Anuel AA

Emmanuel Gazmey Santiago, known professionally as Anuel AA, is a Puerto Rican rapper and singer who has risen to prominence as a significant figure in the Latin trap and reggaeton music scenes. Born on November 26, 1992, in Carolina, Puerto Rico, Anuel AA’s music is deeply rooted in the experiences of his youth, often featuring samples and interpolations of songs from that time. His unique style blends elements of reggaeton and Latin trap, making him one of the genre’s most influential and controversial artists.

Anuel AA’s introduction to music came at an early age, influenced by his father, José Gazmey, who was the vice president of the Puerto Rican division of Sony Music Entertainment’s A&R department. Growing up around the music industry, Anuel AA was exposed to legendary salsa artists like Héctor Lavoe and the Fania All-Stars, although he gravitated more towards hip hop, idolizing artists such as Tupac Shakur. The loss of his father’s job when Anuel was 15 forced him into a life on the streets, a reality that deeply influenced his music.

Anuel AA began recording music at the age of fourteen and started sharing it online four years later in 2014. His early work caught the attention of the Latin division of American rapper Rick Ross’s Maybach Music Group, leading to a record deal. His 2016 mixtape Real Hasta la Muerte garnered significant attention, but his burgeoning career was interrupted by a 30-month prison sentence for illegal firearm possession. Despite his incarceration, Anuel AA continued to work on his music, recording his debut album over the phone. Upon his release on July 17, 2018, he dropped his debut album, also titled Real Hasta la Muerte, which was both a critical and commercial success, establishing him as one of the leading voices in Latin trap.

Following his release, Anuel AA’s career skyrocketed. He appeared on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart multiple times and collaborated with major artists like Daddy Yankee, Karol G, Ozuna, and J Balvin. One of his most notable collaborations was the 2019 global hit “China,” which further cemented his status in the Latin music industry. Anuel continued to release chart-topping music, including his second album, Emmanuel, in May 2020. This album showcased his versatility and featured collaborations with artists across different genres.

Anuel AA’s career, however, has not been without controversy. He has been involved in public feuds with other artists, including Cosculluela, Ivy Queen, and Arcángel. One of the most significant controversies was his 2018 diss track “Intocable,” which faced backlash for its offensive content, leading to the cancellation of a major concert and a public apology from Anuel. Despite these challenges, Anuel AA has continued to thrive in the music industry, often using his experiences and struggles as material for his music.

In recent years, Anuel AA has released several successful projects, including the collaborative album Los Dioses with Ozuna and his third studio album Las Leyendas Nunca Mueren in 2021. His music, characterized by its raw portrayal of street life and emotional depth, resonates with a global audience, making him one of the most influential artists in Latin music today. Despite rumors of retirement, Anuel AA remains an active and dynamic force in the industry, continually pushing the boundaries of Latin trap and reggaeton.