Indian rapper Hanumankind has quickly emerged as a standout in the country’s thriving hip-hop scene. His hit track “Big Dawgs” not only topped global charts but also briefly surpassed Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us,” showcasing his meteoric rise to fame.
In the music video for “Big Dawgs,” 31-year-old Sooraj Cherukat, known as Hanumankind, radiates energy as he performs in a maut ka kuan, a dramatic setting where drivers execute thrilling stunts in a giant barrel-like structure.
The song, a collaboration with well-known producer Kalmi Reddy and director Bijoy Shetty, has amassed over 132 million streams on Spotify and 83 million views on YouTube since its July release, propelling Cherukat into global recognition.
Cherukat’s music reflects the intense realities of street life through explicit lyrics and raw storytelling, but a closer examination reveals a unique artist navigating his diverse identities.
Born in Kerala, India, Cherukat’s childhood involved extensive travel due to his father’s job in the oil industry, with residences in France, Nigeria, Egypt, and Dubai. His formative years in Houston, Texas, were pivotal in shaping his musical direction.
Unlike the familiar East and West Coast rap rivalry in the US, Houston boasts a unique hip-hop culture. The local scene has given rise to the “screwed-up” remix style, influenced by the use of cough syrup, which alters the tempo of tracks.
Cherukat has expressed admiration for Texas hip-hop legends like DJ Screw and UGK, who greatly influenced his sound. After returning to India in 2021, he pursued a full-time music career following a brief stint in the corporate world.
Cherukat’s music illustrates his journey of reconnecting with his Indian roots while confronting the struggles of street life in southern India. His songs blend hard-hitting lyrics with catchy rhythms, occasionally integrating traditional Indian instruments like tabla and synthesizers.
In his thought-provoking track “Genghis,” he addresses societal issues, reflecting his deep concerns for his nation.
In “Big Dawgs,” Cherukat contrasts the materialism often associated with mainstream rap by focusing on the lives of lesser-known stunt performers from humble backgrounds. “These are the people who are the real risk-takers…Those are the big dogs, for real,” he emphasizes.
However, despite the positive reception of his music, he has faced criticism. Some believe his English lyrics may alienate non-English-speaking audiences, while others argue he mimics Western artists too closely.
Commentators have noted that while his work brings South Asians to the forefront of the Western rap scene, it can sometimes feel disconnected from Indian realities.
Despite the mixed feedback, Cherukat embraces his unique perspective, stating that his experiences shaped his musical identity. “I think it really molded me as someone who never really had a place to call home,” he explained in past interviews.
Racist remarks about his appearance and style have emerged from both international listeners and segments of the Indian audience, reflecting varying expectations of Indian identity.
Fans, however, appreciate his genre-blending approach, considering him a street poet who injects new social commentary into traditional hip-hop. “He isn’t trying to cater to an Indian audience, which shows in his music and he is unapologetic about it,” noted a recent fan.
Cherukat’s journey to redefine the expectations of a South Asian rapper is both a notable achievement and ongoing challenge. In his words: “You keep certain things as your roots, but it’s up to you to adapt to the environment and go with the flow, as long as you don’t compromise on integrity.”
