From Kerala to Global Fame: Hanumankind’s Story

The Rise of Hanumankind – A Detailed Exploration

Hanumankind, born Sooraj Cherukat on October 17, 1992, in Malappuram, Kerala, India, has emerged as a significant figure in the global hip-hop scene, blending Indian and American musical influences with a touch of possible Middle Eastern flair. His journey from a diverse childhood to a viral sensation with “Big Dawgs” in 2024 offers a compelling narrative of cultural fusion and artistic growth. This blog delves into his early days, career trajectory, musical style, and the reasons behind his widespread appeal, providing a comprehensive overview for music enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.

Early Life and Influences

Hanumankind’s formative years were marked by mobility, as his father’s job with an oil company led the family to live in Egypt, Nigeria, France, and the UAE before settling in Houston, Texas, when he was in fourth grade. This global exposure likely introduced him to a rich tapestry of musical traditions, from Middle Eastern rhythms to American hip-hop. In Houston, he was immersed in the Southern hip-hop scene, citing influences like Three 6 Mafia, Project Pat, UGK, and DJ Screw, which shaped his understanding of rhythm and flow. His Indian heritage, particularly from Kerala, also played a crucial role, exposing him to traditional Indian music that would later inform his work.

After completing high school in the US, he returned to India in 2012 to pursue a degree in business administration at PSG College in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. During this period, he worked as an intern at Goldman Sachs and later as an Operations Analyst, balancing a corporate career with his growing passion for music. His early freestyling in high school, inspired by American hip-hop, laid the groundwork for his future endeavors, with additional influences from artists like Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and A.R. Rahman, as noted in various profiles (10 Facts About Hanumankind).

Musical Beginnings and Career Growth

Hanumankind’s professional music career began in earnest in 2019 with the release of his debut EP, “Kalari,” on December 27, 2019, coinciding with a performance at NH7 Weekender, a prominent Indian music festival. This EP, featuring tracks like “Daily Dose,” showcased his raw talent and unique style, blending hip-hop with Indian musical elements. It marked his entry into the Indian hip-hop scene, establishing him as an up-and-coming independent artist.

His career saw steady growth through collaborations and singles. In 2020, he featured on “World Domination,” and in 2021, he released the collaborative project “Surface Level” with Kalmi, followed by “Genghis” in the same year, which highlighted his evolving artistic style. His song “The Last Dance” was featured on the official soundtrack for the Malayalam film “Aavesham,” released on April 11, 2024, further expanding his reach into the film industry (Aavesham (2024 film)).

The pivotal moment came with “Big Dawgs,” released on July 12, 2024, featuring Kalmi and directed by Bijoy Shetty. The music video, shot in Malappuram, Kerala, inside a “wall of death” attraction, went viral, garnering over 132 million streams on Spotify and 83 million views on YouTube by August 2024 (Hanumankind: the India-born, Houston-raised rapper riding high on southern pride). This track, with its high-energy beats and creative visuals, propelled him to international fame, earning co-signs from artists like Project Pat and attention from global entities like Arsenal FC, as noted in a Guardian article (One to watch: Hanumankind).

His discography, as seen on platforms like Apple Music and Deezer, includes singles like “Run It Up” (June 28, 2024), “Southside” (May 19, 2023), “Damnson” (April 21, 2023), and “Skyline” (March 11, 2022), reflecting a consistent output of music that has built his fan base over the years (Hanumankind on Apple Music).

Musical Style and Appeal

Hanumankind’s music is a fusion of Indo-American influences, characterized by a fiery flow and lyrics that often explore themes of cultural identity, personal struggles, and social commentary. His style is heavily influenced by Southern hip-hop, with a drawl reminiscent of Project Pat, and incorporates Indian elements like the nadaswaram, a south Indian wind instrument, as seen in tracks like “Go to Sleep” and “Ayyayyo” (One to watch: Hanumankind). This blend creates a genre-hopping sound that resonates with a global audience, as noted by fans and critics alike.

The appeal of his music lies in its authenticity and energy. In interviews, he has mentioned that tracks like “Big Dawgs” were written quickly, focusing on the vibe rather than intricate lyrics, which contributes to their infectious energy (We Need to Talk About Hanumankind — The Chakkar). His music videos, particularly “Big Dawgs,” with its death-defying stunts, add a visual spectacle that enhances listener engagement. Fans appreciate his unapologetic approach, as he doesn’t cater solely to an Indian audience, making his music universally relatable, as highlighted by a Delhi-based psychiatrist in a BBC article (Hanumankind: Indian Rapper on Viral Hit ‘Big Dawgs’ and What’s Next).

Possible Middle Eastern Influences

While not explicitly stated in his music, Hanumankind’s childhood in Middle Eastern countries like Egypt and the UAE likely contributed to his diverse sound. His global upbringing, including time in these regions, may have introduced him to Middle Eastern rhythms and melodies, subtly influencing his work. Although specific references are scarce, his ability to blend various cultural elements suggests a broad palette, potentially including Middle Eastern influences, adding depth to his Indo-American hip-hop fusion.

Detailed Discography and Milestones

To provide a clearer picture, here is a table summarizing key releases and milestones in Hanumankind’s career:

YearRelease/MilestoneDetails
2019Debut EP “Kalari”Released December 27, featured “Daily Dose,” marked entry into hip-hop scene
2020“World Domination” (feat.)Featured track, expanded collaborations
2021“Surface Level” with KalmiCollaborative project, showcased evolving style
2021“Genghis”Single, highlighted artistic growth
2023“The Last Dance”Featured on “Aavesham” film soundtrack, released April 11, 2024
2024“Big Dawgs” (feat. Kalmi)Released July 12, viral hit with over 132M Spotify streams, global fame

This table illustrates his progression from local performances to international recognition, with “Big Dawgs” being a turning point.

Conclusion

Hanumankind’s rise from a Kerala-born, Houston-raised rapper to a global music sensation is a story of cultural fusion and artistic dedication. His music, blending Southern hip-hop with Indian elements and possibly influenced by Middle Eastern exposure, appeals to audiences worldwide due to its authenticity, energy, and universal themes. As he continues to evolve, with plans for a debut album as mentioned in a 2024 Rolling Stone India interview (Hanumankind – Future of Music – Rolling Stone India), Hanumankind is poised to leave a lasting impact on the hip-hop genre, inspiring future artists with his journey.

Key Citations

Published by

Unknown's avatar

Nandakumar Nayar

My name is Nandakumar Nayar, but you can call me Nanda, Nandu, or Nandan, depending on who you’re talking to.  I studied Chemistry in college and ended up working in the airline and tourism industry. Back in school, I was part of a band that played a mix of Carpenters, Beatles, Eagles, CCR, Jethro Tull, and Indian popular music.  I’m a self-taught guitarist and keyboardist, but I also trained in vocal Indian classical music.  I’ve worn many hats over the years - making short films, composing music, podcasting, writing blogs, and more.  I’ve earned the title of ‘Jack of All Trades, but Master of None,’ but I often end up being better than a master of one. I’m not one to hide my accomplishments, so you can probably guess that modesty isn’t my middle name.

Leave a Reply