Meet Hanumankind: The next big thing in Indian rap
What's the story
Indian rapper Hanumankind, whose real name is Sooraj Cherukat, has taken the world by storm with his latest music video Big Dawgs.
The track, filmed in the notorious Maut ka Kuan or Well of Death, has already amassed over 26M views on YouTube and is going viral on every social media platform.
The song has also debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 57.
Here's all you need to know about Hanumankind.
Career trajectory
Hanumankind's rise in the hip-hop scene
Hanumankind, who spent his early years in Texas, has been steadily rising in the hip-hop scene. He wrote, composed, and performed Big Dawgs himself. The track features Kalmi. Before this, he and Kalmi released the single Rush Hour in 2022.
With songs like Rush Hour, Genghis, and Go To Sleep, Hanumankind is establishing himself as a prominent figure in mainstream hip-hop.
His latest hit Big Dawgs has further solidified his position as an industry innovator.
Musical blend
'Big Dawgs' showcases fusion of desi and western music
Big Dawgs is a fusion of desi hip-hop and western musical elements, featuring high-energy drum beats and a burst of punk rage.
The song's official logline reads, "Pushing culture baby, got that product you can't measure."
This unique blend of styles has helped the Kerala-born Bengaluru rapper put Indian hip-hop on the global map.
Video production
Music video filmed in 'Mecca of Kerala'
The music video for "Big Dawgs" was shot in Ponnani, a coastal district in Kerala also known as the "Mecca of Kerala."
The video features Hanumankind in a car spinning around the Well of Death.
The raw visuals were captured by Abhinay Pandit and edited to produce a polished final product.
The video was directed by Bijoy Shetty and produced by Brown Crew Productions's Kalmi.
Risky stunts
Stunt performers risked their lives for the video
The daring stunts featured in the video were performed by Sulthan Sheikh (main rider), Moor Saleem, Muhammed Shadab Ansari, and Kashish Sheikh.
These stunt performers risked their lives performing in the Maut ka Kuan, a 60-foot handmade wooden cylinder that has been a staple of Indian circuses and carnivals for many years.
Artist's perspective
Hanumankind on taking risks for 'Big dawgs'
When asked about his decision to film in such a dangerous location, Hanumankind told Rolling Stone, "A lot of things are happening in this video. But mainly, if you want something, take that risk, man, or else it won't happen."
"For me, even if this video didn't work out, I get to tell my grandchildren that I actually sat inside the well of death and did this. At the very least, if nothing worked out, I'm happy about that."