In November, 2021, Eladio Carrión posted a preview of a song with Anuel AA, which wasn't include in the later's upcoming album. A photos of Carrión and Anuel AA working in a music studio were leaked in social media. In November, 2021, Anuel AA announced his third solo studio album Las Leyendas Nunca Mueren, and the song was included as the second track. On November 26, 2021, an audio visualizer of the song was uploaded to YouTube along with the other song visualizers that appeared on the album.[2]
Composition
"North Carolina" was written by Anuel AA and Eladio Carrión and produced by Pru and Ninesoul.[3] In an interview for El Guru in Apple Music, Anuel AA stated Carrión was his favourite Spanish rapper at the moment. He also said he is impressed by his professionalism and described the work with him as "legendary".[4]
The song is a reflection on mistrust, luxurious lifestyle, internal conflicts, and the perception of fame and success from the singers’ perspective. Anuel AA and Carrión sing about the lack of trust in the people around them, reflecting a feeling of loneliness and distrust even in the shadows and in relationships. It also describes personal experiences related to drug use, luxury, and the pressure of fame, as well as the management of interpersonal relationships in the midst of this environment. In the lyrics, Anuel AA mentions global football stars Lionel Messi, Sergio Ramos and Neymar. He also confirmed his separation with Colombian singer Karol G: Ya no estoy con Karol y no e' un misterio (I am no longer with Karol and it's not a mystery).
Commercial performance
"North Carolina" debuted and peaked at number 24 on the US BillboardHot Latin Songs chart dated December 11, 2021. In Spain's official weekly chart, it debuted at number 78 on the PROMUSICAE chart dated November 26, 2021.