Chennai Engineer Akash Shravan Mixes Indias First Hip-Hop Hit on Billboard Hot 100

In July 2024, Indian rapper Hanumankind’s single “Big Dawgs,” produced by Kalmi, broke into the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 23. The track became the first Indian hip‑hop record to chart in the United States and earned multi‑platinum certification. Chennai‑based mix and mastering engineer Akash Shravan handled the original mix and the December 2024 remix that featured American rapper A$AP Rocky.

Shravan has spent more than twelve years in the industry. He began mixing professionally in 2018 after teaching himself the craft through YouTube tutorials and trial and error. His early workflow involved listening to demos, requesting stems, and preparing tracks in his digital audio workstation with a custom template and color‑coding system. Once a mix was finished, he sent the file to the artist and performed a few rounds of revisions before final delivery.

The “Big Dawgs” project marked a turning point for Shravan. In a 2018 mix he completed for a Chennai artist—whom he does not name—he received his first full‑mix commission. The success of that project opened doors to further work with Hanumankind and Kalmi, leading to the mainstream breakthrough.

Shravan’s experience reflects a broader trend in the Indian music industry, where engineers increasingly collaborate on cross‑border projects. He notes that his background as a producer helped him gain trust from artists; when a producer delivers a track that meets an artist’s standards, the engineer is often invited to mix subsequent songs. “If I can bring something to the table, I tend not to work on that song,” he said, underscoring the importance of understanding an artist’s style.

The remix of “Big Dawgs” featuring A$AP Rocky was released on December 5 2024 by Universal Music India. The collaboration brought international attention to the track and reinforced the significance of the original mix. Shravan described the experience as “magical,” citing his long‑time admiration for Rocky and the excitement of working on a high‑profile remix.

Beyond hip‑hop, Shravan also works on Bollywood and film music. He highlighted the fast turnaround required in the film industry, where multiple tracks must be completed within tight deadlines. “When you’re working with a bigger conglomerate, timelines get intense,” he said. The ability to deliver quality mixes quickly is a key skill for engineers in the Indian market.

Shravan attributes his growth to consistent practice. He advises newcomers to “put your 10,000 hours in,” emphasizing that sustained effort cultivates taste and standards. He also encourages engineers to focus on “less is more,” a principle he learned after mixing many records.

The success of “Big Dawgs” illustrates the expanding reach of Indian hip‑hop. According to the article, the track’s Billboard placement and multi‑platinum status mark a milestone for the genre. Shravan’s role as the mix engineer demonstrates how local talent can shape music that resonates globally.

In a brief look ahead, Shravan says the Indian engineering scene is in a good place, with demand matching supply. He recommends listening to engineers such as eyepatch, Pixel, and Anxious, who are “putting extra effort to bring out their taste” in their work.

The current status is that “Big Dawgs” remains a chart‑topper in India and continues to receive streaming traction worldwide. Shravan’s mix and mastering work on the track and its remix have positioned him as a sought‑after engineer in the Indian and international music markets.