, so don’t read on if you want to keep trying.

‘Grammy winner Hayes’ NYT Mini clue answer

The answer to today’s NYT Mini clue, “Grammy winner Hayes,” is “ISAAC.” The late Isaac Hayes had several successful soul albums and won three Grammys, including Best male R&B Vocal Performance for his track “Don’t Let Go.” If you’re less musically inclined, you may also recognize him as the voice of Chef in South Park.

‘Grammy winner Hayes’ NYT Mini clue difficulty rating

The difficulty of his clue likely depends on whether you’re a music, South Park fan, or Shaft fan. So, let’s be honest, your age will probably be a factor in how easy this was to solve. I’m giving it a three out of five for difficulty because I had the name on the tip of my tongue but couldn’t quite get there.

All NYT Mini Sept. 6 answers

Across

• 1A Pioneering video game in which you sliter around and eat apples—SNAKE
• 4A Mailing alternative to a home address—PO BOX
• 6A Grammy winner Hayes—ISAAC
• 7A Words on a book’s spine—TITLE
• 8A Bona fide—REAL

Down

• 1D ___valve (Drainage feature on a brass instrument)—SPIT
• 2D Respectful denial—NO SIR
• 3D Subside—ABATE
• 4D Animal whose closest living relative is the wombat—KOALA
• 5D Microsoft’s alternative to Google Sheets—EXCEL

How to play more word games like the NYT Mini crossword

Hungry for more word games? I recommend The Atlantic‘s free daily crossword, but it’s worth checking out the LA Times or the Washington Post offerings, too. If you’re sick of crosswords, try NYT’s Strands or Spelling Bee games.