If you’ve been anywhere near a radio or scrolling through your favourite social media platforms, chances are you’ve heard the high-octane beats of Hanumankind’s viral hit, Big Dawgs. The track has been taking over the airwaves and the internet alike, with its addictive rhythm and unforgettable opening notes instantly grabbing attention.
With 70.2 million streams on Spotify and over 50 million YouTube views, Big Dawgs has left everyone asking: who is this rapper, and why is the world only discovering him now?
Let’s unravel the story behind the man and the music.
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Meet Sooraj Cherukat, the mind and talent behind Hanumankind. Hailing from the vibrant state of Kerala, India, his journey has been anything but ordinary. His family moved across the globe, eventually landing in Houston, Texas, where he spent his formative years. Raised by parents who valued a traditional path to success—education, a secure job, and a settled life—Cherukat appeared to be on that exact track.
After returning to India in 2012 to finish his degree, Cherukat found himself in the corporate world, working a stable job at Goldman Sachs by day. But by night, he was Hanumankind, an emerging rapper with a burning passion for music.
Little did he know that his after-hours hobby would soon become his main gig. A signing with Def Jam India turned his dreams into reality, and the release of Big Dawgs catapulted him to global fame.
The track’s music video is a visual feast, set in the coastal district of Ponnani, Kerala, where the daring spectacle of Maut ka Kuan, or the Well of Death, takes centre stage. Picture motorcycles and cars racing along vertical walls in a dizzying display of skill and courage. Coupled with Hanumankind’s razor-sharp lyrics and infectious beats, this video is a thrill ride from start to finish—which explains why this song became an instant rage.
With influences like Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Logic, Hanumankind’s music is a potent mix of introspection and intensity. His vision has now become a reality as Big Dawgs soared to the seventh spot on the Spotify Global Top 50, overtaking Kendrick Lamar’s Not Like Us and Eminem’s Houdini. In a moment that feels like a dream come true, the Indian rapper has outshined two of the most iconic rappers of our time.
If you’re hooked on Big Dawgs, dive into Hanumankind’s growing catalog. Tracks like The Last Dance, DAMNSON, Ayyayyo, and No Hook are just a taste of the bold, genre-bending music that’s propelling this artist to new heights.
(Main and feature images credit: Instagram/ @anurag.baruah)
This story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Kuala Lumpur
Hanumankind's real name is Sooraj Cherukat.
Hanumankind creates music that blends powerful, introspective lyrics with high-energy beats, drawing influences from hip-hop, rap, and trap. His style is often compared to that of artists like Kendrick Lamar and Logic, combining sharp social commentary with a global, genre-bending sound.
Hanumankind has released several projects, including EPs. One of his notable works is the EP titled 'Kalari,' which showcases his distinct style and lyrical prowess. This EP, like much of his music, blends themes of identity, culture, and personal experiences with energetic beats and sharp rhymes. Kalari helped solidify his presence in the Indian hip-hop scene and paved the way for his rising popularity.
Hanumankind’s music is inspired by a mix of personal experiences, cultural identity, and social issues. Growing up in a traditional Indian household while living in various countries, including the United States, has deeply influenced his perspective and sound. His lyrics often reflect themes of self-discovery, struggle, and empowerment, drawing from his own journey of balancing different cultures and expectations. Musically, Hanumankind is influenced by artists like Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Logic, whose storytelling and introspective lyrics resonate with his own artistic vision. He also draws inspiration from the rich cultural heritage of India, infusing elements of his roots into his music, creating a unique blend of global hip-hop with a distinct Indian flavour.
Born and raised in the beautiful city of Kuala Lumpur, Melissa loves writing all things fashion, beauty and dining-related. She has written for BURO 24/7 and Augustman, and when she's not busy chasing ..Read More
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