Anuel AA

Career

Anuel AA first recorded music at fourteen and began sharing it online when he turned eighteen in 2010. His work quickly racked up millions of streams and views, which caught the eye of American rapper Rick Ross. Ross signed him to the Latin branch of Maybach Music Group. In February 2016, Anuel AA dropped his mixtape Real Hasta la Muerte, which earned positive reviews and led to a guest spot on Ozuna’s 2017 album Odisea.

Two months after the mixtape’s release, in April 2016, he was arrested in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, and got a 30-month federal prison sentence for illegally possessing three firearms. While locked up, he recorded his debut album by phoning in his vocals and finishing the work during a required stay at a Miami halfway house. He put out Real Hasta la Muerte on July 17, 2018, the very day he walked free. Rolling Stone named it one of the Best Latin Albums of 2018, praising his pop instincts.

The album hit number 42 on the Billboard 200 and topped the US Top Latin Albums chart. His first Billboard Hot 100 entry came in August 2018 through the song "Bebe," a collaboration with American rapper 6ix9ine.

Musical style and influences

Anuel AA is considered one of the founding fathers of Latin trap music. He is known for his signature "BRRR" adlib, which mimics the sound of an automatic firearm. His lyrics often discuss sex, crime, and life on the streets, and Paul Simpson of AllMusic described them as too risqué for radio, with success coming from streaming and social media. Gary Suarez of Vice viewed his 2018 album Real Hasta la Muerte as a mix of "gleaming trap bangers" and "reggaeton crowd pleasers," noting that relationship-themed songs like "Culpables" and "Secreto" represent a softening of his hardened persona.

He frequently uses the word "bebecita" in songs and on social media. His introduction to hip hop came from listening to Tupac Shakur, and his songs pay homage to U.S. and Latin artists from his youth, such as sampling "It Wasn't Me" by Shaggy and "Ella Me Levantó" by Daddy Yankee on "China." He is influenced by and has collaborated with Meek Mill and Gucci Mane, both of whom served prison time. He has also expressed admiration for bachata artist Zacarías Ferreíra, Dominican rapper el Alfa, and Ed Sheeran, and has indicated interest in collaborating with Post Malone and Billie Eilish.

Controversies

On September 15, 2018, Anuel AA released a diss track called "Intocable" aimed at fellow rapper Cosculluela. The track was widely criticized for its profanity and remarks about homosexuality and HIV/AIDS patients, including referring to model and television host La Taína as a "pig" for her HIV-positive status. Due to public backlash, his concert at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico venue, scheduled for October 12, 2018, was canceled by his production staff and main producer Paco López.

Anuel AA later issued an apology, calling it the worst mistake of his career and apologizing to homosexuals, people with AIDS, La Taína, and those affected by Hurricane Maria. In early April 2019, he engaged in an argument on Instagram with Ivy Queen after questioning how she could still be considered the "Queen of Reggaeton," arguing she had not had a hit song in more than seven years and suggesting Karol G might hold that title. Ivy Queen responded by discussing her pioneering role in paving the way for other women.

Personal life

Anuel AA has a son named Pablo Anuel, a daughter named Gianella, and a daughter with his ex-wife Yailin La Más Viral named Cattleya. He met Colombian singer Karol G in August 2018 on the set of the music video for their song "Culpables," a month after his release from prison. They confirmed their relationship in January 2019, and Karol G wore a diamond ring at the Billboard Latin Music Awards on April 25, 2019, confirming their engagement. The couple ended their relationship in March 2021 after two years of dating.

In early 2022, he confirmed a relationship with Dominican rapper Yailin La Más Viral, and they married in June 2022. They announced their separation in February 2023, and Yailin gave birth to his daughter Cattleya in March 2023. As of mid 2023, Anuel has been dating Venezuelan Laury Saavedra; they announced in 2024 via Instagram that they were expecting a girl, and on January 23, 2025, he became a father for the fourth time with Saavedra. Anuel AA supported Donald Trump's 2024 presidential campaign and spoke at a campaign rally in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

He was arrested on April 3, 2016, in Guaynabo with three companions when police found three pistols, nine magazines, and 152 bullets; he signed a plea deal for a 30-month sentence. While incarcerated, he spent 90 days in solitary confinement after an incident with another inmate, and he stated that his lyrics did not represent his true character. He told Billboard that in prison he listened to the radio and kept up with the streets for inspiration, and he started reading the Bible for the first time.

Did You Know?

• Anuel AA's father, José Gazmey, was vice president of the Puerto Rican division of Sony Music Entertainment's A&R department.
• The #FreeAnuel movement became popular among his fans after his arrest.