Hanumankind (Sooraj Cherukat) Biography: Rise, Controversy & Global Impact

Hanumankind — Sooraj Cherukat’s Journey from Kerala to Global Rap Stardom

Early Life & BackgroundSooraj Cherukat, better known as Hanumankind, was born in Malappuram, Kerala, in October 1992. Growing up across countries like Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Italy, and the U.S., he immersed himself in global cultures and rap scenes. Settling in Houston, Texas in his teens, he delved deep into Southern hip-hop, citing inspirations like DJ Screw, UGK, and Project Pat. He later returned to India, earning a business degree in Coimbatore and working at Goldman Sachs before committing fully to music in 2021.

Musical Milestones

• Debut EP ‘Kalari’ (2019) introduced his fusion style.

• Gained attention with tracks like Go to Sleep, Rush Hour, Skyline, and Genghis. 

• Broke into global charts with “Big Dawgs” (2024)—a high-energy video shot in Kerala’s “Wall of Death.” The song debuted at #57 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and amassed over 400 million Spotify streams. Its remix featured A$AP Rocky. 

• Followed with “Run It Up” (2025), celebrating Indian martial arts and featuring traditional chenda percussion. The track topped the Asian Music Charts. 

Global Breakout & PerformancesHanumankind’s Coachella debut in April 2025 fused rap with Kerala’s chenda melam, backed by Kochuveetil Beats. The set featured Run It Up and Big Dawgs, and included special appearances by Maxo Kream. Fans and media called it iconic.

His inclusion in PM Modi’s Mann Ki Baat—praised for popularizing traditional martial arts through Run It Up—marked a symbolic moment in cultural diplomacy.

Acting Debut & New ReleasesIn 2024, he appeared in the Malayalam film Rifle Club. In mid-2025, he dropped his debut mixtape "Monsoon Season", featuring tracks like Holiday and collaborations with Denzel Curry and Maxo Kream. His OTW Tour (North America) followed shortly after.

Achievements & Recognitions

• Exploded globally with Big Dawgs—Spotify and Billboard success, viral TikTok presence. 

• Track Run It Up reached #1 in Asian charts and received PM laud. 

• Performance at Coachella 2025 featured Kerala’s cultural heritage on a global stage. 

• Shaped his own niche by blending global rap with Indian traditions. 

Controversies & Social Buzz

1. Authenticity DebateOn Reddit, fans both hailed his flow and raised concerns over derivative style—some seen him as too Western. Yet admirers defended his innovation, comparing his evolution to early A$AP Rocky. 

2. Political OvertonesWhen PM Modi featured him in a national program, critics questioned the politics of invitation. Hanu defended the moment as non-political cultural representation. 

3. Injury Mid-UK TourDuring a UK show in mid-2025, he tore a ligament but performed through pain—earning respect even as critics noted possible overexertion. 

Biodata Summary

Detail	Information
Full Name	Sooraj Cherukat (Hanumankind)
Date of Birth	17 October 1992
Origin	Malappuram, Kerala; lived abroad before settling in India
Education	Business Administration from Coimbatore; Houston Community College
Occupation	Rapper, songwriter, actor
Notable Works	Big Dawgs, Run It Up, Monsoon Season
Film Appearance	Rifle Club (2024)
Global Recognition	Billboard Hot 100, Spotify Global Hip Hop playlist, Coachella
Labels	Capitol/Def Jam India
Controversial Issues	Cultural authenticity, political patronage, injury resiliency

❓ FAQs

Q: Why is Sooraj called Hanumankind?

A: Merging the Hindu deity Hanuman with “mankind,” the name reflects strength and upliftment. 

Q: What made Big Dawgs viral?

A: Its bold visuals, adrenaline video setting (Wall of Death), and remix with A$AP Rocky made it global. 

Q: What’s unique about Run It Up?

A: It blends rap with traditional Indian martial arts imagery and rhythms, earning praise from PM Modi. 

Q: Is he touring internationally?

A: Yes—he headlined his North American OTW Tour for his Monsoon Season mixtape in mid-2025.