Ismael Ruiz Hernández (born October 22, 1966), better known as Maelo Ruiz, is a New York City-born Puerto Rican Salsa romántica singer. Maelo Ruiz was born in New York City but at the age of 4 moved with his family to Puerto Rico where his parents were originally from. He started in music at the very young age of 16 when he began to sing in the "Escuela Libre de Música de Caguas". But it wasn't until the age of 19 when Maelo Ruiz really started his professional career in music when he became the first voice of Pedro Conga and his International Orchestra. He remained with Pedro Conga for 7 years, recording 4 albums with the band. His biggest hit with Pedro Conga was "No Te Quites La Ropa", which sold over 50,000 units earning the band their first gold record in Puerto Rico. Follow-up hits i