Emmanuel Gazmey Santiago, known professionally as Anuel AA, is a prominent Puerto Rican rapper and singer born on November 26, 1992. Often referred to as 'The God of Latin trap,' Anuel AA has made a significant impact on the Latin music scene with his unique sound, which frequently incorporates samples from songs that shaped his youth. His rise to fame has not been without controversy, as he has faced legal troubles and public feuds with fellow artists such as Cosculluela, Ivy Queen, Arcángel, and 6ix9ine.
Raised in Carolina, Puerto Rico, Anuel began his musical journey at the age of fourteen, sharing his work online by 2014. His talent caught the attention of the Latin division of Rick Ross's Maybach Music Group, leading to a pivotal moment in his career. In 2016, he released the mixtape 'Real Hasta la Muerte,' which garnered positive reviews but was overshadowed by a 30-month prison sentence for illegal firearm possession.
Remarkably, Anuel AA utilized his time in prison to record his debut album, which was also titled 'Real Hasta la Muerte.' Released on July 17, 2018, the album marked his return to the music industry and was met with both critical acclaim and commercial success. Within six months, he solidified his status as a leading figure in Latin music, featuring prominently on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart.
In July 2019, he achieved global recognition with the hit song 'China,' a collaboration with major artists including Daddy Yankee, Karol G, Ozuna, and J Balvin. Following this success, he released 'Me Gusta' with Shakira and his second album, 'Emmanuel,' on May 29, 2020. Despite announcing a potential retirement from music due to personal issues, Anuel returned with the collaborative album 'Los Dioses' alongside Ozuna. His third studio album, 'Las Leyendas Nunca Mueren,' was released on November 26, 2021, followed by its sequel, 'LLNM2,' on December 9, 2022.