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One of the more popular merengue outfits of the late '90s/early 21st century was Oro Solido (translated in English it means "Solid Gold"). The group's leader and founder, Raul Acosta (also known as El Presidente), was born in the Dominican Republic, but raised in New Jersey. Showing interest in music at an early age, Acosta's parents encouraged the youngster to pursue music (his father was a percussionist) -- leading to a spot in the children's group, los Nictos Del Rey, which included several TV appearances and competitions. After his family relocated to New Jersey when Acosta was nine, Acosta pursued music further by attending the musical academy Kennedy's Musical World, where he studied with Professor Kennedy Cortinas and learned the ins and outs of sound engineering. From there, Acosta played bass in the Caribe Band, before forming the Latin Kings, the latter of which would soon transform into Oro Solido. Comprised entirely of Puerto Rican and Dominican musicians, Oro Solido was...