José Gazmey: Anuel AA’s Father and Music Industry Executive

José Gazmey isn’t a household name on his own, but his impact on Latin music runs deep. As a composer, music executive, and the father of one of Latin trap’s most explosive artists — Anuel AA — he’s been connected to the genre’s rise in ways most fans don’t realize. His career at Sony Music’s Puerto Rican division gave him a front-row seat to the island’s music industry, and that same environment shaped the future superstar growing up under his roof.

Who Is José Gazmey?

José Gazmey is a music industry professional from Carolina, Puerto Rico. He built a career that spanned both the creative and corporate sides of the business, working as a composer and eventually rising to a senior executive role at one of the world’s largest record labels. While he kept a relatively low public profile throughout his career, his name became widely recognized once his son, Emmanuel Gazmey Santiago — better known as Anuel AA — broke through as one of reggaeton and Latin trap’s biggest stars.

Carolina, located just east of San Juan, has long been a hotbed of musical talent in Puerto Rico. Growing up and working in that environment, José was surrounded by the rhythms and culture that would later define his son’s sound. His deep roots in the local music scene gave him both the connections and the knowledge that few fathers in the industry could offer.

José Gazmey’s Career in the Music Industry

What Did José Gazmey Do at Sony Music?

José Gazmey served as Vice President of the Puerto Rican division of Sony Music Entertainment’s A&R department. A&R — short for Artists and Repertoire — is the branch of a record label responsible for scouting new talent, overseeing artistic development, and guiding the creative direction of an artist’s recordings. It’s one of the most influential positions in the music business because A&R executives decide which artists get signed and how their music gets shaped for release.

In his role, José was responsible for identifying promising musicians across Puerto Rico and helping develop their careers within Sony’s ecosystem. This meant he had his finger on the pulse of what was happening musically on the island — from traditional salsa and merengue to the emerging sounds of reggaeton and urban Latin music that were starting to dominate in the early 2000s.

Beyond his executive duties, José also worked as a composer. This dual background — understanding music both from a creative standpoint and from the business side — made him uniquely positioned in Puerto Rico’s industry. He understood what made a hit record, and he knew the machinery required to get it heard.

José Gazmey and Anuel AA

How Is José Gazmey Related to Anuel AA?

José Gazmey is the father of Anuel AA, whose full name is Emmanuel Gazmey Santiago. Anuel AA was born on November 27, 1992, in Carolina, Puerto Rico — the same city where José built much of his career. The rapper has spoken publicly about growing up in a household where music wasn’t just entertainment but a way of life, thanks to his father’s profession.

Anuel AA went on to become one of the most important figures in Latin trap, a subgenre that fuses hip-hop’s trap beats with Latin rhythms and Spanish-language lyrics. His breakout single “Sola” and his debut album Real Hasta la Muerte (2018) cemented his status as a major force in Latin music. He’s collaborated with artists like Daddy Yankee, Ozuna, Bad Bunny, and J Balvin, and his streaming numbers consistently rank among the highest in the Spanish-language music world.

How Did José Influence Anuel AA’s Career?

Growing up with a father who was a VP at Sony Music meant Anuel AA had something most aspiring artists don’t — direct access to the inner workings of the record industry from a young age. He didn’t have to guess how labels operated, how deals were structured, or what executives looked for in an artist. That knowledge was part of everyday life in the Gazmey household.

José’s influence went beyond just business know-how. As a composer himself, he understood the creative process and the discipline it takes to develop real musical skill. Anuel AA has credited his early exposure to the industry as a major factor in his determination to pursue music professionally, even when the path got rocky. That foundation — built during years of watching his father navigate one of the toughest industries in the world — gave him a confidence and understanding that set him apart from peers who were breaking in cold.

It’s worth noting that Anuel AA’s career hasn’t been without serious obstacles, including a prison sentence from 2016 to 2018 on federal weapons charges. But even through that period, the industry instincts he’d absorbed growing up helped him maintain relevance — he continued releasing music from prison that kept his fanbase engaged and growing.

Where Is José Gazmey Now?

José Gazmey has largely stayed out of the spotlight in recent years. Unlike some celebrity parents who leverage their children’s fame for public attention, José has maintained a private life. There’s no verified public social media presence or recent interviews that detail his current activities. What’s clear is that his legacy in the music business continues through Anuel AA’s ongoing career, which shows no signs of slowing down. Whether he’s still active in the industry behind the scenes or enjoying a quieter life in Puerto Rico, his contributions to Latin music — both directly and through his son — remain significant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is José Gazmey?

José Gazmey is a composer and former Vice President of Sony Music Entertainment’s A&R department in Puerto Rico. He’s best known as the father of Latin trap superstar Anuel AA (Emmanuel Gazmey Santiago).

Is José Gazmey Anuel AA’s father?

Yes. José Gazmey is the father of Anuel AA, whose real name is Emmanuel Gazmey Santiago. Both are from Carolina, Puerto Rico, and José’s career in music had a strong influence on Anuel’s decision to pursue a career as a rapper and singer.

What does José Gazmey do?

José Gazmey worked as a composer and held the position of Vice President in the Puerto Rican division of Sony Music’s A&R department. In that role, he was responsible for discovering and developing musical talent on the island. His current professional activities aren’t publicly documented.