Who is Hanumankind?
Kerala-born singer-rapper Sooraj Cherukat, better known by his stage name Hanumankind, has become the latest global viral sensation thanks to his hit song “Big Dawgs.”
The track has made significant waves across the international music community with its raw energy, death-defying “maut ka kuan” (well of death) stunts, and catchy beats.
Breaking Records
“Big Dawgs” debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 at #57 on the global list. The song has surpassed 37 million streams on Spotify and gone viral on TikTok with over 111 million views. It even held the 9th position on the Spotify Global Top 50 chart, overtaking tracks by Kendrick Lamar and Eminem.
The Music Video
The song’s video, shot in the coastal district of Ponnani, Kerala, features the “maut ka kuan” as its backdrop.
Penned by Hanumankind himself and directed by Bijoy Shetty, the video combines high-octane beats with death-defying stunts and a lot of swagger, making it an instant hit.
Mixed Reviews
Hanumankind’s latest album, “Big Dawgs,” has received mixed reviews as it goes global. Some have questioned the authenticity of an Indian artist rapping in English, but the song’s success speaks for itself.
Embracing the Culture
“They call it the Well of Death for a reason. You have to credit those who perform there every day because they risk their lives to keep people entertained. I was just there for a day, but I’m blessed they accepted me into their community and let me partake in something like this,” Hanumankind said in an interview with The Hindu.
The Man Behind the Name
Sooraj Cherukat’s stage name, Hanumankind, is a combination of the Hindu deity Hanuman and the English term “kind,” reflecting his connection to his Indian roots while crafting a name with global appeal.
Born in Malappuram, Kerala, in 1992, Hanumankind spent his early years in Houston, Texas, where he attended college. He later returned to India and earned a degree in Business Administration from PSG College, Coimbatore, in 2012.
Career Beginnings
Hanumankind began his career with NH7 Weekender and released his first single, “Daily Dose,” from his debut EP “Kalari” in 2019. Over the past five years, he has witnessed remarkable growth and amassed a massive fan following.
Musical Influences
His early life in Texas introduced him to Southern hip hop, as he grew up listening to artists like Three 6 Mafia, Project Pat, UGK, TidexX, and DJ Screw. His music style is greatly influenced by Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Logic. Other popular tracks by Hanumankind include “Genghis,” “Skyline,” “Damnson,” “Southside,” and “Rush Hour.”
Hanumankind’s journey from Kerala to global stardom is a testament to his talent and dedication. His unique blend of Indian and Western influences has resonated with audiences worldwide, making him a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
The Rise of Hanumankind
Sooraj Cherukat, better known by his stage name Hanumankind, is a rapper from the Bangalore hip hop scene. He started making waves a few years ago with his EP “Kalari,” but he’s been at it for quite some time. I first met him in Bangalore in 2017 when he went by the stage name Bad Influence. Even back then, he had “superstar” written all over him. We were both competing in a rap competition, and he smoked all of us in the final round with his “Super Mario” freestyle. I’ve been following his music ever since, and it’s amazing to see someone you know blow up.
The Impact of “Big Dawgs”
“Big Dawgs” has taken the international hip hop community by storm. Directed by Bijoy Shetty, the video already has over 7 million views on YouTube. But what makes this song so special? It’s not Hanumankind’s first track, nor is it the first Indian hip hop song to gain international attention. However, this one feels different.
What Worked for Hanumankind and “Big Dawgs”
Let’s dive deep into what actually worked for Hanumankind and “Big Dawgs.” First, let’s talk a bit about the artist. Suraj lived in Texas when he was younger, so he would have heard local legends like Three 6 Mafia, Project Pat, and UGK during his childhood. That influence is clear in his music. Even his accent isn’t the usual “firangi” accent; the way he twists the ending of his words is very Southern American. Many reaction videos show people surprised that he’s Indian because there’s nothing really “Desi” about him, at least by the way he sounds.
