New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Kerala born, Houston raised rapper Hanumankind has returned with yet another explosive single titled "Run It Up." Produced by "Big Dawgs" collaborator Kalmi, the song's production is driven by the chenda - a traditional Keralan drum - which intensifies throughout the song alongside HMK's own percussive raps. Touching on themes of legacy, adversity and motivation, "Run It Up" acts as a battle cry as HMK himself weaves between the beats to break free from it entirely.
Reuniting with director Bijoy Shetty, "Run It Up" arrives with a music video that does not disappoint. A masterclass of spotlighting cultural themes and cinematic storytelling, the video features a litany of traditional Indian art forms from different regions in India including martials arts like Kalaripayattu, Gatka, Thang Ta, Mardani Khel as well as the Chenda Melam and dance form Theyyam specifically hailing from HMK's homestate of Kerala. W
The new single comes at the heels of Hanumankind's debut Coachella appearance when the South Indian rapper will perform for U.S. audiences for the very first time. Fans will get a chance to riot under the tents, stomping feet and battle crying with the best of what India's burgeoning rap scene has to offer.
Hanumankind, Kalmi and Bijoy Shetty first came together last Summer for breakout single "Big Dawgs" and it almost immediately took the internet by storm. It catapulted the rapper to the global stage topping many digital and Billboard charts. The song peaked at #9 on the Global charts and has celebrated numerous breakthrough moments including peaking at #23 on Billboard Hot 100 and topping the R&B R&B/Hip-Hop Digital Song Sales chart. The song ended the year RIAA Platinum certified and in the Top 10 of Most Streamed Rap Songs charts on Spotify joined by rap luminaries like Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, 21 Savage and more. HMK has been heralded by the likes of Rolling Stone, Complex, NME, The Guardian and more as an artist to watch this year and continues to break boundaries of blended sounds, arresting visuals and one-of-a-kind performance energy that comes from an artist destined to change the landscape of hip hop to come.
Praise for Hanumankind:
"Explosive, commanding rap from a student of the game" - NME
"[HMK] will have you at the edge of your seat." - Rolling Stone, "Best of 2024"
"Hanumankind's "Big Dawgs" is the Breakout Hit of 2024" - Complex, Hottest Rapper of 2024
"The Kerala-born, Texas-raised rapper is taking Indian hip-hop to a global audience." - The Guardian, One To Watch
"His ability to blend traditional Southern Indian elements with contemporary rap has created a distinctive sound that resonates with a diverse audience." - Stupid Dope
Hailing from the Southern Indian state of Kerala, Hanumankind is one of India's most exciting additions to the burgeoning independent music industry. He broke onto the scene with a string of EPs and singles that immediately grabbed attention — showcasing unmatchable lyrical prowess while delivering infectious hip hop with visually striking music videos. The energy matched his live shows where he quickly began to sell out club shows, performing at festival weekenders and even delivering an electrifying Boiler Room set in Bangalore, IN last year. He went on to sign with Def Jam India in 2023 and became one of Rolling Stone India's "Future of Music" artists this year. Closing in on the momentum, Hanumankind delivered his most bold single yet this Summer, titled "Big Dawgs." The song came with an equally daring music video directed by filmmaker Bijoy Shetty where Hanumankind revives the adrenaline-fueled allure of the Well of Death — an iconic attraction at Indian carnivals. Bijoy's direction captures the vibrant energy of the art form, blending Indian cultural elements with modern hip-hop flair. The song and video quickly grabbed the internet's attention and catapulted Hanumankind as one of the most talked about artists online. He has since been capturing fans and critics alike for his natural MC prowess through freestyles (watch his flow on "On The Radar") and connections with artists across the genre including finding fans in Houston legends like Bun B, Project Pat and more. He would close out the year with a thrashing remix of "Big Dawgs," — teaming up with New York's own A$AP Rocky — where he delivered two brand new verses to the Kalmi produced hit. The song went on to be RIAA Platinum certified and in the Top 10 of Most Streamed Rap Songs of 2024 on Spotify. With Rolling Loud Thailand and a slew of festivals in India under his belt, Hanumankind will bring his shows to the global stage including Coachella Music Festival (India, CA), Ceremonia Festival (Mexico City, MX) and more. Already garnering a reputation for his high-octane live performances and boundary-pushing music, Hanumankind is only just getting started.
