Who Is Hanumankind? The Rise of Malayalam Rap Sensation Sooraj Cherukat

By Umesh M

| Published: Tuesday, July 30, 2024, 10:42 [IST]

Hanumankind, born Sooraj Cherukat, is a prominent Malayalam rapper known for his unique style and impactful lyrics. Originally from Kerala, he moved to Texas as a child and later returned to Bengaluru, where he began his music career. Influenced by artists like Kendrick Lamar and J Cole, Hanumankind gained recognition after winning the 2017 Mic Drop Tournament. His viral track “Big Dawgs” has garnered millions of views, despite facing racist backlash. Hanumankind continues to push the boundaries of Indian hip-hop, collaborating with various artists and performing across India, making a significant mark on the music scene.

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Hanumankind’s real name is Sooraj Cherukat, Originally from Kerala, he moved to Texas as a child and later returned to Bengaluru in 2015.

Sooraj Cherukat gained recognition after winning the 2017 Mic Drop Tournament.

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His music is influenced by artists like Kendrick Lamar, J Cole, and Logic. He gained recognition after winning the 2017 Mic Drop Tournament.

Sooraj Cherukat his notable songs include “Go To Sleep,” “Rush Hour,” “Skyline,” and

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Some of his notable songs include “Go To Sleep,” “Rush Hour,” “Skyline,” and "Big Dawgs". His track “Big Dawgs” went viral, amassing millions of views on YouTube and Instagram. Title Track of Kannada movie Mahadeva from Popcorn Monkey Tiger movie english rap version is sung by him. Which is huge hit among the listeners.

Sooraj Cherukat has worked with Brown Crew Productions and Bijoy Shetty

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Hanumankind has worked with Brown Crew Productions and Bijoy Shetty for his music videos. He has been performing at various shows across India since 2016.

Sooraj Cherukat is a Indian hip-hop and bringing Malayalam rap to the mainstream.

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Hanumankind is known for pushing the boundaries of Indian hip-hop and bringing Malayalam rap to the mainstream.

Sooraj Cherukat continues to work on new music and collaborations.

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He continues to work on new music and collaborations, aiming to further his impact on the global rap scene.

Sooraj Cherukat aka Hanumankind, the Malayalam rapper

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Hanumankind, the Malayalam rapper, recently faced a wave of racist comments following the release of his music video “Big Dawgs.” Despite the track’s success, amassing over 1.2 million views on YouTube, it has been marred by accusations of copying the flow from American rapper Project Pat’s "Knife Talk".

Sooraj Cherukat Indian stereotypes and questioned Hanumankind’s authenticity in the hip-hop genre

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The controversy intensified as many comments, particularly from individuals within the Black community, mocked Indian stereotypes and questioned Hanumankind’s authenticity in the hip-hop genre. Some comments expressed surprise that Indians speak English, while others made derogatory remarks about call-center jobs and the caste system. Despite these challenges, Hanumankind has received significant support from fans and key figures in hip-hop, who have praised his work and called out the racism. This incident highlights ongoing issues of inclusivity and bias in the music industry.