Rapper Hanumankind, born Sooraj Cherukat, is experiencing a surge in international recognition following a rapid rise in India’s rap scene. The artist’s energetic performances—so much so that his music is described as potentially causing “extreme bouts of turn-up”—recently led to an injury during his European tour last July, when he sustained an ACL tear on stage in London.
From Houston Roots to Global Stage
The 33-year-old artist’s musical journey began in Houston, Texas, where he was influenced by rappers like UGK, Chamillionaire, and Trae Tha Truth. After attending Houston Community College in 2011, he returned to India at age 20, continuing his education at PSG College in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, while simultaneously pursuing a career in finance at Goldman Sachs in 2017.
Hanumankind independently released the EPs Kalari (2019) and Surface Level (2020), building a local following through open mics and showcases. He signed with Def Jam India in 2023 and gained international attention with the release of “Big Dawgs” in July 2024. The song’s music video has garnered over a quarter-billion views on YouTube.
Collaborations and Rising Momentum
The success of “Big Dawgs” led to a remix featuring A$AP Rocky in December 2024 and endorsements from established U.S. rappers like Project Pat and Bun B. Hanumankind followed up with “Run It Up” in March 2025 and made his U.S. debut at the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival in April of that year, performing despite a 102-degree fever.
His latest mixtape, Monsoon Season, released last July, features collaborations with Maxo Kream and Denzel Curry. Currently recovering from knee surgery following the injury sustained in London, Hanumankind is focusing on creating new music.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hanumankind’s background?
Hanumankind, born Sooraj Cherukat, is a 33-year-old rapper who spent his formative years in Houston, Texas, before returning to India at age 20. He has a background in business management and previously worked at Goldman Sachs.
What song launched Hanumankind to international fame?
“Big Dawgs,” released in July 2024, is the song that brought Hanumankind international recognition, peaking at No. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 and garnering over a quarter-billion views on YouTube.
What is Hanumankind doing now?
Hanumankind is currently recovering from a knee injury sustained during a performance in London and is using his downtime to create new music, though a timeline for future releases has not been announced.
As Hanumankind continues to recover and create, what role do you think cross-cultural influences will play in the future of hip-hop?