In India’s booming hip-hop scene, a new artist is making waves worldwide. Sooraj Cherukat, known by his stage name ‘Hanumankind,’ has quickly gained attention with his hit track “Big Dawgs.” This song has soared past big names like Kendrick Lamar and Eminem on international charts.
At 31, Hanumankind’s rise has been impressive. The music video for “Big Dawgs” features his high-energy performance in a “Well of Death”. Where motorcyclists perform daring stunts in a giant wooden pit. Since its release in July, the track, produced with Kalmi Reddy and Bijoy Shetty, has racked up over 132 million streams on Spotify and 88 million views on YouTube.
Who is Hanumankind?
Born in Kerala, Sooraj Cherukat, often known as Hanumankind. He traveled throughout the world as a child since his father worked for an oil firm. He resided in Houston, Texas, France, Nigeria, Egypt, and Dubai. These diverse experiences influenced his music style.
His journey began in Houston, where he was inspired by the city’s unique hip-hop scene. Houston’s “screwed-up” remix style and artists like DJ Screw, UGK, and Project Pat left a mark on him, according to the BBC. After dropping out of college in the US, Hanumankind returned to India in 2021. Although he initially pursued a business degree and worked at companies like Goldman Sachs, he realized his true passion was music. He decided to become a full-time rapper, blending his global experiences with Indian cultural elements.
Big Dawgs
Hanumankind’s song “Big Dawgs,” released in July 2024, made a big impact. With 111 million views on TikTok and over 37 million Spotify streams, it made its debut at number 57 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song even climbed to #9 on the Spotify Global Top 50 chart, surpassing Kendrick Lamar and Eminem. Filmed in Ponnani, Kerala, the clip features the striking “well of death.”
Despite his success, Hanumankind has faced some criticism. Some feel his English lyrics don’t connect with India’s diverse, non-English-speaking audience, and others think he mimics Western artists too closely. However, Hanumankind embraces his unique blend of influences, stating he is not just an “Indian Rapper” but a “Rapper From India.”
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