Anuel AA
Biography
Emmanuel Gazmey Santiago, known professionally as Anuel AA, is a Puerto Rican rapper and singer, considered one of the pioneers of the Latin trap genre. He was born on November 26, 1992, in Carolina, Puerto Rico. His father, José Gazmey, was the vice president of the A&R department for Sony Music in Puerto Rico, which exposed Anuel AA to the music industry from a young age. He started recording music at the age of 14 and began posting it online in 2010.
Career Beginnings and Rise to Fame
Anuel AA gained initial recognition by posting his music online. His gritty lyrics, often detailing street life, love, and personal struggles, quickly garnered a following. In 2016, he released his mixtape "Real Hasta la Muerte," which was well-received. His success caught the attention of American rapper Rick Ross, who signed him to the Latin division of Maybach Music Group.
Legal Issues and Incarceration
In April 2016, Anuel AA's burgeoning career was halted when he was arrested in Puerto Rico for illegal firearm possession. He was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison. During his time in prison, the Latin trap genre surged in popularity. He continued to write and record music while incarcerated, even recording vocals over the phone to be featured on tracks. This period saw the rise of the #FreeAnuel movement among his fanbase.
Post-Prison Success
On July 17, 2018, the same day he was released from prison, Anuel AA surprise-released his debut album, also titled "Real Hasta la Muerte". The album was recorded in its entirety while he was incarcerated and was a commercial and critical success, debuting at number one on the Billboard Top Latin Albums chart. This album solidified his position as a leading artist in Latin urban music.
Following his release, Anuel AA achieved significant chart success. He collaborated with 6ix9ine on the track "Bebe," which became his first entry on the Billboard Hot 100. Another major hit was "Ella Quiere Beber," featuring Romeo Santos. In 2019, he released the global hit "China" with Daddy Yankee, Karol G, Ozuna, and J Balvin.
Subsequent Albums
Anuel AA continued his success with subsequent album releases:
- Emmanuel (2020): His second album featured a wide range of collaborations with artists like Bad Bunny, Enrique Iglesias, and Lil Wayne. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard Top Latin Albums chart.
- Los Dioses (2021): A collaborative album with fellow Puerto Rican artist Ozuna, it also topped the Latin charts.
- Las Leyendas Nunca Mueren (2021): This album paid tribute to his idols, including sports figures like Michael Jordan, and also debuted at number one.
- LLNM2 (2022): A sequel to his previous album, it continued his run of successful releases.
Personal Life
Anuel AA's personal life has often been in the public eye. He was in a high-profile relationship with Colombian singer Karol G, with whom he collaborated on several songs. They got engaged in 2019 but announced their split in 2021. He later married Dominican rapper Yailin La Más Viral in 2022, though they divorced in 2023. Anuel AA has multiple children from his relationships.