‘Big Dawgs’: Hanumankind Is The Brown Daredevil We’ve Been Waiting For

Call the dailies and drop your cutlery, a new Hanumankind track is out. Bengaluru’s very own Sooraj Cherukat – aka Hanumankind – recently put out his latest single “Big Dawgs” produced by Kalmi, marking the rapper’s second release with foremost hip hop label Def Jam India. The track’s boldness is matched by its audacious music video, directed by Bijoy Shetty, a frequent collaborator and rising star in Indian filmmaking. The video showcases Hanumankind in a daring setting, performing amidst the thrilling spectacle of the Well of Death—a perfect metaphor for the artistic risks celebrated in the song.

“Burn my body, pour my ashes in a river y’all. That’s how we knowing that flow bout to carry on.”

The Well of Death, a once-popular attraction at regional Indian carnivals, involves motorcycles and cars riding at high speeds inside a large, barrel-like cylinder. The roar of engines fills the air as riders defy gravity, performing dangerous stunts on vertical walls. The crowd watches in awe, captivated by the thrilling display. This dangerous yet mesmerizing art form echoes the daring nature of many street performances in India, such as tightrope walking, snake charming, and knife throwing. All of which seem to be activities that Hanumankind brushes off his shoulders with a wry smile, knowing full well that he’s done and seen colder feats, in this case, while literally on top of a gravity-defying Maruti 800.

In the “Big Dawgs” music video, Hanumankind revives the adrenaline-fueled allure of the Well of Death. Bijoy Shetty’s direction captures the vibrant energy of the art form, blending Indian cultural elements with modern hip-hop flair. His unique visual style, marked by electrifying transitions and unexpected angles, perfectly complements Hanumankind’s bold lyrics. This collaboration highlights a burgeoning Indian artistic movement, with both Hanumankind and Bijoy Shetty at its forefront. Shetty’s work extends beyond music videos into fashion and culture, showcasing his ability to craft compelling visual narratives that embody the essence of the brands and artists he works with. Despite the risk of jumping the button, it is becoming increasingly difficult not to place the music video for “Big Dawgs” in contention for the most creative of the year; and we’re barely wrapping up July.

Hanumankind, an unmatchable lyrical powerhouse, has quickly risen in the Indian hip-hop scene. For those with their fingers tightly gripped to the pulse of the Indian scene, this is no new information, however, the rapper’s recent global attention begs to offer context towards his illustrious homegrown career. His debut at the NH7 Weekender festival, a string of EPs and robust singles characterised by visually striking music videos marked the start of a formidable and remarkable career. Known for his high-octane live performances and boundary-pushing music, Hanumankind continues to challenge Indian hip-hop in an honest way. Earlier this year, his collaboration on “Go To Sleep” showcased a unique blend of sweat, gore and Tyler Durden. With “Big Dawgs,” the rapper delivers another powerful music video that encapsulates the raw, wild essence of regional India and the untouchable charisma of a hungry brown boy. Which really seems to be the motif for 2024, right? Bourbon-colored skin finds its way to the top, paired opposite near-death experiences caught on camera.