Wikipedia

Big Dawgs

Not to be confused with Big Dawg.

"Big Dawgs" is a song recorded by Indian rapper Hanumankind featuring producer Kalmi. It was released on July 9, 2024, under the label Universal Music India.[1] The music video, in which Hanumankind performs within a classic carnival attraction known as the well of death, ("Marana Kinar" in the Malayalam language) was released on the same day.[2][3][4]

"Big Dawgs"
Single by Hanumankind featuring Kalmi
LanguageEnglish
ReleasedJuly 9, 2024 (2024-07-09)
GenreHip hop
Length3:10
LabelUniversal India
Songwriter(s)Sooraj Cherukat
Producer(s)Kalmi
Hanumankind singles chronology
"Ayyayyo"
(2023) 		"Big Dawgs"
(2024)
Kalmi singles chronology
"Move with Meaning" / "Beyond Everyday"
(2024) 		"Big Dawgs"
(2024)
Music video
"Big Dawgs" on YouTube

"Big Dawgs" quickly gained international acclaim, debuting at number 57 on the US Billboard Hot 100.[5] The song has amassed 65 million streams on Spotify and went viral on TikTok with 111 million views, and over 1,600,000 searches on Shazam.[6][5] The song's success led to Hanumankind being featured on the cover of Spotify's Global Hip Hop Playlist and signing with Capitol Records.[7][8] Outside of India, the song peaked within the top ten in countries including Australia, Austria, Canada, Singapore, Switzerland and Brazil.

Background

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"As a producer I don’t actually listen to a lot of hip-hop. I think that allows me to think outside the box and innovate more than I would be able to otherwise. If I'd known 'the rules' I might’ve done something less impactful".

—Producer, Kalmi talking about the song.[9]

Hanumankind's breakthrough came with the 2023 track "Go To Sleep", featuring music by Parimal Shais and a nod to Fight Club. The song was praised for Hanumankind's daring style. In 2024, he released a song called "Big Dawgs", produced by Kalmi under Brown Crew Productions,[10] and released under the label Universal Music India, which has been recognized as his biggest hit so far.[11]

"Big Dawgs" is a powerful anthem that embodies resilience and ambition. The song blends traditional Indian (naadan) swagger with Western musical influences. It features a dynamic combination of punk energy and intense drum beats, creating a powerful and hard-hitting sound.[12] The lyrics reflect Hanumankind's personal journey and resonate with the aspirations of his generation. The song emphasizes themes of hard work and determination, showcasing Hanumankind's lyrical skill through clever wordplay and metaphors.[13] Some have accused the song of supposedly ripping off the flow of American rapper Project Pat from Drake's song "Knife Talk", although Hanumankind makes a direct reference to Project Pat in the lyrics.[14]

Music video

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Development

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The music video for "Big Dawgs", directed by Bijoy Shetty, was shot in Ponnani, Kerala at the Great Indian Maruty Circus in the "Well of Death", traditionally known as "Marana Kinar" in Malayalam language in Kerala.[15][16] This rapidly vanishing carnival act showcases motorcyclists and drivers performing gravity-defying stunts within a cylindrical structure.[17] Hanumankind's choice to film his video in this setting pays tribute to a dying art form, revitalizing a spectacle that has captivated regional audiences for decades.[11][18][19][20]

"A lot of things are happening in this video. But mainly, if you want something, take that risk, man, or else it won't happen. Even if you fail, it's still the act of doing. For me, even if this video didn't work out, I get to tell my grandchildren that I actually sat inside the well of death and did this. At the very least, if nothing worked out, I'm happy about that".

—Rapper, Hanumankind talking about the music video.[12]

According to creative director Bijoy Shetty, Sooraj initially proposed using cars and bikes in the video. Shetty was against this idea, believing it would blend in with other content and lack originality. This resistance led to a moment of inspiration: While Shetty was in a rickshaw; he heard a bike engine that resonated with the song's sample. Afterward, Shetty researched and conceptualized the video. Shetty remarked, "It was an idea that everybody had in their mind but never executed. It was an idea waiting to be done".[9]

Synopsis

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In the video, the opening screen displays a typical "Warning" message indicating that the stunts were performed by professionals and advising viewers not to attempt them. However, Hanumankind interrupts this warning by saying, "Hey, shut the fuck up", effectively dismissing the message.[21] The video cuts to Hanumankind standing at the edge of the cylindrical structure, surrounded by a group of stunt performers. As the song begins, the performers ride their motorcycles and drive a car around the well at high speeds. The performance scenes are interspersed with shots of the audience, who are mesmerized by the show.[2][22]

Reception

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Streamer Shaquille Davis praised the song and its production, identifying Hanumankind's Texas rap influences. He also noted a striking resemblance between Hanumankind's outfit in the "Big Dawgs" music video and Freddie Mercury's style.[23] Samaah Noor Sheikh, writing for The Print, criticized the American streamer IShowSpeed for repeatedly asking "Why does he sound good?" in his reaction— "as if it was hard for him to believe that an Indian rapper could actually be good". Despite this, Sheikh acknowledged that IShowSpeed's reaction helped platform the Indian music scene.[24]

