Background and recording
There were no mentions of the mixtape until July 11, 2025, apart from a teasing while performing "Holiday" at A Colors Show, when Hanumankind posted the official music video for "Villainous Freestyle." In the music video, he announced the mixtape title, revealed the track list, and confirmed the release date. [1]
"Big Dawgs" was the first lead single from the mixtape, produced by Kalmi. Released on July 9, 2024, by Universal Music India, the track gained international acclaim, debuting at number 57 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The music video, directed by Bijoy Shetty, was filmed inside a traditional "well of death" carnival attraction in Ponnani, Kerala. The single amassed over 400 million streams on Spotify. Its success led to Hanumankind being featured on the cover of Spotify's Global Hip Hop Playlist and signing with Capitol Records. [2]
A remix featuring American rapper A$AP Rocky, was released on December 5, 2024. The track was first previewed when the two performed it together at Rolling Loud Thailand. [3] The remix featured new verses from Hanumankind, as well as a slowed-down part midway through the song, which was originally heard at the end of the original one. [4] [5] [6]
Released in March 2025, "Run It Up", the second lead single, reunited Hanumankind with producer Kalmi and director Bijoy Shetty. [7] Drawing on traditional Keralan chenda drums, its music video showcases martial art forms like Kalaripayattu, Mardani khel, Gatka, Thang Ta and Theyyam. [8] [9]
Hanumankind premiered a new track titled “Holiday” on the live performance platform A Colors Show, delivering a captivating rendition that blends contemplative lyricism with commanding presence. The track produced by Parimal Shais and Kalmi [10] , further elevated his international profile, leading to an appearance at Netflix’s Tudum live event, and was celebrated in press as a “bold and commanding” display of his artistic range. [11]
Originally performed at "On The Radar", the track later became widely known as "Villainous Freestyle". It released on October 24, 2024 on YouTube, and was later re-released on all streaming platforms, under the new title, on July 11, 2025, just a week before the album release. [12]
Critical reception
Critics have praised Monsoon Season for its fusion of cultural elements and modern rap, highlighting Hanumankind's lyrical prowess and innovative production. [15] Critics praised “Run It Up” as a powerful ode to Indian culture, spotlighting resilience, cultural pride, and stunning visuals [16] , and "The Villainous Freestyle" for his confident delivery, rapid-fire cadences, and cultural duality, recognizing it as an early defining moment in his rise. The rebranding helped him reach a broader audience and solidified Hanumankind's reputation as a rising global talent. [17] [18] [19]
The album has received reviews from various music publications:
Review scores| Source | Rating |
| Rolling Stone India | 4/5 |
| AllMusic | Not Yet Rated |
| NME | Not Yet Rated |
| Pitchfork | Not Yet Rated |
| Metacritic | Not Yet Rated |
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