The YouTube comments section for Hanumankind’s latest release, ‘Big Dawgs,’ has brought the world to the Kerala-origin, Bengaluru-based rapper’s doorstep. From Kenya and Turkey to Kazakhstan and the US, everyone is tuning in to see Hanumankind in the Well of Death, the fairground attraction where people drive motorbikes or cars in a silo held in place by centrifugal force. This video has received worldwide acclaim and sparked buzz from his idols in the hip-hop scene, such as Project Pat and Bun B. Hanumankind admits that being inside the car as it defied gravity in the Well of Death was “terrifying.”
“They call it the Well of Death for a reason. You have to respect those who perform there every day because they risk their lives to keep people entertained. I was just there for a day, but I feel blessed they accepted me into their community and let me partake in something this intense,” the rapper shares.
The innovative video was directed by Hanumankind’s long-time collaborator, Bijoy Shetty, who first envisioned the Well of Death as a fitting venue. The concept resonated with their ethos of “no risk, no reward,” and Hanumankind elaborates, “This is something all of us have grown up watching, not just in India, but around the world. We prepared ourselves, shot it, released it, and now, here we are.”
Shot in Malappuram, not far from Hanumankind’s home, the video has cemented his status in the hip-hop industry. Their previous collaboration, the early 2023 single ‘Go To Sleep’ with music by Parimal Shais, paid tribute to Fight Club and remains a favorite among his fans who appreciate Hanumankind’s gritty, unapologetic rap style. However, it’s ‘Big Dawgs,’ with music by Kalmi, that’s become his biggest track to date.
Since its release on July 9, ‘Big Dawgs’ has amassed over 4.1 million views on YouTube and 4.1 million streams on Spotify. A shorter reel introducing the ‘Big Dawgs’ video has exploded on Instagram, garnering 4.7 million views. TikTok has also seen a frenzy with a review video racking up 3.7 million views.
Top hip-hop publications, such as Pigeons and Planes, have highlighted Hanumankind and his latest track, drawing worldwide attention. “I’m grateful for how it all came together,” he says.
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Though he’s united fans across the globe in the YouTube comments section, he’s also faced the darker side of social media with its nagging negativity and claims that ‘Big Dawgs’ only succeeded due to paid promotions. While some acknowledged that investing money in song promotion is necessary in today’s media age, others detracted from the song’s success with baseless accusations.
Hanumankind, however, asserts that the organic spread of his song blew their minds. “We have a marketing budget, so we know if, where, and how much (money) is going anywhere. We also know when it hasn’t. We’d keep calling people to ask, ‘Did you pay for this?’ and they would reply ‘It just picked up.’”
For Hanumankind, it is essential that his success remains organic and a result of hard work. “This is along the lines of how something just gets picked up — it is a byproduct of putting in the work,” he states.
The rapper credits his community within the country for his success. “That has been my base, that is still my home, my heart, my everything,” he says, emphasizing the support he’s received since releasing his debut EP, Kalari, in 2019. This same community has shown him how to deal with trolls and racist remarks that surfaced as ‘Big Dawgs’ gained attention.
“I think it’s an effect of our time. There is a lot of negativity going around, and people aren’t happy, so they find reasons to attack you,” he reflects. Unfazed, he adds, “I think hate is quite normal in this world. It shouldn’t deter a person from doing what they’re supposed to do.”
Adding to his achievements, Hanumankind received shoutouts from his idols such as Project Pat from Three 6 Mafia and Bun B from UGK. “These are my idols, my heroes. They hit me up, they’re messaging me, telling me that they appreciate what we’re doing over here. Now, I don’t need to care what anyone else says,” he says with a sense of validation and accomplishment.
In conclusion, Hanumankind’s ‘Big Dawgs’ has not only marked a milestone in his career but has also signified the rapper’s unyielding resolve to make an indelible mark on the global hip-hop stage. His journey, defined by authenticity and determination, continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.