Commercial performance

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"Big Dawgs" has reached number 23 on the US Billboard Hot 100 on the most recent chart, marking a significant achievement for both artists. In Australia, it has reached number 9 on the ARIA Singles Chart.[25] The song performed even better in Canada and New Zealand, reaching number 9 on the Canadian Hot 100 and number 2 on the Official New Zealand Music Chart, respectively to-date.[26][27][28][29] Additionally, it peaked at number 9 on the Billboard Global 200, reflecting its worldwide appeal and popularity.[30]

Charts

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Chart performance for "Big Dawgs"
Chart (2024) Peak
position
Australia (ARIA)[25] 9
Australia Hip Hop/R&B (ARIA)[31] 1
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)[32] 5
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[33] 9
Czech Republic (Singles Digitál Top 100)[34] 5
Finland (Suomen virallinen lista)[35] 48
France (SNEP)[36] 170
Germany (Official German Charts)[37] 11
Global 200 (Billboard)[30] 9
Greece International (IFPI)[38] 25
Hungary (Single Top 40)[39] 38
Iceland (Tónlistinn)[40] 19
India (Billboard)[41] 3
India International (IMI)[42] 1
Ireland (IRMA)[43] 30
Lithuania (AGATA)[44] 7
Luxembourg (Billboard)[45] 20
Malaysia (Billboard)[46] 7
Malaysia International (RIM)[47] 7
MENA (IFPI)[48] 2
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[49] 66
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[27] 2
Norway (VG-lista)[50] 26
Philippines (Philippines Hot 100)[51] 72
Poland (Polish Streaming Top 100)[52] 13
Portugal (AFP)[53] 110
Saudi Arabia (IFPI)[54] 17
Singapore (RIAS)[55] 8
Slovakia (Singles Digitál Top 100)[56] 4
South Africa (Billboard)[57] 10
South Korea Download (Circle)[58] 171
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[59] 44
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[60] 9
UAE (IFPI)[61] 2
UK Singles (OCC)[62] 15
UK Asian Music (OCC)[63] 1
UK Hip Hop/R&B (OCC)[64] 2
US Billboard Hot 100[65] 23
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[66] 5
US Rhythmic (Billboard)[67] 39

Certifications

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Certifications for "Big Dawgs"
Region Certification Certified units/sales
New Zealand (RMNZ)[68] Gold 15,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

