Big Dawgs

"Big Dawgs" by Hanumankind is a powerful anthem of self-assertion, ambition, and cultural pride. The song's core meaning revolves around the idea of achieving success on one's own terms, defying expectations, and staying loyal to one's roots and crew. The term "Big Dawgs" itself refers to moving with influential and powerful people, signifying a rise in status and influence. Lyrically, the track is filled with braggadocious bars about making money, resilience in the face of challenges, and living life unapologetically. It emphasizes confidence and a disregard for the opinions of others. Hanumankind also pays homage to his Southern hip-hop influences, particularly Project Pat, while infusing his own cultural identity into the narrative. The song can also be seen as a statement of defiance and identity for the South Asian community on a global stage, challenging Western-centric views and celebrating their own heritage and resilience.

The song kicks off with an assertive and confident tone, establishing a narrative of someone who lives life on their own terms and is deeply committed to their endeavors. The lyrics paint a picture of an individual who has risen from 'underground methods' to become a 'big stepper' and a 'trend setter.' This person is a 'straight terror' to the establishment, a product of the very mistakes made by others. There's a strong emphasis on authenticity and pushing the cultural envelope with a 'product you can't measure.' The artist pays homage to his influences, specifically mentioning bumping the music of Southern hip-hop legend Project Pat while cruising through the city with his 'big dawgs'—his loyal and powerful crew.

The narrative continues with a display of defiance against authority, as the protagonist and his crew operate by their own rules, even having a lawyer on standby to handle any legal troubles. The theme of loyalty is prominent, with a clear message that those who aren't deserving will be cut off from the collective success. The lyrics also touch upon personal image and lifestyle, from getting a fresh haircut to indulging in high-quality substances. A poignant moment arises with a tribute to fallen friends, vowing to carry on in their memory. The artist rejects a traditional burial, instead wishing for his ashes to be scattered in a river, symbolizing the perpetual flow of his legacy. This act is portrayed as a way to achieve a form of immortality, proving that while physical life is finite, one's influence can carry on 'way beyond' what is known.

The chorus is a direct challenge to onlookers and critics who question his lifestyle. The dismissive response, 'Get up off my dick,' underscores a sense of unwavering self-confidence and a refusal to be judged. He is focused on his goals, 'moving to the money like it's urgent,' and is meticulously involved in his work, 'like a surgeon.' The artist proudly references his 'skin color like the bourbon,' owning his identity. There's a sense of global awareness, acknowledging shared struggles ('a worldwide sign that we face close curtains') and the uncertainties of life where 'promises are broken.' In the face of this, the only thing he's focused on making is 'a bag with emotions.' The song concludes by revisiting past struggles, mentioning fighting bullies in school, and equating that to his current battles with authoritative figures, suggesting that the fight against suppression is a continuous cycle. Despite attempts to push and pull him, he remains steadfast, betting on himself and his inevitable success.

"Big Dawgs" was born out of a Zoom call between Hanumankind (Sooraj Cherukat) and producer Kalmi. During a session where Hanumankind was listening to beats to find a new creative direction, Kalmi played the energetic and eclectic instrumental that would become the foundation of the song. The intro immediately sparked a burst of creativity in Hanumankind, and the song came together much quicker than his usual process. He stated that he simply "wrote how I felt" upon hearing the beat. The song was recorded and released on July 9, 2024, by Universal Music India. The now-iconic music video was directed by Bijoy Shetty and was shot in a single day in Ponnani, a coastal town in Hanumankind's home state of Kerala, India. The video's central concept is the "Well of Death" (Maut Ka Kuan), a traditional Indian carnival attraction where stunt performers ride motorcycles and drive cars along the vertical walls of a large wooden cylinder. The production team found a "Well of Death" that was about to be dismantled and convinced the local crew to delay its removal for the shoot. Hanumankind himself participated in the stunts, adding to the video's visceral energy.

