Kerala-born rapper Hanumankind, originally named Sooraj Cherukat, has made a remarkable entrance into the global music arena with his latest music video, “Big Dawgs.” Released just four weeks ago, the video has already amassed over 45 million views on YouTube, marking him as a rising sensation in the Indian hip-hop scene.
Hanumankind’s journey to fame is as distinctive as his stage name. Growing up in Malappuram, Kerala, in a family deeply rooted in spirituality, his choice of the name “Hanumankind” reflects a nod to the Hindu deity Hanuman. However, he emphasizes that there is no direct religious connection to the name.
His upbringing took him across various parts of the world, including Houston, Texas, where he attended Houston Community College, as well as time spent in Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, and Italy. This diverse global exposure is evident in his eclectic musical style. Returning to India in 2012, Hanumankind pursued a business course in Coimbatore before fully immersing himself in the world of music, channeling his varied experiences into his work.
His debut EP, *Kalari,* was his initial foray into the Indian hip-hop landscape, but it was his collaboration with producer Kalmi on the project *Surface Level* that truly captured significant attention. Today, at 32 years old, Hanumankind stands as a prominent figure in Indian hip-hop, with an estimated net worth of $3 million (₹25 crores).
The music video for “Big Dawgs” has particularly stood out, not just for its powerful beats and assertive lyrics but also for its audacious visuals. The video was shot in Ponnani, a coastal district in Kerala often referred to as the “Mecca of Kerala.” Directed by Bijoy Shetty and produced by Brown Crew Productions’ Kalmi, the video showcases Hanumankind performing inside the “Wall of Death,” a stunt that has captivated audiences globally.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, the rapper shared that the video was about more than just artistic expression; it was also about embracing risk. “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 explained. The video’s gritty, compelling visuals, captured by cinematographer Abhinay Pandit, perfectly complement the song’s explosive blend of desi swagger and punk-infused energy.
The overwhelming success of “Big Dawgs” highlights Hanumankind’s ability to transcend boundaries and elevate Indian hip-hop to an international platform. The track’s rapid rise has seen it surpass international hits, reaching the number one spot on Spotify’s global chart. What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that the song was written in just 20 minutes, with the recording process taking only slightly longer.
Hanumankind is quickly becoming one of the prominent voices in Indian hip-hop, alongside other trailblazers like Sidhu Moosewala, Honey Singh, and Badshah. His work on “Big Dawgs” has not only sparked conversation but has also set a new benchmark for what Indian hip-hop can achieve on the global stage.
