Anuel AA has spent the last decade establishing himself as a global force in reggaeton and Latin trap. With over 33 million monthly listeners on Spotify, the Puerto Rican artist, born Emmanuel Gazmey Santiago, consistently achieves chart success. Yet, his journey has been anything but smooth, often marked by public controversies and a personal life that frequently eclipses his musical releases.
His modern fame gained significant traction during a challenging period: his incarceration. In April 2016, Anuel AA was arrested for illegal weapons possession following a stop in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He received a 30-month sentence. This setback, however, fueled his creative process. He used his time to compose new music and even recorded a full track via telephone from prison.
This intense creative burst culminated in “Real Hasta la Muerte,” an album he released on the very day of his liberation, July 17, 2018. The project quickly propelled him to the top of the music charts, cementing his personal narrative as a core part of his artistic identity.
Anuel AA’s romantic life has consistently generated headlines and drama. His relationship with Karol G became one of the most high-profile pairings in urban music, evolving into a continental phenomenon with collaborations and shared performances. Following their 2021 breakup, tensions mounted, characterized by public indirects and personal revelations that impacted both artists’ public images. Karol G herself described a past relationship in her documentary, ‘Mañana fue muy bonito,’ as “a fuc-ing nightmare, it was hell,” though she did not directly name Anuel.
He later married YailÃn La Más Viral in an intense union filled with public controversies, including rumors of witchcraft. They welcomed a daughter, Cattleya, before their divorce in 2023. Currently, Anuel AA maintains a more private profile with his partner, Laury Saavedra, a Venezuelan who prefers to stay out of the media spotlight. They recently welcomed their daughter Emmaluna, Anuel AA’s fourth child.
His family life has also been a source of public scrutiny. His first son, Pablo Anuel, is with influencer Astrid Cuevas, with whom he faced a legal battle over alleged irresponsible paternity. Another daughter, Gianella, was born from a relationship with Melissa Vallecilla; Anuel AA initially did not publicly recognize her.
Beyond his romantic entanglements, Anuel AA has a history of prominent feuds within the urban music scene. A particularly noted conflict involved Feid, especially after Karol G began a relationship with the Colombian artist. This rivalry played out through veiled song lyrics, social media comments, and evident public tension.
He also engaged in significant clashes with other artists, including Arcángel. Their musical paths intersected in 2016 with collaborations like ‘La Ocasión,’ but their relationship fractured in December 2023. Anuel AA ignited the beef by tagging Arcángel in a provocative Instagram post celebrating a sold-out concert. Arcángel responded with the explosive diss track ‘FN8,’ accusing Anuel AA of being a “chota,” or snitch, and questioning his credibility. Anuel AA quickly fired back with his own track, ‘Glock Glock Glock,’ launching direct accusations of fakery and suggesting Arcángel needed collaborations with artists like Bad Bunny to remain relevant. What was once a shared musical journey became an irreconcilable rift.
In recent weeks, Anuel AA has faced a new wave of challenges with concert cancellations and delays during his tour in Spain. Fans expressed frustration, citing organizational problems and issues with punctuality. Reports from Los 40 detailed last-minute cancellations in three cities, while shows in Madrid and Barcelona experienced significant delays. Audiences noted that performances were shorter than expected, with sound sometimes cut before Anuel AA could finish.
Even concerts that proceeded, such as those in Málaga and Murcia, were marred by technical failures, leaving attendees questioning the artist’s current state. Social media comments reflected this dissatisfaction, with one user stating, “What a concert you gave, you kept all the money from those of us who went to see you.” Another parent complained, “I have a 17-year-old son and it seems incredible to me that after so many hours waiting for you, you only sang for one hour.”
Concerns about Anuel AA’s health have also resurfaced. In 2023, he was hospitalized for an emergency, and rumors of another hospitalization circulated in early 2025. He strongly denied these reports on Instagram, asserting, “What hospital and what the hell? The day they say I’m dead, don’t believe them until you see the body lying there.” Earlier, during his relationship with YailÃn La Más Viral, whispers of witchcraft accompanied his noticeable weight loss at the time.
His latest Instagram post from October 31 drew numerous comments about his appearance, with users describing him as “destroyed” and suggesting “the problem was never Yailin.” Some fans even noted, “The only woman who made him look good was Karol G,” while others offered advice like, “Seek God, you need him.” Despite the persistent controversies and challenges, Anuel AA, at 33, consistently demonstrates a capacity to rebound. He remains a powerful and relevant voice in music, embodying his mantra of “real hasta la muerte.”