If you have spent even a little time on social media, chances are Big Dawgs by Hanumankind has been played more than twice on your phone. The release, which happened a month ago, has been making waves worldwide with over 71 million views on YouTube and more than 102 million streams on Spotify (as of August 2024). Sooraj Cherukat, who spent time in Texas and now resides in India, has seamlessly blended influences from both regions and thus this song is a result of mixed cultures.
By joining hands with Kalmi as the producer and Bijoy Shetty as the video director, Big Dawgs seems to be a song that is now here to stay. As we listen to it on a loop, step with us into the ‘well of death’...
Lyrical flex: the bars are pure fire!
Big Dawgs is like a sonic power move, with Hanumankind dropping lyrics that are as bold as they are brainy. This track isn’t just about showing off — it’s about rallying listeners to step up and own their power. Hanumankind weaves in clever wordplay and cultural nods that hit home for people from all walks of life. His sharp lyricism doesn’t just make him a standout in the global hip-hop scene; it makes him a lyrical heavyweight who’s not just in the game but changing it.
Vibe check: the flow and accent you didn’t know you needed to hear
Hanumankind’s ability to mash up his diverse influences is what gives Big Dawgs its edge. Growing up in Texas and now residing in India, he’s mastered the art of blending American hip-hop influences with Desi vibes. This fusion gives his sound a unique flavour that’s both comfortingly familiar and refreshingly new. His flow on Big Dawgs isn’t just versatile—it’s like a musical rollercoaster, switching up cadences and tones to keep listeners hooked from start to finish. It’s this dynamic delivery that makes the track so engaging and keeps fans coming back for more.
Tune in on Spotify here.
Next-level visuals: Did someone say cinematic?
The video was directed by (right) video creator Bijoy Shetty Picture courtesy: @hanumankind/Instagram
The music video for Big Dawgs, directed by Bijoy Shetty, is a visual masterpiece that plays a crucial role in the song's success. Set in the ‘Well of Death’ in Kerala, the video is both daring and visually captivating. The setting itself is symbolic, representing the high-stakes world that Hanumankind navigates as an artiste. The use of bold colours, dramatic camera angles, and intense action sequences (especially on the move) has made the video a viral sensation, attracting millions of views and elevating the song’s overall impact.
Cultural significance
The music video for Big Dawgs, shot in the ‘Well of Death’ (Maut Ka Kuan), isn’t just eye-catching — it’s packed with cultural meaning. This classic Indian carnival stunt, where daredevils ride motorcycles around a vertical wall, perfectly captures that fearlessness and risk-taking. By choosing this intense setting, Hanumankind isn’t just flexing visually; he’s drawing a powerful parallel between the high stakes of these stunts and the challenges of breaking into the music industry. The video is more than just a feast for the eyes; it’s a bold statement about pushing boundaries, celebrating Indian culture, and carving out a space in the global hip-hop scene.
Global chart success: Yup, more than Kendrick Lamar’s Not Like Us
Big Dawgs has made serious waves on the global music scene, and the numbers back it up. The track managed to surpass Kendrick Lamar’s Not Like Us on Spotify’s Global Top 50, climbing all the way to the 11th spot — a huge deal considering Kendrick’s massive global following and the buzz around his recent releases. But it didn’t stop there; Big Dawgs also debuted at #57 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking a milestone not just for Hanumankind but for the entire Indian hip-hop scene. This chart’s success highlights the song’s broad appeal and signals the rising influence of Indian artistes in the global music industry.
Streaming and social media: The song that’s taking over your devices
The song is not just a chart-topper but also a full-on streaming sensation. Big Dawgs has racked up over 102 million streams on Spotify and has been added to more than 2,000 playlists. On YouTube, the music video has garnered over 71 million views, contributing to a significant increase in Hanumankind’s YouTube channel views. The song’s viral success on TikTok, where it has been used in over 1.4 million Reels, has also played a crucial role in expanding its audience. Hanumankind’s social media following has skyrocketed, with his Instagram followers increasing by 699.4 per cent within a month of the song’s release.
Critics be like…
Critics have praised Big Dawgs for its bold production, sharp lyrics, and the way Hanumankind has expressed his identity. The song has received positive reviews from various music publications, which have highlighted its role in pushing the boundaries of Indian hip-hop. The song's success has also led to Hanumankind being signed by Capitol Records.