The Evolution of Indian Hip Hop
Indian hip hop has gone through two major eras that exploded in the mainstream. Pre-2015, there was a very poppy, synth-based electronic sound with artists like early Bohemia, Brodha V’s “Aathma Raama,” and Krishna’s English songs. Post-2017, there was an explosion of trap with acts like Seedhe Maut, Sez, and of course, Bombay’s Divine and Naezy. Now, in the post-trap, post-“Gully Boy” era, the gap between India and the USA has reduced greatly due to reels and social media.
The Unique Sound of “Big Dawgs”
“Big Dawgs” has a very in sound. The beat is simple and tight, almost like you’re listening to a Memphis rapper. The track features top-tier lyricism and a nod to DJ Screw, a Texas legend, with its chopped and screwed outro. Unlike many other tracks, Hanumankind has brought a unique blend of Western and Indian influences to his music.
Iconic Bars and Southern Influence
Hanumankind’s track “Big Dawgs” features some iconic bars, like when he says, “I am the big step,” in that classic Project Pat style. Many people are saying that the flow was inspired by the Houston and New Orleans rap scenes. Remember Kendrick Lamar’s flow in “ELEMENT”? People thought they wouldn’t see me, huh? That was Juvenile’s flow. Eminem also used that flow on his latest album. It’s so cool to see how Southern hip hop has influenced artists worldwide.
American Influence and Relatability
Even the subject matter of Hanumankind’s rhymes is very American. The slang he uses, like “pouring up for the people who are gone” or “RIP,” resonates with audiences outside India. In India, talking about alcohol and funerals in the same breath might raise eyebrows, but it’s not surprising that people outside India related to this song so well.
Balancing Desi and Global Elements
You might wonder if this makes the song purely American. The beat is American, the accent and flow are Southern, and even the references are top-notch. But what makes this song truly Desi? The video. We all like to represent our culture in our art, and knowingly or unknowingly, our influences seep into our work. Hanumankind might have a Houston accent, but he’s just as much from Bangalore and just as much Malayali. This is evident in how he embraces Indian popular culture.
The Music Video: A Perfect Blend
The music video for “Big Dawgs” is a perfect blend of Desi and global elements. There’s no studio, no cars, models, or dancers—just a regular day in an Indian circus. Watching the video reminds me of early 2000s Cash Money videos, showing life in the hood with simple, static shots. Fancy cars are there, but so is the hood’s grit. It’s still hardcore. Just look at that woman being a total badass on that bike. I’ve always wanted to go to a “Maut ka Kuan” (Well of Death) live in a circus. I could never do it, but this video makes me live that vicariously.
The Future of Indian Hip Hop
The video strikes a perfect balance between Desi and global elements. I think this blend is common among successful artists. People love rounded stories in a foreign package, and I think that’s why even “Katara” was a huge success. But there’s a concern. When something becomes popular, everyone gets inspired by it. Inspiration isn’t bad, but what you get inspired by is crucial. If we see more tracks tailored to appeal to American sensibilities with their references and lingo, it might start sounding fake coming from a Desi rapper.
Staying True to Roots
Hanumankind pulls it off because he’s lived that life. We, on the other hand, are from different backgrounds. If your favorite rapper suddenly makes a video on a roller coaster or Columbus with a GoPro, you’ll know where the inspiration came from. Jokes aside, the lesson here is to stay connected to your roots and influences while staying slick. There’s no harm in rapping in English, but if you’re using slang that doesn’t fit your background, it might go against the spirit of hip hop.
Personal Experience
I remember my first year in college when Arshak Malik was taking my audition for our college’s music club. I spat a rap verse in English with a pretentious Southern accent. He said, “Dude, your rhymes are sick, but do you have to rap in that accent?” That hit me hard. I still slip sometimes, but I actively try to bring out my lived experiences and slang in my rhymes. That’s storytelling—adding a bit of imagination to what you’ve lived.
Conclusion
These are my thoughts on Hanumankind’s “Big Dawgs.” I love both the song and the artist. But you know what my favorite track of his is? It’s an old song from one of his SoundCloud mixtapes called “Two Letters,” where he writes two letters in two verses—one to his mother and one to his father. Definitely give it a listen. What did you think of this song? And which underground rapper do you want to see burst into the scene next? Drop their names in the comments below.
