Indian hip-hop is making major waves on the global stage, and leading the charge is Hanumankind aka HMK. Born in Kerala and now based in Bengaluru, this rapper—whose real name is Sooraj Cherukat—is redefining the genre with his standout tracks and distinctive style. Hanumankind is not just a trend; he’s a game-changer, injecting fresh energy and innovation into Indian hip-hop. With his bold approach and cutting-edge beats, he’s capturing attention and elevating the genre, firmly establishing Indian hip-hop on the international map. MC Baba of Democratic Republic of Congo Makes History, Becomes the First Mute Rapper To Emerge From Africa (Watch Video).

Who Is Hanumankind?

Sooraj Cherukat has a journey as intriguing as his stage name. Born in Malappuram, Kerala, he spent a large part of his childhood in Houston, Texas, where he attended Houston Community College. In 2012 he returned to Indian to pursue his business course in Coimbatore.

‘Big Dawgs’ Making

Hanumankind’s latest track, "Big Dawgs," is more than just a song. This track is a collaboration with producer Kalmi Shetty and director Bijoy Shetty, was shot in the heart of Kerala, in Ponnani, against the backdrop of the iconic Maut ka Kuan (wall of death). With its powerful lyrics and Hanumankind’s deep, resonant voice, "Big Dawgs" quickly became a global sensation, garnering 45,605,905 Lakh views on YouTube till August 14.

'Big Dawgs' Track

'Big Dawgs' In Gobal Charts Of Spotify

As soon as the song dropped, both Indian and international audiences were puzzled by Hanumankind's pronunciation and hip-hop style, mistakenly thinking he was a Western artist. But don't be fooled—he’s proudly Indian, and his music showcases a blend of diverse influences. His viral track "Big Dawgs" not only soared to the top of Spotify's global charts but also outperformed tracks by international heavyweights like Kendrick Lamar. Rapper Divine on Life After One Year of Ranveer Singh’s Gully Boy: ‘I Am Still Walking in the Same Gully, We Are Doing the Same Things’.

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Fun Fact About 'Big Dawgs' Track

In an interview with Radio One International, Hanumankind revealed that the song was written in just 20 minutes and recorded in another 20. The track’s rapid creation only adds to its allure, proving that sometimes, magic happens in an instant.

Hanumankind’s Hip-Hop Evolution

Hanumankind’s rise to fame didn’t happen overnight. His debut EP, "Kalari," marked the beginning of his journey. Since then, he’s become a leading name in Indian hip-hop, with tracks like "Genghis," "Rush Hour," and "Go To Sleep" cementing his place in the industry.

‘Southside’ From the Debut EP – 'Kalari' by Hanumankind

With his unique style and exceptional talent, Hanumankind is more than just a rapper; he's on a mission to carve out his own identity and make his mark. As he continues to make waves in the global music scene, it's evident that Indian hip-hop is here to stay, with Hanumankind at the forefront of this exciting movement.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 14, 2024 12:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).