Indian rapper Hanumankind, also known as Sooraj Cherukat, has rapidly emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the Indian and global hip-hop scene. His track Big Dawgs, a visual spectacle shot inside a maut ka kuan (well of death), briefly surpassed even Kendrick Lamar's work, placing him in the global spotlight. Blending his southern Indian roots with influences from his Houston upbringing, Hanumankind's style is an eclectic fusion of personal stories, street life struggles, and a nod to his global identity. Despite facing online criticism, he remains undeterred, continuing to captivate audiences worldwide.
Hanumankind's track Big Dawgs has shaken up global hip-hop charts, momentarily surpassing Kendrick Lamar's Not Like Us. The music video, shot inside a jaw-dropping maut ka kuan, showcases Cherukat's commanding energy as he delivers his verses with intensity while motorcyclists perform death-defying stunts. Produced by Kalmi Reddy and directed by Bijoy Shetty, the video has garnered over 152 million streams on Spotify and 95 million views on YouTube, catapulting the rapper to international acclaim.
Born in Kerala and raised across the globe, including stints in France, Nigeria, and Dubai, Hanumankind's most formative years were spent in Houston, Texas. Here, he was exposed to the unique Houston hip-hop culture, where cough syrup and "screwed-up" remixes became a staple. Influenced by hip-hop legends such as DJ Screw, UGK, and Project Pat, his music reflects this heritage, though his style has evolved since his return to India in 2021. Combining his global experiences with his southern Indian roots, Cherukat creates a refreshing sound that defies conventional expectations of Indian hip-hop.
Hanumankind's journey to music wasn't linear. After dropping out of college in the U.S., he returned to India in 2012 to complete his business degree. He then secured a job at Goldman Sachs, where he juggled corporate life with his passion for music. But the nine-to-five life wasn't for him. In 2021, he took the bold decision to pursue rap full-time, leaving behind the conventional success path his parents envisioned. Today, Cherukat is signed with Def Jam India, turning what was once a party trick into a full-blown music career.
Cherukat's music reflects his internal tug-of-war between his cosmopolitan upbringing and his desire to reconnect with his Indian heritage. Tracks like Genghis, filmed in the streets of Bengaluru, delve into southern Indian street life while incorporating traditional tabla beats and modern synthesizers. Though his global style has won him a legion of fans, he faces an ongoing challenge of being misunderstood. International audiences often criticize him for not fitting their stereotypical view of an Indian rapper, while local listeners expect him to conform more to Indian identity.