Indian hip-hop artist apologies hip-hop artist from India, Hanumankind, has crafted a unique blend of international influences in his track Bigdawgs. This song is a testament to his ability to incorporate Western rap elements into his sound seamlessly. Drawing inspiration from Drake’s hit song ‘Knife Talk’ featuring 21 Savage and Project Pat and Pop Smoke and Skepta’s ‘Lane Switcha,‘ featuring A$AP Rocky, Project Pat and Juicy J – Bigdawgs is a powerful showcase of Hanumankind’s evolving artistry. It fuses gritty beats with introspective lyrics that reflect his personal experiences and the growing global hip-hop landscape.
The Southern Hip-Hop Flow
At the heart of Bigdawgs lies a distinct Southern rap influence, a style that has shaped much of modern hip-hop culture. Southern rap is renowned for its laid-back flow, heavy basslines, and storytelling. Drake’s Knife Talk, featuring 21 Savage and Project Pat, is a modern-day Southern anthem that captures the essence of Memphis rap, a subgenre defined by its dark, ominous beats and street-hardened lyrics. Project Pat, a pivotal figure in this style, is known for his vivid storytelling and aggressive flow, which have become foundational in tracks like Lane Switcha. Both tracks were released in a gap of a few months. And Lane Switcha was also part of the Fast and Furious 9 OST.
Hanumankind taps into these Southern rap elements, paying homage to the genre’s pioneers while infusing his perspective into the track. The influence of Knife Talk from Drake’s album Certified Lover Boy is evident in the brooding, slow-paced production of Bigdawgs, which echoes the ominous tones of the original. The sparse yet hard-hitting beats create a similar atmosphere of menace, setting the stage for Hanumankind’s raw lyricism. The result is a sonic landscape that expertly balances modern trap sounds and the gritty realism of Southern rap, a fusion that listeners will surely appreciate.
Drake Knife Talk feat. 21 Savage and Project Pat
Art of Sampling and Sonic Parallels
One of the most striking features of Bigdawgs is its clever use of sampling (we assume so). While the track doesn’t directly replicate Knife Talk or Lane Switcha, it channels its energy through layered, intricate production. In Knife Talk, the haunting sample and atmospheric production create an eerie, almost cinematic quality that underscores the lyrical content. Hanumankind adopts a similar approach in Bigdawgs, opting for dark, minimalist beats that allow his flow to take center stage.
Though less reliant on outright sampling, Bigdawgs borrows from the tonal and thematic frameworks that Drake and Project Pat laid out. The result is a homage that feels fresh and personal rather than derivative. The song’s title—Bigdawgs—reflects a shared theme of dominance and stature, a key element in both Drake and Project Pat’s lyrics, which often revolve around their journeys to the top of the rap game. In Bigdawgs, Hanumankind carves out his space in this conversation, asserting his presence in global hip-hop. This personal and fresh feel of the homage is sure to make listeners feel connected and involved.
Skepta and Pop Smoke – Lane Switcha feat. A$AP Rocky, Juicy J and Project Pat
Hanumankind’s Unique Voice
While Bigdawgs is heavily inspired by Western rap, Hanumankind ensures that his voice remains distinct throughout the track. His delivery is sharp and assertive, alternating between confident braggadocio and reflective moments. Unlike the often hyper-masculine posturing found in mainstream trap music, Hanumankind brings a more reflective and conscious approach to his lyrics, touching on themes like identity, ambition, and the challenges he faces as an independent artist navigating the industry.
By merging his experiences with the Southern rap sound, Hanumankind offers listeners a unique perspective on what it means to be a “big dawg“ in a rapidly changing global music scene. This blend of personal storytelling and stylistic homage allows Bigdawgs to stand out, not just as a song but as a statement about the future of Indian hip-hop and its place in the broader global landscape.
Hanumankind’s Bigdawgs is a striking track that reflects his admiration for Western rap and his ability to adapt these influences into his sound. By drawing inspiration from iconic tracks like Drake’s Knife Talk and Project Pat’s Lane Switcha, Hanumankind pays tribute to Southern hip-hop while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of Indian hip-hop. As he continues to evolve, Bigdawgs serves as a reminder that the future of hip-hop is increasingly diverse and interconnected.
