Who Is Hanumankind? The Indian Rapper Rising To Fame With His Viral Music Video 'Big Dawgs'

Kerala-born rapper Hanumankind is making waves globally with his latest hit, 'Big Dawgs.' The music video, which premiered three weeks ago, has gained viral status in India and worldwide. With this release, Hanumankind has elevated the desi hip-hop scene to a mainstream level like never before. Shot entirely in the dramatic Well of Death, the video is packed with adrenaline-fuelled scenes, earning it acclaim as the standout music video from India this year. But who is Hanumankind, and what’s his real name?

Who Is Hanumankind?

Sooraj Cherukat, professionally known as Hanumankind (or HMK), has a musical journey as varied as his music. Born in Kerala, India, Cherukat’s childhood was marked by frequent relocations, with his family moving from one country to another before finally settling in Houston, Texas. This international background exposed him to diverse cultural influences and musical genres, which helped shape his distinctive artistic style.

In 2012, Cherukat returned to India to complete his degree and landed a job at Goldman Sachs.He currently stays in Bangalore. Despite working a traditional nine-to-five job, he began pursuing his passion for rap under the stage name ‘Hanumankind.’ What started as a hobby evolved into a serious career pursuit, with Cherukat refining his skills and gaining local recognition in the music scene, as he shared in an interview with Rolling Stone.

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Hanumankind’s Hit Viral Song 'Big Dawgs'

The hit song 'Big Dawgs' has gone viral, with fans sharing it widely on Instagram and Twitter. International YouTubers and celebrities have also shown their appreciation for the track. Filmed in the coastal district of Ponnani, also called the Mecca of Kerala, the music video has captured widespread attention. The official YouTube logline describes the song's essence: “Pushing culture baby, got that product you can’t measure.”

The track blends desi swagger with Western elements, creating a powerful mix of punk energy and high-octane drum beats. The music video showcases Hanumankind in a car circling the wall of death, featuring sharp production and gritty visuals shot by Abhinay Pandit, complemented by slick editing.

As for why this particular location was chosen, the rapper explained to Rolling Stone, “A lot is happening in this video. But mainly, if you want something, you have to take the risk; otherwise, it won’t happen. Even if you fail, it’s still about taking action. For me, even if this video didn’t succeed, I can tell my grandchildren that I actually took part in the well of death. At the very least, I’m proud of that experience.”

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The song swiftly gained viral status, racking up over 11.5 million streams on Spotify and claiming the number one position on the Viral Songs Global chart since July 26, 2024.

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Fans from around the globe have left supportive comments on the YouTube video. Hanumankind himself remarked, “Without a doubt, this was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. The performers who do this every day are the real risk-takers. What incredible people, truly inspiring.”

Indians have expressed pride in Hanumankind for bringing Indian music to the global stage. One comment read, “The Indian hip-hop scene will go global because of legends like this.” Another Instagram user wrote, “First hard Indian rapper I’ve seen.”