We’re rolling on with our essential summer albums series. This week’s edition is all about Real Hasta la Muerte the 2018 debut album from Anuel AA. (To learn more about Anuel, read our profile of him from January 2021).
Real Hasta la Muerte was the moment that Anuel broke through to the mainstream and helped to redefine the big players in the genre. One of the best reggaeton albums of the last few years, this album more than deserves a spot in our Essential Summer Albums series.
Real Hasta La Muerte – Anuel AA
The context around Real Hasta La Muerte is almost as important as the music itself. This album was released on July 17th, 2018, the same day that Anuel was released from prison. Anuel created this album while serving out his prison sentence. Real Hasta la Muerte went on to go platinum and helped shake up the hierarchy in the Latin genre.
Anuel’s prison sentence is as much a part of the mythos as the music itself. While Anuel was in prison on weapons charges, artists like Ozuna, J Balvin, and Daddy Yankee were leading the #FreeAnuel movement. He became an almost larger than life character while completely out of the public eye in prison. From time to time, we would get new songs from Anuel with verses recorded over the phone. For many of us, this album was our first real introduction to Anuel and he immediately shot to the top of the industry.
The Essential Tracks
“Quiere Beber” is probably one of the most defining tracks of the album. This song is timeless. It’s a slick reggaeton track with an addicting beat and great lyrics. Even though this song has been out for about 3 years, it’s still an absolute bop.
Bonus – I’ll include the remix with Romeo Santos. You’re welcome.
Funny story about this song – right around when this album came out I was with a girl who liked to lie. She was absolutely a hypocrite. I was with her one night when this song came on and I began to laugh. She asked what was so funny and I said, the song reminded me of her. She looked at the lyrics and she really didn’t appreciate it. Oh well, I laughed.
Probably one of the most underrated tracks on the album. “Naturaleza” is just one of those songs that is perfect late at night. Roll the windows down and put this song on and just let the vibes carry you. It’s one of those songs that are perfect for summer nights. It’s a beautifully produced track that’s outside of early Anuel’s rougher trap roots.
The New Era
Real Hasta la Muerte remains a major step in the urban genre. This album marked Anuel’s transition from underground trap start to mainstream urban music. Classics like “Quiere Beber” and “Naturaleza” help to elevate this album and give it a perfect vibe for summer. The reggaeton tracks feel just as fresh as they did when they first came out. If you haven’t listened to this album let, do that now.