Kerala rapper gains global attention with "Big Dawgs" music video

His debut EP, Kalari, marked his entry into the Indian hip-hop scene, but it was his collaborative project, Surface Level with producer Kalmi, that garnered significant attention.

Hanumankind / Image- Instagram (@hanumankind)

Kerala-born rapper Hanumankind has made a significant impact on the global music scene with his latest music video, "Big Dawgs." Released four weeks ago, the video has already garnered over 45 million views on YouTube, establishing him as a rising star in Indian hip-hop.

Born Sooraj Cherukat in Malappuram, Kerala, Hanumankind's journey to stardom is as unique as his stage name. Despite hailing from a deeply spiritual family, the rapper chose his moniker as a nod to the Hindu deity Hanuman, though he emphasizes no direct connection to the religious figure.

His early years were spent in Houston, Texas, where he attended Houston Community College. The influence of his global upbringing, including time spent in Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, and Italy, is evident in his eclectic musical style. After returning to India in 2012 and completing a business course in Coimbatore, Hanumankind began to channel his diverse experiences into his music.

His debut EP, Kalari, marked his entry into the Indian hip-hop scene, but it was his collaborative project, Surface Level with producer Kalmi, that garnered significant attention. Today, at 32, Hanumankind is a leading figure in Indian hip-hop, with a net worth estimated at $3 million (₹25 crores).

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The Making of "Big Dawgs"

"Big Dawgs" stands out not only for its pulsating beats and bold lyrics but also for its daring music video, shot in the coastal district of Ponnani, Kerala—often referred to as the "Mecca of Kerala." The video, directed by Bijoy Shetty and produced by Brown Crew Productions' Kalmi, features Hanumankind performing inside the "Wall of Death," a stunt that has captivated viewers worldwide.

The rapper revealed in an interview with Rolling Stone that the video was as much about taking risks as it was about creating art. "If you want something, take that risk, man, or else it won’t happen. Even if you fail, it’s still the act of doing," Hanumankind said. The video’s gritty visuals, shot by cinematographer Abhinay Pandit, are a perfect match for the song’s explosive mix of desi swagger and punk-infused energy.

A Global Phenomenon

The success of "Big Dawgs" is a testament to Hanumankind's ability to push boundaries and bring Indian hip-hop to the global stage. The song’s meteoric rise has even seen it surpass international tracks, trending at number one on Spotify's global chart. Remarkably, the song was written in just 20 minutes, with the entire recording process taking only slightly longer.

Along with other pioneers of Indian hip-hop such as Sidhu Moosewala, Honey Singh, and Badshah, Hanumankind is quickly rising to prominence. Not only has Hanumankind's "Big Dawgs" gotten people talking, but it has also raised the bar for what Indian hip-hop is capable of.