Big Dawgs: Hanumankind's New Music Video Pulls You Right Into A Well Of Death
Bengaluru rap royalty, Hanumankind, has dropped his latest single, ‘Big Dawgs’, produced by Kalmi, with a music video that's as audacious as the track itself. Directed by Bijoy Shetty, Hanummankind's frequent collaborator and a rising star in the world of Indian filmmaking, the video features the rapper amidst the daredevil spectacle of a well of death; a potent metaphor for the big artistic leaps the song celebrates.
A dying art that once was the star of regional Indian carnivals; the Well of Death is a pulse-pounding spectacle. It consists of a large barrel-like cylinder in which motorcycles and cars ride around at high speeds. The air thrums with the roar of engines; a siren song for these daredevils who dance with gravity on a vertical wall. As they climb higher, defying physics and flirting with mortality, the crowd below holds its breath. A collective gasp punctuates each daring loop. This is entertainment woven from peril; something that undercurrents a lot of street performances in India, whether it's a young girl walking the rope, a snake charmer dodging a cobra’s bites or a blindfolded knife thrower.
In his latest music video, Hanumankind revives the thrill and history of the art form. Bijoy, known for his unconventional lens and deep understanding of Indian cultural nuances, crafts a visual tale that blends desi swagger with hip-hop energy. The electrifying transitions and unexpected angles, characteristic of Shetty's style, perfectly complement Hanumankind's bravado-laden lyrics, which emerge as an example of a burgeoning Indian artistic movement. Bijoy's artistic trajectory is a fascinating one. His early experimentations have morphed into a distinct self-taught style, a captivating blend of avant-garde techniques. This unique vision is on full display in his collaborations with HanuMankind, including the visually arresting videos for Skyline and Damn Son.
Beyond music videos, Bijoy's creative influence has extended to realms of fashion and culture and showcases his ever-evolving ability to weave visual narratives to embody what brands and artists stand for. Hanumankind himself is a lyrical powerhouse who's taken the Indian hip-hop scene by storm. His debut performance at the iconic NH7 Weekender festival, coinciding with the release of his debut EP Kalari, marked the beginning of what’s proven to be a meteoric rise. His music is a constantly evolving soundscape that defies expectations and pushes boundaries, ensuring its place in the ever-changing landscape of Indian hip-hop.
‘Go To Sleep’, a stunning collaboration from earlier this year, featured a captivating Renaissance-meets-Fight Club aesthetic. With ‘Big Dawg’, the duo created yet another powerful music video that encapsulates the raw and wild essence of regional India and resonates with the “big dawg” energy the rapper brings to the fore with his music.
Follow Hanumankind here.
Bijoy Shetty here.
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