Rapper Sooraj Cherukat, better known as Hanumankind, has seen his career skyrocket following the meteoric success of “Big Dawgs.” In a recent interview with Hindustan Times, the Malappuram-born artist, aged 33, emphasized that the track’s international acclaim was far from a stroke of luck; it was a culmination of relentless effort, growth, and artistic evolution.
The Journey Behind the Track
First released on July 9, 2024, “Big Dawgs” is a collaborative creation with Hyderabad-based producer Kalmi, under the Universal Music India label. The song marked a turning point in Hanumankind’s career, breaking through on the global scene with its edgy lyrics and distinctive production.
The track’s music video, directed by Bijoy Shetty and filmed at a “well of death” carnival setup in Ponnani, Kerala, became an immediate visual sensation. The daring performance, featuring stunt riders navigating the dizzying circular vertical ramp, carved a unique niche for the song in both Indian and global pop culture.
Hanumankind’s rise from underground talent to global hip-hop sensation highlights a journey powered by perseverance and artistic authenticity rather than overnight fame.
Global Reception and Accolades
“Big Dawgs” achieved extraordinary commercial performance across multiple international markets:
- Debuted at No. 57 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and later climbed to No. 23.
- Reached No. 9 on the Canadian Hot 100 and No. 2 in New Zealand.
- Secured a solid spot at No. 9 on the Billboard Global 200.
Moreover, the song amassed over 400 million Spotify streams, gained exposure through TikTok virality (150 million views), and generated over 2 million Shazam searches. It even landed Hanumankind on the cover of Spotify’s Global Hip-Hop Playlist and helped secure a record deal with Capitol Records.
In December 2024, a high-profile remix featuring A$AP Rocky further amplified the track’s reach.
A Perspective Rooted in Hard Work
Despite the overwhelming success, Hanumankind remains grounded. Reflecting in his recent interview, he stressed that music, for him, has always been a pursuit of consistency, skill acquisition, and evolution, not just chasing viral attention or fleeting trends.
Why It Resonates: Community Buzz & Hip-Hop Validation
The Indian hip-hop community, especially on Reddit, praised Hanumankind’s journey as emblematic of the genre’s rising prominence. One fan remarked:
“He had a huge following on Spotify and Instagram PRIOR to Big Dawgs. He had a loyal audience prior to global recognition,” highlighting that fame was built on a dedicated foundation, not sudden fame.
Another comment observed that his success aligns with aspirations set by earlier English-language rappers from India:
“Hanumankind just achieved what KR$NA was trying to do in his initial days… He started to rap in English and wanted to break away in a UK market.”
What’s Next for Hanumankind?
The rapper, whose birth name is Sooraj Cherukat (born October 17, 1992, in Kerala), began releasing music in 2019 with the EP Kalari. He also stepped into acting, featuring in the 2024 Malayalam film Rifle Club.
With his newfound global presence and major-label backing, audiences and industry insiders alike are keenly watching whether his next releases can replicate, or even surpass, the unprecedented success of “Big Dawgs.”
Final Take
Hanumankind’s ascent is a powerful testament to sustained dedication, artistic identity, and community roots. “Big Dawgs” may have been his moment of mainstream breakthrough, but his journey was built on years of evolving craft and steadfast resilience. That, as he humbly asserts, is the real fuel behind success, not luck.
By – Sonali