Watch Hanumankind and Parimal Shais Fight Demons in Adrenaline-Fueled ‘Go To Sleep’ Video
The Bengaluru-based hip-hop artist channels ‘Fight Club’ in his first single of the year
Bengaluru-based hip-hop artist Hanumankind live at Spotify Rap 91 in Mumbai in December 2022. Photo: The Moneta
The potent rapper-producer combo of Hanumankind and Parimal Shais go from strength to strength on their latest release “Go To Sleep,” a primal song that’s ready for the moshpits.
Driven by Shais’ South Indian folk music-inflected production that includes a serpentine melody, Hanumankind drops references to pro wrestler Jeff Hardy and pays an abundant homage to the novel Fight Club and its movie adaptation. The rapper talks about Project Mayhem that is hatched within the cult work by author Chuck Palahniuk but also of the alter ego Tyler Durden, adding to the grittiness of the track that plays around with metaphors for insomnia, artistic ambitions and everything in between.
The music video for the song – directed by Bijoy Shetty, who is among Hanumankind’s go-to filmmakers – serves up even more Fight Club easter eggs, from the book appearing at the start of the video by the rapper’s bedside to an actual fight club (or not, don’t ask us). Shot by Swaraj Sriwastav, the visuals sometimes speak to the lyrics in an expected manner, but also deftly reflect the claustrophobia and chaos that’s captured in Hanumankind’s thoughts.
“Go To Sleep” has slowly become part of Hanumankind’s gigs, even performing at the Spotify Rap 91 event in Mumbai in December with Shais behind the decks. The release marks Hanumankind’s first on a major label, coming out via Def Jam Recordings India, owned by Universal Music Group.
Hanumankind said in a statement that his constant striving to challenge and evolve as an English rapper in India has created responsibilities and endeavors alike. He adds, “‘GTS’ is probably the most personal and emotionally engrossing track that I have written and performed until now. It’s maddening what we as artists go through while trying to feed ourselves and our families through performing arts and music. I just want to manifest that out through this track. I’m certain that my fans everywhere across the world will appreciate this track and support it like they always have. Everything I do is for them, and I truly hope that it motivates them to get up and do what they always wanted to do.”
Hanumankind will next be seen as part of producer-bassist Hashbass aka Harshit Misra’s set at the debut edition of Lollapalooza India, performing in the curated production House of Hashbass.
Watch the video for “Go To Sleep” below. Stream the song here.
