Monsoon Season

Last updated
Monsoon Season
Monsoon.Season.jpg
Studio album by
Hanumankind
ReleasedJuly 25th, 2025
Genre Hip hop
Length39 min 57 sec
Label Capitol Records, Universal Music
Producer Hisab, Kalmi, Parimal Shais

Monsoon Season is the debut mixtape from Hanumankind. The album released on July 25, 2025, via Capitol Records, Def Jam Recordings, and Universal Music Group, the project features collaborations with artists such as A$AP Rocky, Denzel Curry, Maxo Kream, Roisee, and Rudy Mukta.

Contents

Background and recording

There were no mentions of the album until July 11, 2025, when Hanumankind posted the official music video for "Villainous Freestyle." In the video, he announced the album name, revealed the track list, and confirmed the release date. [1] Alongside the announcement, he shared the pre-save link, giving fans early access and the opportunity to secure the album before its release. [2]

Singles

"Big Dawgs"

"Big Dawgs" was the first single by Hanumankind, 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. [3]

"Big Dawgs" Remix

A remix of his breakthrough single "Big Dawgs", featuring American rapper A$AP Rocky, was released on December 5, 2024. The track blended Hanumankind's sharp lyricism with Rocky’s distinctive style and was first previewed when the two performed it together at Rolling Loud Thailand. [4] 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. Despite the change, Kalmi still maintained the high-energy production of the original, further propelling the song’s popularity. [5] [6] [7]

"Run It Up"

Released in March 2025, this single reunites Hanumankind with producer Kalmi and director Bijoy Shetty. [8] Drawing on traditional Keralan chenda drums, its music video showcases martial art forms like Kalaripayattu and Theyyam. [9] Critics praised “Run It Up” as a powerful ode to Indian culture, spotlighting resilience, cultural pride, and stunning visuals. [10]

"Holiday" (A COLORS SHOW)

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 minimalistic production—courtesy of frequent collaborators Parimal Shais and Kalmi—provides an atmospheric backdrop for Hanumankind’s introspective exploration of internal conflict, personal agency, and the search for meaning, all while maintaining the intensity that defined his breakthrough hits like “Big Dawgs” and “Run It Up.” [11] The performance 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. [12]

"Villainous Freestyle"

Originally released as the "On the Radar" freestyle, the track later became widely known as "Villainous Freestyle." Originally, it released on October 24th, 2024, but later rereleased on July 11th, 2025, just a week before the album release. Critics praised the song’s confident delivery, rapid-fire cadences, and cultural duality, recognizing it as an early defining moment in his rise. The rebranding helped the track reach a broader audience and solidified Hanumankind’s reputation as a rising global talent. [13] [14] [15]

Critical Reception

Critics have praised Monsoon Season for its fusion of cultural elements and modern rap, highlighting Hanumankind's lyrical prowess and innovative production. [16]

The album has received reviews from various music publications:

Review scores
SourceRating
Rolling Stone India4/5
AllMusicNot Yet Rated
NMENot Yet Rated
PitchforkNot Yet Rated
MetacriticNot Yet Rated

Track listing

Monsoon SeasonStandard edition track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Reckless"
  • Hanumankind
  • Denzel Curry
Kalmi, Hisab2:33
2."Big Dawgs"
  • Hanumankind
  • Kalmi
Kalmi3:11
3."Goons"
  • Hanumankind
  • Maxo Kream
Parimal Shais3:09
4."Run It Up"
  • Hanumankind
  • Kalmi
Kalmi2:54
5."Someone Told Me"
  • Hanumankind
  • Roisee
Kalmi5:10
6."Cause"
  • Hanumankind
  • Rudy Mukta
Kalmi3:00
7."29.11.23"
  • Hanumankind
Kalmi2:30
8."Monsoon Season"
  • Hanumankind
Kalmi3:00
9."Holiday"
  • Hanumankind
Kalmi, Parimal Shais3:30
10."Villainous Freestyle"
  • Hanumankind
Kalmi3:00
11."Sicko"
  • Hanumankind
Kalmi3:00
12."Big Dawgs (Remix)"
  • Hanumankind
  • A$AP Rocky
Kalmi3:30
Total length:39:57

References

  1. "Hanumankind Drops 'Villainous Freestyle', Announces Debut Album". HNHH. 28 February 2024. Retrieved 2025-08-14.
  2. "Hanumankind's 'Monsoon Season' Pre-Save Now Available". Billboard . Retrieved 2025-08-14.
  3. "Hanumankind's "Big Dawgs" Breaks Through Internationally". Billboard. Retrieved 2025-08-14.
  4. "HANUMANKIND & A$AP ROCKY TEAM UP FOR "BIG DAWGS" REMIX — OUT NOW!" . Retrieved 2025-08-14.
  5. "ASAP Rocky And Hanumankind Barrel Through The "Big Dawgs (Remix)"". HNHH. 28 February 2024. Retrieved 2025-08-14.
  6. "Hanumankind & A$ap Rocky Team Up for "Big Dawgs" Remix". 7 December 2024. Retrieved 2025-08-14.
  7. "A$AP Rocky joins Hanumankind for 'Big Dawgs' remix". 6 December 2024. Retrieved 2025-08-14.
  8. "Hanumankind returns with "Run It Up" showcasing Indian martial arts and culture" . Retrieved 2025-08-14.
  9. "Hanumankind's "Run It Up" celebrates India's heritage" . Retrieved 2025-08-14.
  10. "Hanumankind Honors Indian Culture in 'Run It Up'" . Retrieved 2025-08-14.
  11. "Hanumankind Premieres New Song "Holiday" On Colors". 29 May 2025. Retrieved 2025-08-14.
  12. Jayshree (31 May 2025). "Hanumankind's "Holiday" on COLORSxSTUDIOS: Indian Rap Goes Global". Desi Rap Network - One Stop Hip Hop. Retrieved 2025-08-14.
  13. "Hanumankind Speaks The Truth As New Mixtape Approaches, Led By New Song "Villainous Freestyle"". HotNewHipHop. 28 February 2024. Retrieved 2025-08-14.
  14. "Hanumankind drops another raw track 'Villainous Freestyle'". Mirchi Plus. Retrieved 2025-08-14.
  15. "Hanumankind Announces New Mixtape 'Monsoon Season' Featuring Denzel Curry, Maxo Kream And A$AP Rocky". ThatEricAlper.com. 11 July 2025. Retrieved 2025-08-14.
  16. "Hanumankind Monsoon Season Tape Review". 25 July 2025. Retrieved 2025-08-14.