Anuel AA

2010–2016: Beginnings and mixtape

Gazmey began recording music at age fourteen and later posted recordings online under the name Anuel AA.^[4][1] His recordings attracted the attention of rapper Rick Ross, who signed him to the Latin division of Maybach Music Group.^[1]

In February 2016, he released the mixtape Real Hasta la Muerte. The project helped establish him within the emerging Latin trap scene and led to further collaborations, including an appearance on Ozuna's album Odisea.^[6]

2016–2018: Imprisonment and Real Hasta la Muerte

On April 3, 2016, Gazmey was arrested in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, after police stopped a vehicle occupied by him and several other people. Authorities recovered three pistols, including one reported stolen, nine magazines and 152 rounds of ammunition. Gazmey later pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm and was sentenced in June 2017 to 30 months in federal prison.^[7]

His imprisonment interrupted his ability to perform but did not stop the circulation of his music. The phrase "Free Anuel" became associated with his supporters, while previously recorded material and new vocal performances continued to be released.^[1][6] His absence also coincided with the wider commercial development of Latin trap. Billboard later observed that his music continued gaining an audience while he remained incarcerated.^[8]

Gazmey recorded some vocals through telephone calls from prison. After being transferred to a halfway house in Miami, he was given greater access to recording equipment and completed material for his debut studio album.^[6] He has said that he listened to radio broadcasts while incarcerated to follow developments in Latin urban music and used the experience as material for his songwriting.^[9]

During his sentence, Gazmey spent approximately 90 days in solitary confinement following an altercation with another inmate.^[8] He later said that he began reading the Bible while incarcerated and increasingly incorporated religious references into his understanding of his career.^[10]

His debut studio album, Real Hasta la Muerte, was released on July 17, 2018, coinciding with his release from federal custody.^[11] The album topped the US Top Latin Albums chart and reached number 42 on the Billboard 200.^[12][13] Rolling Stone included it among the ten best Latin albums of 2018.^[14]

Later in 2018, he appeared with 6ix9ine on "Bebe", his first entry on the Billboard Hot 100.^[15] He also recorded "Ella Quiere Beber" with Romeo Santos and contributed to "Familia" with Nicki Minaj and Bantu for the soundtrack to Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.

2019–2020: "China" and Emmanuel

In January 2019, Anuel AA and Karol G released "Secreto". The song reached number five on the US Hot Latin Songs chart and number 68 on the Billboard Hot 100.^[16][17]

In April 2019, he entered a direct global distribution agreement with The Orchard covering physical, digital and video distribution of Real Hasta la Muerte and his next full-length album.^[2] The agreement followed a worldwide publishing agreement with Kobalt.^[2]

In July 2019, he released "China", featuring Daddy Yankee, Karol G, Ozuna and J Balvin. The track interpolates Shaggy's "It Wasn't Me" and debuted at number two on the US Hot Latin Songs chart.^[18]

In January 2020, he collaborated with Shakira on "Me Gusta", which interpolates Inner Circle's "Sweat (A La La La La Long)".^[19] He also appeared on Bad Bunny's album YHLQMDLG and released "3 de Abril", a reflection on his arrest and imprisonment.^[11]

His second studio album, Emmanuel, was released on May 29, 2020. The 22-track double album included appearances by Bad Bunny, Enrique Iglesias, Travis Barker, Tego Calderón, Karol G, Lil Wayne, Farruko, Yandel and Ñengo Flow.^[20]

In November 2020, he released "Me Contagié 2", whose lyrics discussed depression, family separation and the possibility of leaving music. Although the recording prompted reports that he was retiring, he did not formally end his career.

2021–2022: Los Dioses, Las Leyendas Nunca Mueren and LLNM2

Anuel AA and Ozuna released the collaborative album Los Dioses on January 22, 2021. The twelve-track project combined reggaeton and Latin trap.

