Hanumankind’s ‘Big Dawgs’: Kerala’s Rapper Takes the Global Stage by Storm

• Hanumankind, a Kerala-born rapper, has gone viral globally with his track ‘Big Dawgs,’ which debuted at #57 on the Billboard Hot 100 and secured 9th place on the Spotify Global Top 50 chart.
• The music video for ‘Big Dawgs,’ featuring death-defying stunts in Kerala’s maut ka kuan (Well of Death), has captivated audiences, amassing millions of streams and views across platforms.
• Hanumankind, whose real name is Sooraj Cherukat, blends Southern hip hop influences with his Indian roots, making him a rising star in the global music scene.

In the ever-changing world of music, where trends come and go in the blink of an eye, one musician has managed to cut through the clutter and leave an indelible mark on the worldwide stage. Sooraj Cherukat, better known by his stage name Hanumankind, is a Kerala-born singer-rapper whose newest single ‘Big Dawgs’ has propelled him to international prominence. With its raw energy, vivid images, and infectious sounds, ‘Big Dawgs’ is more than a song; it’s a phenomenon.

The Meteoric Rise of ‘Big Dawgs’

Despite its low-key release, ‘Big Dawgs’ rapidly became a viral sensation. The music premiered at #57 on the Billboard Hot 100 and quickly rose to ninth place on the Spotify Global Top 50. With more than 37 million Spotify listens and 111 million TikTok views, ‘Big Dawgs’ has taken the music world by storm. The song’s explosive beats and thrilling intensity have outperformed tunes by industry heavyweights such as Kendrick Lamar and Eminem.

A Visual Spectacle: The Well of Death

The music video for ‘Big Dawgs’ is equally compelling as the song itself. The video, set against the tragic backdrop of Ponnani, Kerala’s maut ka kuan, or “Well of Death,” is a visual feast. The dangerous antics conducted in the well, where motorcycles and cars defy gravity by riding along the steep walls, wonderfully compliment the song’s passionate atmosphere. The video, directed by Bijoy Shetty and written by Hanumankind himself, captures the heart of this old and exhilarating practice, lending a distinct cultural element to the song’s global appeal.

Who is Hanumankind?

Hanumankind was born in Malappuram, Kerala, in 1992, and his rise to prominence is as remarkable as his songs. Sooraj Cherukat, the guy behind the name, grew up in Houston, Texas, where he was exposed to Southern hip hop, which had a significant impact on his musical approach. After returning to India, he earned a degree in Business Administration from PSG College in Coimbatore, but it was his love of music that ultimately defined his career.

The Musical Influences Behind the Phenomenon

Hanumankind’s music combines a variety of inspirations. Growing up in Texas, he was exposed to the gritty sounds of Southern hip hop, with musicians like Three 6 Mafia, Project Pat, and UGK having an indelible mark on him. As he established his own style, he was inspired by prominent figures such as Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Logic. This eclectic mix of inspirations is reflected in his music, which smoothly blends hard-hitting beats with pensive lyrics.

Beyond ‘Big Dawgs’: Other Hits by Hanumankind

While ‘Big Dawgs’ was clearly a game changer for Hanumankind, it is only one chapter in his musical career. His other hit songs, like ‘Genghis,’ ‘Skyline,’ ‘Damnson,’ ‘Southside,’ and ‘Rush Hour,’ demonstrate his versatility as an artist and ability to experiment with new sounds and styles.

Hanumankind’s ascension to global prominence demonstrates the potential of music to transcend borders. With ‘Big Dawgs,’ he not only put Kerala on the world hip hop map, but also demonstrated that Indian musicians can have a huge impact on the international scene. Hanumankind will surely be a name to watch in the coming years as he continues to shatter limits and create music that resonates with people all over the world.

Have you heard the track yet?