"Big Dawgs" is built on a high-energy, aggressive rhythm with a driving trap beat. The tempo is propulsive, creating a sense of urgency and forward momentum that matches the lyrical content. Hanumankind's flow is dynamic and versatile, often employing a staccato, punchy delivery that emphasizes the braggadocio in his lyrics. He famously adopts a flow reminiscent of Project Pat, characterized by its distinct cadence and rhythmic patterns. The rhyme scheme is predominantly free verse, with frequent use of couplets and internal rhymes that give the lyrics a cohesive and memorable quality. For example, in the opening lines, "Wait a minute (uh), get it how you live it (uh) / Ten toes in when we standin' on business," he establishes a strong AABB-like pattern. This interplay between a structured flow and a freer rhyme scheme allows for both rhythmic consistency and lyrical flexibility, making the song both catchy and impactful.

Musically, "Big Dawgs" is characterized by its grimy, synth-heavy trap beat produced by Kalmi, who draws influence from electronic music, creating a sound compared to acts like Run The Jewels. Hanumankind's vocal delivery is notable for its use of the 'Patta flow', a cadence popularized by Southern hip-hop artist Project Pat, which gives the track a familiar yet distinct energy. The song's structure includes a classic half-time slow down at the end, a common feature in hip-hop that adds emphasis and a change in dynamics. Lyrically, the song is rich with braggadocio and assertive declarations, a common trope in hip-hop used to establish dominance and confidence. Hanumankind also employs alliteration (e.g., "big stepper," "fresh fade gettin' faded") and internal rhyme to enhance the lyrical flow. The entire composition is a fusion of American hip-hop aesthetics with a distinct 'desi swagger', reflecting Hanumankind's bicultural upbringing in Texas and India.

"Big Dawgs" achieved massive and unexpected international success, becoming a viral sensation shortly after its release. The song debuted at number 57 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and charted in the top ten in several countries, including Australia, Canada, and Switzerland. It amassed hundreds of millions of streams on Spotify and went viral on TikTok, significantly boosting Hanumankind's global profile. Its success led to a record deal with Capitol Records and a feature on the cover of Spotify's Global Hip Hop Playlist. The song's visually stunning music video, featuring the "Well of Death," was widely praised for its authenticity and creativity, and was even featured on Kerala Tourism's official Instagram page. The track's success has been hailed as a landmark moment for Indian hip-hop, providing a potential blueprint for other artists from the region to achieve global recognition. Furthermore, the song's popularity led to its inclusion as an emote in the popular video game Fortnite, cementing its place in global pop culture. A remix featuring American rapper A$AP Rocky was also released, further bridging the gap between Indian and Western hip-hop scenes.

The most potent symbol in "Big Dawgs" is the 'Well of Death' (Maranakkinar/Maut ka Kuan) featured in the music video. It serves as a powerful metaphor for the artist's life and career, representing the chaotic and high-stakes environment he thrives in. By performing fearlessly in the center of this dangerous spectacle, Hanumankind visually asserts his dominance and control over chaos, essentially "circling death itself". The act of riding along the walls defies gravity and convention, mirroring his own journey of breaking boundaries in the global hip-hop scene. The reference to being a 'Big Dawg' is a metaphor for achieving a top-tier status, moving with a powerful and loyal inner circle. Lyrically, the desire to have his 'ashes in a river' is a direct reference to Hindu funeral traditions and symbolizes a continuation of legacy and influence, where his 'flow' will 'carry on' long after he is gone, touching upon themes of reincarnation and immortality through art.

The most prominent recurring motif is the phrase "Big Dawgs" itself, representing a powerful, loyal crew and a certain level of success and influence. The hook, which repeatedly asks, "How you be like this? (What?) How you live like this?" followed by the defiant retort, "Why you woried 'bout it ho? Get up off my dick," serves as the song's central thesis on self-assurance and dismissal of external judgment. This refrain is a memorable and impactful summary of the song's assertive attitude. Another recurring musical motif is the revved-up, synth-heavy instrumental hook by Kalmi, which sonically mimics the sound of roaring engines, tying the music directly to the imagery of the "Well of Death" in the video. The phrase "pushing culture" also appears, highlighting the artist's intention to innovate and create something immeasurable and influential.