The 32 year old’s rise to fame was one marked by instant acclaim with his release “Big Dawgs”. But has it been an overnight success or a result of years of toil?
It is definitely a lesser known fact that Sooraj Cherukat’s first single was “Daily Dose” from his debut EP Kalari in 2019. Before he decided to pursue music professionally, he worked for Goldman Sachs. Taking a leave from the corporate life, he kickstarted his career performing as a professional rapper at NH7 Weekender, an annual, multi-city and multi-genre festival held in India.
Undeniably, he gained media presence only after small snippets of his breakout hit “Big Dawgs” went viral on social media. His powerful flow with lyrics that embody personal growth have all been instrumental in his quick reception. Yet, it is no wonder that such ease comes from years of practice and patience. Recently featured on the cover of Rolling Stone India, Hanumankind believes he is just getting started on his journey.
Commenting on the importance of his roots in his life, he has stated “At the end of the day, what we did here is meaningful because I’m Indian, but I’m just a part of a much larger country. So, I cannot fully represent it because there are so many languages, styles, traditions, and layers to our culture. Within the country, we have a unique opportunity to bring everyone together. Different regions—north, east, south, west—each have their own styles, cultures, and heritage, but what’s exciting right now is the potential for unity.”(from COVER STORY: Hanumankind is Just Getting Started on Rolling Stone India)
His point of view is even more potent as with the passing of the years, there has been a constant increase in the number of people who listen to English music and are willing to pay for concerts. Here, by drawing in an international market, HMK has the potential to bring in a change for Indian artists that are looking forward to increase their reach. And his stats do not lie as well! The song has charted in countries ranging from Latvia, Austria, Ukraine, and Germany to the Czech Republic, Slovakia, New Zealand, and Switzerland.
Creating quite a buzz in the field of direction and artistry, the music video for “Big Dawgs” features the infamous Maut Ka Kuan (Well of Death) staged by traveling circuses in Ponnani, Kerala. Collaborating with long time friend Kalmi and Director Bijoy Shetty, Hanumankind showcased a sort of refinery that veteran Indian hiphop stars have been trying to reproduce for ages.
A exemplified by him in the following excerpt from his interview, “HMK emphasized the importance of building a cultural bridge, pointing out that “Indians know Americans, and Americans know Indians—but even within America, there are divisions and social classes, just as there are in India.” He believes the key to overcoming these divides is by “being authentic and making music” that unites everyone.” This is a powerful testament to the significance of Hanumankind’s international breakout success.
