The latest YouTube comments section for Hanumankind’s release, ‘Big Dawgs’, resembles a melting pot of global cultures, bringing the Kerala-origin, Bengaluru-based rapper into the global spotlight. From admirers in Kenya and Turkey to those in Kazakhstan and the United States, everyone is tuning in to witness Hanumankind in the “Well of Death,” a thrilling fairground attraction where daredevils drive motorbikes or cars inside a silo, held up by centrifugal force.
The video has earned worldwide acclaim, even receiving recognition from hip-hop heavyweights such as Project Pat, Bun B, among others. Hanumankind recounts the experience in the Well of Death as “terrifying,” candidly admitting, “They call it the Well of Death for a reason. You have to credit the performers who do this every day, risking their lives to entertain. I was just there for a day, but I feel blessed to have been accepted into their community and partake in this experience.”
Directed by Hanumankind’s trusty collaborator Bijoy Shetty, the concept of shooting in the Well of Death had a resonance with their shared ethos of “no risk, no reward.” Hanumankind elaborates, “This is something many of us have grown up watching, not just in India, but around the world. We prepped, executed, and released it, and now, here we are.”
The video, shot in Malappuram not far from Hanumankind’s roots, follows their successful 2023 track ‘Go To Sleep’ with music by Parimal Shais, a tribute to Fight Club that still resonates with fans of his raw, no-holds-barred rap style. A year and a half in the making, ‘Big Dawgs’, produced by Kalmi, has become Hanumankind’s flagship song to date.
Since its release on July 9, ‘Big Dawgs’ has garnered over 4.1 million views on YouTube and an equal number of streams on Spotify. Its shorter promotional reel has amassed 4.7 million views on Instagram, and a review video on TikTok has racked up 3.7 million views. Major hip-hop publications like Pigeons & Planes have put a spotlight on Hanumankind, putting him on the radar of the global hip-hop community. “I’m thankful for how everything has come together,” he states.
While Hanumankind has successfully united a diverse global audience in the comments section of YouTube, he hasn’t been spared from the negativity and skepticism that often plagues social media. Some detractors alleged that the pages promoting the video were part of paid campaigns.
. In today’s media landscape, some argue it’s crucial to invest in promoting impactful songs like ‘Big Dawgs’.
However, Hanumankind asserts that their promotional strategy was organic. “We have a marketing budget, so we know where the money goes. We’d often call people up and ask, ‘Did you pay for this?’ and they’d respond, ‘It just picked up on its own’.” He emphasizes that an organic reach “sits well with his soul” and is a testament to the hard work put in by the team. “This is how something just gets picked up—it’s a byproduct of putting in the work.”
With a steadfast focus on building a community within India, Hanumankind acknowledges, “That has been my base, my home, my heart, my everything.” His domestic fan base, which has supported him since his debut EP ‘Kalari’ in 2019, has continued to show unwavering loyalty giving him millions of streams over the years.
This same community has stood by him even as trolls and racists attempted to undermine his success on social media. “It’s just a sign of our times. There’s a lot of unhappiness and negativity, and people look for reasons to bring you down,” he notes. Unperturbed by the hate, he adds, “Negativity is quite normal in this world. It shouldn’t deter anyone from their goals.”
Earning shoutouts from his heroes such as Project Pat from Three 6 Mafia and Bun B from UGK marks a career highlight for Hanumankind. “These are my idols, my heroes. The fact that they are reaching out, appreciating what we’re doing here, means the world to me. Now, I don’t need to care what anyone else thinks.”
With ‘Big Dawgs’, Hanumankind has not just made noise but created a global frenzy, validating his artistry and relentless drive. His narrative reiterates a universal truth: hard work, authenticity, and staying rooted can indeed break boundaries, both physical and psychological. The world is his stage now, and Hanumankind is here to stay.
