"Big Dawgs" is a song recorded by Indian rapper Hanumankind together with producer Kalmi. It was released on July 9,2024,by Universal Music India.[1] The music video,in which Hanumankind performs within a classic carnival attraction known as the "well of death",was released on the same day.[2][3][4] A remix featuring American rapper ASAP Rocky was released on December 5,2024.[5][6]
The music video for "Big Dawgs",directed by Bijoy Shetty,was shot in Ponnani,Kerala in a well of death.[7][8] According to creative director Bijoy Shetty,Cherukat 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] All of the framework was planned for the eventual filming which was done in one day;Cherukat experienced motion sickness after frequent riding on one of the stunt-cars.[10]
Synopsis
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.[11] The video cuts to Hanumankind standing at the edge of a well of death,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][10]
Reception
"Big Dawgs" quickly gained international acclaim,debuting at number 57 on the US Billboard Hot 100.[12] The song has amassed over 400 million streams on Spotify and went viral on TikTok with 150 million views,and over 2,000,000 searches on Shazam.[13][12] Its success led to Hanumankind being featured on the cover of Spotify's Global Hip Hop Playlist and signing with Capitol Records.[14][15] Outside of India,the song peaked within the top ten in countries including Australia,Austria,Canada,Singapore,Switzerland,and Brazil.
Its viral fame was majorly helped by users of video platforms reacting to its audiovisuals for the first time;one of them from streamer Shaquille Davis notably praised its production,identifying Hanumankind's Texas rap influences as well as his fashion reminiscent of Freddie Mercury.[16][10] 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.[17]
Some accused the song of ripping off the flow of American rapper Project Pat,although Hanumankind makes a direct reference to Project Pat in the lyrics.[18]
Commercial performance
"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.[19] 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.[20][21][22][23] Additionally,it peaked at number 9 on the Billboard Global 200,reflecting its worldwide appeal and popularity.[24]
Remix
Following the success of the original "Big Dawgs",Hanumankind then teamed up with A$AP Rocky for the remix. On the remix,the track is extended by another forty seconds,featuring Rocky's verse,and an extended two verses by Hanumankind.[25]
The track was first previewed at Rolling Loud,Thailand,where Rocky brought out Hanumankind to perform the song together[26]
Following the release,the song saw Rocky rap about life as a rapper,reflecting on his past,while Hanumankind flex his swagger,wordplay,and confidence. The track just goes to show how well the duo flows together sonically,showcasing their amazing chemistry,despite only having one track together.[27][28]
↑ "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Digital Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 33. týden 2024 in the date selector. Retrieved August 27, 2024.
↑ "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Singles Digital Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 33. týden 2024 in the date selector. Retrieved August 27, 2024.
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