Hanumankind

Hanumankind, also known as Sooraj Cherukat, is a popular Indian rapper, singer, and songwriter. He is best known for his viral music video 'Big Dawgs,' which gained global attention in 2024. Hanumankind's ability to fuse hard-hitting beats with socially conscious lyrics has made him a rising star, not just in India but on the international stage. Beyond being a rapper, he is a skilled songwriter, penning lyrics that resonate deeply with fans and address both personal and societal issues. His work reflects a fresh, modern voice in the evolving landscape of Indian hip-hop.


Early Life
Born in Malappuram, Kerala, Hanumankind, also known as Sooraj Cherukat, spent a significant part of his early life in Houston, Texas, where he developed a deep connection to Western music, especially hip-hop. Immersed in Houston’s rich and diverse cultural environment, he discovered his love for rap and began experimenting with his own style, drawing from both Indian and American influences. His time in the U.S. gave him a unique perspective on music, allowing him to merge global sounds with personal experiences.

After returning to India, Hanumankind pursued higher education, earning a degree in Business Administration from PSG College in Coimbatore in 2012. While this academic path provided him with valuable skills, his passion for music remained central to his aspirations. His experiences in Texas and India enriched his creative journey, allowing him to craft a sound that blends introspective lyrics with high-energy beats. Today, Hanumankind is recognized for his ability to connect with a diverse audience, blending his international upbringing with his Indian roots to create a distinctive place in the global hip-hop scene.


Career Life
Hanumankind started his musical journey with the EP Kalari during his younger years in the USA, with standout tracks like 'Daily Dose' that began to shape his musical identity. His energetic performances at major events like the NH7 Weekender quickly earned him recognition in the Indian hip-hop scene. Drawing heavy inspiration from artists such as Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Logic, Hanumankind has crafted a style that blends hip-hop, R&B, and Indian music, creating a sound that is both globally relevant and uniquely his own. Following the success of Kalari, he released Surface Level in 2020, further solidifying his position in the music industry.

In addition to his albums, Hanumankind is also known for hit singles like 'S.L.A.B,' 'Options,' 'Beer and Biryani,' and 'Genghis,' all of which showcase his versatility as an artist.

His track Big Dawgs, which he penned himself, made a significant splash in the global music scene. The song became a massive hit, amassing over 100 million views on YouTube and earning Gold certification in New Zealand. It debuted at number 57 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and garnered over 65 million streams on Spotify, where it was featured on Spotify's Global Hip Hop Playlist. The song also exploded on TikTok, where it racked up 111 million views, and became a highly searched track on Shazam, with over 1.6 million searches. Big Dawgs truly cemented Hanumankind's status as a global rising star in the hip-hop world.

In addition to his work as a rapper, Hanumankind has also penned lyrics for several music videos. On another note, he is set to make his debut in Malayalam cinema with Rifle Club, directed by Aashiq Abu. The film will star Vani Viswanath, Dileesh Pothan, and Anurag Kashyap, who is also making his Malayalam film debut. Supporting roles will feature Surabhi Lakshmi, Ramzan, Vishnu Agasthya, Vincy Aloshious, and Unnimaya.

Produced under the banners of OPM Cinemas and True Stories, Rifle Club features music by Rex Vijayan, with cinematography and direction by Aashiq Abu. The screenplay is written by Shyam Pushkaran and Dileesh Karunakaran, making it one of the most anticipated films in Malayalam cinema.