This has been a mammoth year for Indian rapper Hanumankind and it just got better. Known for his chart-topping track, 'Big Dawgs', a song that redefined Indian hip-hop, he’s set to become only the second Indian artist to perform at Coachella, following Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh’s iconic 2024 performance. For Indian rap, this is a milestone worth celebrating.
Hanumankind, or Sooraj Cherukat, burst onto the international music scene with Big Dawgs, a track that has became an anthem of unrelenting ambition. The artist had been a popular name in the country since his first EP in 2019 but the single crossed every border imaginable and became a phenomenon: on the charts, as a trending sound on social media, as one of the most reaction-ed tracks on YouTube and as one of the top 10 hits on Billboard. Its accompanying music video, featuring the gravity-defying Well of Death, was an instant eye-catcher, bringing together raw hip-hop energy with the visceral thrill of an ancient Indian stunt. Directed by Bijoy Shetty, the video showcased a synergy of art and culture that resonated far beyond Indian borders, propelling Hanumankind to worldwide fame.
But Big Dawgs wasn’t just about a catchy hook or the visual artistry; it was a cultural moment. The track’s engine-revving motif and authentic lyricism became a rallying cry, breaking free from stereotypical depictions of Indian art in the West. Its success proved that Indian music could thrive on its own terms; that it could be unapologetically desi yet still universally appealing.
Hanumankind’s journey to Coachella is part of a broader narrative of Indian artists carving out space in global festivals. Diljit Dosanjh’s groundbreaking Coachella debut in 2024 showcased the rich legacy of Punjabi music, and now Hanumankind is carrying that torch forward with his genre-defying sound within hip-hop. Together, these performances signal a shift. Indian music is no longer a niche curiosity but a powerful, diverse voice on the world stage.
Coachella, with its legendary lineups and global audience, is the perfect next step for a rapper who’s consistently pushed boundaries. Whether it’s the grit of Big Dawgs or his experimental visuals, Hanumankind’s work embodies a fresh, fearless energy. As he gears up for his Coachella debut, one thing is certain: this is just the beginning of an even bigger story for Indian hip-hop.
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