Reggaeton and Latin trap artist Anuel AA has made a huge impact on the music scene, especially with his 2018 debut album Real Hasta La Muerte. This project really put him on the map, featuring hit singles like “Ella Quiere Beber” and “Brindemos,” which quickly gained massive popularity. Fast forward to May 2020, Anuel AA dropped his second studio album, titled Emmanuel, further solidifying his presence in the industry. Now, before all the fame and spotlight, Anuel AA—whose real name is Emmanuel Gazmey Santiago—grew up in Carolina, Puerto Rico, where he attended Colegio María Auxiliadora. Interestingly, he was actually classmates with fellow urban sensation Rauw Alejandro during those school days.
Anuel AA began gaining traction online about a year before his first album dropped, uploading tracks to SoundCloud and building a loyal following. In no time, he had gathered over 20,000 followers, showing just how much buzz he was creating early on. When it comes to family, Anuel AA comes from a close-knit household—his parents, Nilda and José, raised him alongside his older brother, younger brother Leyvan, and sister Jliany.
On the personal front, Anuel AA was once engaged to Colombian reggaeton star Karol G, but the couple eventually went their separate ways. Later, he was linked romantically to Yailin La Más Viral, though that relationship also ended in early 2023. Despite the ups and downs in love, Anuel AA remains dedicated to his role as a father. He’s a proud dad to two daughters and a son, all from previous relationships. Throughout it all, Anuel AA continues to evolve—not just as an artist, but as a person shaped by both triumphs and challenges.
He managed to record his part for the track “Ayer 2”—a collaboration with heavyweights like J Balvin, Nicky Jam, Cosculluela, and DJ Nelson—by making a phone call straight from prison during his 30-month incarceration. It’s pretty remarkable when you think about it, especially considering the circumstances. He’s been close with Frabián Eli since he was just 12 years old, and now, that long-time bond has evolved into a professional one, with Frabián stepping in as his manager. Through all the ups and downs, their connection has stayed strong, and it’s clear that trust plays a big role in how he handles things, even from behind bars.