Unless you’ve been living under a rock, we’re sure you’ve heard the much-trending song Big Dawgs by Kerela rapper Hanumankind. The song picked up big time after the rapper, who has been one of the biggest names, not just in Kerala hip hop but the entire country, posted it on Instagram, and as we’re talking about it, Big Dawgs has been the soundtrack for thousands of reels. The original one, posted by the artist himself, has also garnered close to 4.4 million views, and praise all over.
All about Big Dawgs
While the song is all over the internet, earning praises from fans and Hip-hop stars alike, Big Dawgs isn’t Hanumankind’s first outing. The song, written by Hanumankind himself, featuring Hyderabad-based producer Kalmi, and directed by his long-time collaborator Bijoy Shetty, took over the internet and has been trending in many countries, topping charts.
The song has been shot in Malappuram, Kerala where the rapper is from, and features a motordrome or a well of death. Also called ‘maut ka kuan’ in Hindi or ‘Marana Kinar’ in Malayalam, it happens to be the central character in the song. As the Kerala rapper puts it, “They call it the Well of Death for a reason. You have to credit those who perform there every day because they risk their lives to keep people entertained”, making them the perfect subject for Big Dawgs.
Who is Hanumankind?
While Hanumankind is his stage name, Sooraj Cherukat is a musician with roots in Malappuram, Kerala, but he grew up in Texas, and now lives in Bengaluru. The rapper lists rappers like Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Logic as his creative influences, and is known to be experimental with incorporating local elements in both his music and the visuals. With his unique as-ever stage name too, ‘Hanumankind, rapper makes quite a statement about his roots.
He began his career with an act at the NH7 Weekender, and releasing his first single ‘Daily Dose’ from EP Kalari, in 2019, and has since gained a massive following.