Later in 2021, Anuel AA released "23 Preguntas" and appeared with Jhayco on "Ley Seca". His third solo studio album, Las Leyendas Nunca Mueren, was released on November 26, 2021. The album included appearances by Eladio Carrión, Mora, Myke Towers and Jhayco.

During 2022, he released collaborations including "Si Tú Me Busca" with Yailin La Más Viral, "La Llevo al Cielo" with Chris Jedi, Chencho Corleone and Ñengo Flow, and "Malo" with Zion and Randy. His fourth solo studio album, LLNM2, was released on December 9, 2022, as a sequel to Las Leyendas Nunca Mueren.^[21]

2023–present: Singles and touring

In March 2023, Anuel AA released "Más Rica Que Ayer" with producers Mambo Kingz and DJ Luian. He subsequently collaborated with Maluma on "Diablo, Qué Chimba" and with Eladio Carrión on "Triste Verano".^[22][23] In May, he released "Mejor Que Yo", which he publicly dedicated to Karol G.^[24]

Anuel AA announced an extended play titled Rompecorazones, but its planned October 2023 release was postponed after he underwent emergency surgery. He later released "OA" with Maluma and Spanish rapper Quevedo and appeared on "Pa Ti Estoy" from Ozuna's album Cosmo.

His releases and guest appearances during 2024 included "Tacos Gucci", the remix of "Bby Boo", "Kilerito" with Brytiago, "Toki", "Razones" with Ozuna, "Shampoo de Coco", "Headshot" and "Deportivo" with Blessd.^[25][26]

He continued touring during 2025 under the Real Hasta la Muerte 2 name.

"Intocable"

In September 2018, Anuel AA released "Intocable", a diss track directed at rapper Cosculluela. The song was criticized for homophobic lyrics and derogatory references to people living with HIV/AIDS, including Puerto Rican model and television personality La Taína.^[29]

A scheduled concert at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum was canceled following the backlash. Anuel AA apologized and described the song as the greatest mistake of his career.^[29]

Dispute with Ivy Queen

In April 2019, Anuel AA questioned Ivy Queen's designation as the "Queen of Reggaeton" and suggested that Karol G might instead merit the title. Ivy Queen responded by emphasizing her role in creating opportunities for later generations of women in reggaeton.^[30]

Dispute with 6ix9ine

Anuel AA collaborated with 6ix9ine on the 2018 singles "Bebe" and "Mala". Their professional relationship later ended after 6ix9ine cooperated with federal prosecutors during his criminal case. The artists subsequently exchanged public criticism through interviews and social media.

Feud with Arcángel

In December 2023, Anuel AA and Arcángel exchanged a series of diss tracks. Arcángel first addressed Anuel AA, Ozuna and Rochy RD in "Feliz Navidad 8". Anuel AA responded with "Glock, Glock, Glock", after which Arcángel released "El Narcan" and "3 a 0". Anuel AA issued a further response titled "Arcángel Es Chota".^[31][32]

Relationships and children

Anuel AA has four children. His eldest son, Pablo Anuel, was born during an earlier relationship.^[33]

He met Karol G in 2018 while filming the music video for their collaboration "Culpables", shortly after his release from prison.^[34] They confirmed their relationship in January 2019 through the music video for "Secreto". Karol G appeared at the 2019 Billboard Latin Music Awards wearing an engagement ring, confirming their engagement.^[34] Their separation was publicly confirmed in 2021.

In early 2022, Anuel AA confirmed a relationship with Dominican rapper Yailin La Más Viral. They married in a civil ceremony in June 2022.^[35] In February 2023, Anuel AA announced that they had separated. Their daughter, Cattleya, was born the following month.^[36]

Political activity

In August 2024, Anuel AA endorsed Donald Trump during the 2024 United States presidential campaign and appeared at a rally in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.^[37]

Solo studio albums

• Real Hasta la Muerte (2018)
• Emmanuel (2020)
• Las Leyendas Nunca Mueren (2021)
• LLNM2 (2022)

Collaborative studio albums

• Los Dioses (with Ozuna, 2021)