The YouTube comments section for Hanumankind’s latest release, ‘Big Dawgs,’ has turned into a melting pot of international acclaim, putting the Kerala-origin, Bengaluru-based rapper on the global radar. From Kenya and Turkey to Kazakhstan and the US, netizens from all corners of the world are tuning in to witness Hanumankind’s audacious performance in the Well of Death—a fairground spectacle where daredevils defy gravity by driving motorbikes or cars inside a cylindrical silo.
The video, which has received worldwide applause, features accolades from hip-hop icons such as Project Pat and Bun B. Hanumankind himself admits that being inside the gravity-defying car was a nerve-wracking experience. “They call it the Well of Death for a reason,” he explains. “You have to credit those who perform there every day because they risk their lives to entertain people. I was there for just one day, but I’m blessed they accepted me into their community and let me take part in this incredible experience.”
The video was directed by his long-time collaborator Bijoy Shetty, who conceptualized the Well of Death as the perfect setting for their music video. The idea resonated with their ethos of “no risk, no reward.” Hanumankind remarks, “This is something all of us have grown up watching, not just in India but globally. We prepped, shot, and released it, and now, here we are.”
Shot in Malappuram, close to Hanumankind’s home, the video complements the gritty and raw style that fans expect from him. Their previous collaboration, the 2023 track ‘Go To Sleep’ with music by Parimal Shais, paid homage to Fight Club and remains a fan favorite. However, ‘Big Dawgs,’ produced by Kalmi, has overshadowed their earlier works, marking his most significant hit to date.
Since its release on July 9, ‘Big Dawgs’ has amassed over 4.1 million views on YouTube and an equal number of streams on Spotify. A shorter reel of the video has garnered an astonishing 4.7 million views on Instagram and has gone viral on TikTok, amassing 3.7 million views on a review video. Major hip-hop publications like Pigeons and Planes have shone a spotlight on Hanumankind, scrutinizing and celebrating his newest release. “I’m grateful for how everything fell into place,” he reflects.
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Despite the glowing reception, social media’s darker side has reared its head. Some skeptics have accused the promotional success of being driven by paid endorsements. Given the current digital landscape, some argue that financial investment is necessary to propel hard-hitting tracks like ‘Big Dawgs’ into the limelight.
However, Hanumankind insists that the song’s success was organic. “We have a marketing budget, so we know where the money is going. But we kept hearing from people that they picked up on the song and video on their own. We kept asking, ‘Did you pay for this?’ and the answer was always ‘It just picked up,’” he reveals. He emphasizes, “It would not sit well with my soul if it was anything but an organic approach. This shows that hard work itself can make something go viral.”
Hanumankind acknowledges the supportive community within India, a foundation he has built since releasing his debut EP Kalari in 2019. “This community is my base, my home, my heart,” he states. The same devoted fanbase has propelled him to millions of streams and has stood by him through social media trolling and racist remarks that surfaced as ‘Big Dawgs’ gained attention.
“In today’s world, there’s a lot of negativity, and people often lash out when they’re unhappy,” says Hanumankind. “I think hate is quite normal in this world. It shouldn’t deter anyone from doing what they are supposed to do.”
Amidst the noise, Hanumankind cherishes recognition from his idols, such as Project Pat and Bun B. “These are my heroes. They reached out to me, appreciating what we’re doing here. Now, I don’t have to worry about what anyone else says.”
As Hanumankind continues to make waves both locally and internationally, his journey exemplifies the resilience and passion required to make it in today’s music industry. From the Well of Death in Malappuram to the global arena, this is just the beginning for the rapper poised to become a household name.
