Hanumankind Turns Up The Heat In “Run It Up”
When Hanumankind released his song “Big Dawgs” last summer, the resulting adulation was instantaneous and immense. The song soared to the top as listeners and critics praised Hanumankind’s rich vocals, striking visuals and the iconoclastic lyrics. The music video, set in rural India in a cacophonous “well of death” went on to receive more than 213 million views on YouTube.
With his latest song, Hanumankind proves that he is not a one hit-wonder. In “Run It Up,” the India-born Houston-based rapper celebrates his roots while reaffirming his commitment to foster meaningful change. The song bursts through, comingling Southern hip-hop beats with unique sounding instruments such as a ‘chenda’ that features in South Indian Folk music.
During the intro, Hanumankind’s smooth vocals match the swelling tempo, setting the listener up for a hard plop. When the transition eventually arrives, it is sudden and compelling. In this section Hanumankind relies on his impressive ‘chopping’ skills as he delivers a near-perfect verse.
Following the ‘chop,’ the song slows down, as Hanumankind offers an honest exegesis on the state of his country and its citizenry. After the vocals pacify, and while sounding as if he were in deep contemplation, Hanumankind tags the listener along to imbibe his emotional appeal. Cautiously optimistic, he offers a roadmap insistent on breaking free from dogmas and generational trauma.
Towards the end, the song espouses an ambivalent tone as Hanumankind signs off. “We wake up tomorrow and things are the same/Damn!”. When the song vacillates between melodic, brisk and cogitative moods, Hanumankind’s versatility and producer Kalmi’s clever arrangement makes it seem effortless.
Hanumankind Pays Tribute To His Roots
The music video is equally captivating if not more. Replete with quick cuts, dramatic slow-motion shots and stunning imagery augment the organized, vocal chaos. The backup dancers clad in black add to the boisterousness while collectively representing Hanumankind’s panache and consciousness. While feting “his people,” the artist honors traditional dance and martial arts. The song features forms such as Kalari, Mardani Khel, Gatka, Tangh Ta, Garudan Parava, Kandannar Kelan and Vellaattam. The song is colorful, upbeat and pensive, all at the same time.
“Run It Up” marks Hanumankind’s second collaboration with producer Kalmi. With a following of 2.08 million subscribers on YouTube, and 8.5 million monthly listeners on Spotify, Hanumankind is an artist to watch out for.
Featured image credits: Akshay Anil/Pexels