References

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  1. ^ Big Dawgs by Hanumankind & Kalmi on Apple Music, July 9, 2024, archived from the original on August 7, 2024, retrieved August 7, 2024
  2. ^ a b "Meet HanuMankind, singer-rapper with the latest global hit 'Big Dawgs'". India Today. August 5, 2024. Archived from the original on August 9, 2024. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
  3. ^ "Hanumankind's 'Big Dawgs' Success Story". Rolling Stone India. Archived from the original on August 6, 2024. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
  4. ^ "Hanumankind: The rapper from India topping global hip-hop charts". www.bbc.com. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
  5. ^ a b Tagat, Anurag (August 9, 2024). "Hanumankind's 'Big Dawgs' Surpasses Kendrick's 'Not Like Us' on Spotify Global Chart". Rolling Stone India. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
  6. ^ "Big Dawgs - Hanumankind & Kalmi: Song Lyrics, Music Videos & Concerts". Shazam. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
  7. ^ "Hanumankind's 'Big Dawgs' causes global sensation". liftedasia.com. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
  8. ^ Bhavika, Rathore (August 10, 2024). "HanuMankind surpasses THIS legendary track on Global Top 50 charts on Spotify". Hindustan Times.
  9. ^ a b Khan, Mikhail (July 2024). "Behind The Scenes With The Team That Created Hanumankind's Iconic 'Big Dawgs' Music Video". Homegrown. Archived from the original on August 7, 2024. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  10. ^ "'Indians speak English?' 'Kamala's nephew': Kerala rapper Hanumankind faces racism after 'Big Dawgs' goes global". Onmanorama. Archived from the original on August 7, 2024. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  11. ^ a b Tagat, Anurag (July 30, 2024). "Hanumankind interview: Kerala-origin Bengaluru rapper catapults into the big leagues with 'Big Dawgs'". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on August 6, 2024. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  12. ^ a b "Kerala-Born Rapper Hanumankind Puts Desi Hip-Hop On Global Map". www.indianweekender.co.nz. August 7, 2024. Archived from the original on August 7, 2024. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  13. ^ "Who Is Hanumankind? The Kerala Rapper Taking Global Hip-Hop By Storm With 'Big Dawgs'". News18. August 4, 2024. Archived from the original on August 5, 2024. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  14. ^ Sharma, Vanshika (July 26, 2024). "Big Dawgs by Hanumankind song lyrics and meaning in English explained as video goes viral". The SportsGrail. Archived from the original on August 7, 2024. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  15. ^ "HanuMankind: Kerala-born rapper captures the West with desi hip-hop hit, 'Big Dawgs'". The Statesman. August 6, 2024. Archived from the original on August 7, 2024. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  16. ^ Sominder, Aadrika (August 7, 2024). "Daring riders, risked lives & more: 'Maut ka Kuan' in Hanumankind's Big Dawgs is more than just a music video backdrop". Hindustan Times. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
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  19. ^ "Kerala rapper Hanumankind goes global with 'Big Dawgs'; know all about the viral sensation". WION. August 4, 2024. Archived from the original on August 6, 2024. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
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  22. ^ Sharma, Isha (August 2, 2024). "Big Beats, Death-Defying Stunts: How Indian Rapper Hanumankind Stunned Audiences With His Viral Hit 'Big Dawgs'". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on August 4, 2024. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
  23. ^ ""This n***a look like Freddie Mercury": Music Wunderkind 'HanuManKind' from India is Showing American Rappers How it's Done, Even YouTuber No Life Shaq Left Speechless after Listening to 'Big Dawgs'". fandomwire.com. August 4, 2024. Archived from the original on August 7, 2024. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  24. ^ Sheikh, Samaah Noor (August 3, 2024). "West is shocked rapper Hanumankind is Indian. Get over it—we do more than Bollywood music". ThePrint. Archived from the original on August 8, 2024. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
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  26. ^ "Billboard Canadian Hot 100: Week of August 17, 2024". Billboard. Archived from the original on August 9, 2024. Retrieved August 13, 2024.
  27. ^ a b "NZ Top 40 Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. August 19, 2024. Retrieved August 16, 2024.
  28. ^ @billboardcharts (August 5, 2024). "@Hanumankind1 & #Kalmi's "Big Dawgs" debuts at No. 57 on this week's #Hot100" (Tweet). Retrieved August 6, 2024 – via Twitter.
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  30. ^ a b "Billboard Global 200: Week of August 24, 2024". Billboard. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
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  40. ^ "Streymi, spilun og sala viku 33" (in Icelandic). Plötutíðindi. Archived from the original on August 17, 2024. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
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  42. ^ "IMI International Top 20 Singles for week ending 12th August 2024 | Week 32 of 52". IMIcharts. Archived from the original on August 15, 2024.
  43. ^ "Official Irish Singles Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved August 23, 2024.
  44. ^ "2024 34-os savaitės klausomiausi (Top 100)" (in Lithuanian). AGATA. August 23, 2024. Retrieved August 23, 2024.
  45. ^ "Luxembourg Songs: Week of August 24, 2024". Billboard. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
  46. ^ "Malaysia Songs: Week of August 24, 2024". Billboard. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
  47. ^ "TOP 20 Most Streamed International Singles In Malaysia Week 33 (09/08/2024-15/08/2024)". RIM. August 24, 2024. Retrieved August 24, 2024 – via Facebook.
  48. ^ "The Official Mena Chart - This Week's Official MENA Chart Top 20 from 02/08/2024 to 08/08/2024". theofficialmenachart.com. International Federation of the Phonographic Industry. Archived from the original on August 15, 2024. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  49. ^ "Hanumankind x Kalmi – Big Dawgs" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
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  51. ^ "Philippines Hot 100 - Week of August 31, 2024". Billboard Philippines. Archived from the original on August 28, 2024. Retrieved September 3, 2024.
  52. ^ "OLiS – oficjalna lista sprzedaży – single w streamie" (Select week 16.08.2024–22.08.2024.) (in Polish). OLiS. Retrieved August 29, 2024.
  53. ^ "Hanumankind x Kalmi – Big Dawgs". AFP Top 100 Singles. Retrieved August 23, 2024.
  54. ^ "The Official Mena Chart - This Week's Official Saudi Arabia Chart Top 20 from 02/08/2024 to 08/08/2024". theofficialmenachart.com. International Federation of the Phonographic Industry. Archived from the original on August 16, 2024. Retrieved August 16, 2024.
  55. ^ "RIAS Top Charts Week 32 (2 - 8 Aug 2024)". RIAS. Archived from the original on August 20, 2024. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
  56. ^ "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Singles Digital Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select SINGLES DIGITAL - TOP 100 and insert 202433 into search. Retrieved August 27, 2024.
  57. ^ "South Africa Songs: Week of August 24, 2024". Billboard. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
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  59. ^ "Veckolista Singlar, vecka 34". Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved August 27, 2024.
  60. ^ "Hanumankind x Kalmi – Big Dawgs". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved August 25, 2024.
  61. ^ "The Official Mena Chart - This Week's Official UAE Chart Top 20 from 02/08/2024 to 08/08/2024". theofficialmenachart.com. International Federation of the Phonographic Industry. Archived from the original on August 16, 2024. Retrieved August 16, 2024.
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  63. ^ "Official Asian Music Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
  64. ^ "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved August 23, 2024.
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  66. ^ "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs: Week of August 24, 2024". Billboard. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
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  68. ^ "New Zealand single certifications – Hanumankind and Kalmi – Big Dawgs". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved September 6, 2024.
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