Erick Morillo
Erick Morillo – Life, Career, and Controversy
Explore the life, rise, achievements, and controversies of DJ and producer Erick Morillo (1971–2020). From the global hit “I Like to Move It” to founding Subliminal Records, his story is one of triumphs and tragedy.
Introduction
Erick Morillo (March 26, 1971 – September 1, 2020) was a Colombian-American DJ, music producer, remixer, and record label owner.
He became known globally through the dance anthem “I Like to Move It”, released under the alias Reel 2 Real in 1993.
As a figure in the electronic and house music scenes, Morillo helped shape what we think of as modern club culture, launching his own imprint (Subliminal Records), influencing many DJs, and performing in clubs around the world. Yet his life was also marked by personal struggles and serious controversies.
Early Life and Family
Erick Morillo was born in New York City, U.S., on March 26, 1971.
However, he spent parts of his early years in Cartagena, Colombia, where he was exposed to Latin and Caribbean rhythms (salsa, merengue).
He moved back to the U.S. around age 11, living with his mother, Elisa, and sister Sheila in Union City, New Jersey.
In Union City, he attended Saint Joseph and Michael’s School (a Catholic grammar school) and then graduated from Emerson High School in 1989.
Growing up, Morillo played with music: from a young age he started DJing at small events such as weddings and local parties, absorbing influences from Latin music, reggae, hip-hop, and house.
Youth, Influences & Musical Beginnings
Morillo’s early musical palette included Latin rhythms, reggae, and hip-hop, which later he blended with house and electronic dance music.
At age 11, he began DJing for friends and family events.
He also took audio / studio engineering classes — for instance, he enrolled in the Center for the Media Arts in New York to develop technical skills.
His connections to Latin artists also helped: while working in local clubs in New Jersey, he met El General, a Latin reggae artist, and they collaborated on the track “Muévelo” (1991) — combining Latin, reggae, and dance elements.
That success helped Morillo gain traction in the dance music world and set the stage for further hits.
Career and Achievements
Rise with “I Like to Move It” & Reel 2 Real
Morillo adopted the alias Reel 2 Real for several of his dance productions.
In 1993, under Reel 2 Real, he released “I Like to Move It”, featuring vocal performance by the Trinidadian “Mad Stuntman.” The track became a global dance anthem, charting in multiple countries, and has since been used in films, commercials, and remixes.
This hit gave Morillo financial success and global recognition, enabling him to tour, perform in major clubs, and expand his influence in house music.
Reel 2 Real also released other tracks (e.g. Jazz It Up) and albums like Move It!.
Founding Subliminal Records and Label Ventures
In 1997, Morillo co-founded Subliminal Records (alongside Harry Romero and José Nunez) as both a label and management entity.
Subliminal focused on a soulful, funk-infused house sound and helped further Morillo’s creative control and brand.
Under Subliminal, the label released “Fun” by Da Mob (vocals by Jocelyn Brown), which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Dance chart.
He also engaged in remixing, producing under various aliases (Ministers de la Funk, The Dronez, RAW, Smooth Touch, RBM, Deep Soul, Club Ultimate, Li’L Mo Ying Yang) to explore different styles.
As a DJ, he maintained residencies in top clubs, hosted Subliminal Sessions in Ibiza and New York, and toured extensively across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
One of his first major artist albums under his own name was My World (2004), featuring collaborations with Puff Daddy, DJ Rap, Boy George, and more.
Awards, Recognition & Impact
Morillo received multiple awards in dance music:
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He won DJ Awards: Best House DJ in 1998, 2001, 2003; Best International DJ in 2002, 2006, 2009.
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He was nominated many times (15 DJ Awards nominations between 1998 and 2010).
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His label’s production “Fun” and his remixes earned recognition (e.g. Muzik magazine Remixer of the Year, etc.).
His music and style influenced numerous house and electronic artists; his branding and label model inspired many to blend DJing with entrepreneurship.
Personal Challenges & Controversies
Morillo’s life was not without difficulties and public scrutiny, which form a critical part of his story.
Health and Substance Struggles
In later years, Morillo faced substance abuse issues, particularly involving ketamine and alcohol.
He had to cancel or be escorted off DJ sets due to erratic behavior, reportedly linked to health or substance problems.
He publicly acknowledged needing to focus on health and well-being.
Legal Accusations
In August 2020, Morillo was arrested and charged with sexual battery for an alleged incident in December 2019 at his Miami Beach home, after a private party.
According to reports, the accuser claimed she had passed out, and later tested positive for Morillo’s DNA via a rape kit. Morillo denied the claims but turned himself in.
After his death, additional women came forward with allegations of sexual assault or abuse spanning many years.
Death and Autopsy
Morillo was found dead on September 1, 2020, in his home in Miami Beach, Florida.
At the time, he was three days away from a scheduled court hearing related to the sexual battery charges.
The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner later determined the cause of death was acute ketamine toxicity, with MDMA and cocaine listed as contributing factors.
There were no signs of foul play.
Legacy and Influence
Erick Morillo’s legacy is complex, reflecting both his musical innovations and personal controversies.
Influence in Dance / House Music
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His track “I Like to Move It” remains one of the most recognizable dance anthems globally, especially after appearing in films (e.g. Madagascar) and remixes.
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Subliminal Records and Morillo’s branding as a DJ-entrepreneur influenced later generations of DJs who sought to control both sound and business.
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His mixing style, energetic performances, international reach (Ibiza, Europe, Latin America) expanded the reach of house music.
The Shadow of Controversy
Because of the sexual assault accusations and his untimely death involving substance toxicity, Morillo’s legacy is scrutinized. Some fans and industry voices still celebrate his musical contributions but must contend with ethical questions about behavior and accountability.
His story serves as a caution about power, fame, and the obligations public figures bear, especially in nightlife and entertainment settings.
Personality and Talents
Morillo was known for being charismatic, intense, driven, and creative. His talents included:
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Musical versatility: Able to produce under many aliases, switch between styles, and remix effectively.
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DJ performance ability: He was praised as a live DJ who brought energy, crowd connection, and expertise.
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Business sense: Founding Subliminal and managing label operations showed he was more than just a DJ.
Yet, critics often point to possible flaws: risk-taking behavior (substance use), possible overindulgence, and in his final years, erratic health or behavior.
Famous / Notable Quotes
Erick Morillo is not as regularly quoted as some artists, but here are a few statements and excerpts attributed to him that reflect his ethos:
“I’m never in the same country for more than a week.”
Reflecting on I Like to Move It many years later, he said: “I’m just happy that a track that I made when I was 20 is, 17 years later, being introduced to a whole new generation … it’s a hit all over again and opening a lot of doors.”
These reveal his humility, sense of wonder at his own early success, and relentless touring mindset.
Lessons from Erick Morillo
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Music can cross generations
A track produced early in one’s career can have lasting influence if it resonates. -
Creative control matters
Building one’s own label, managing one’s own brand, and diversifying aliases can empower artists. -
Fame has costs
Substance abuse, mental health, and the pressures of touring can take a heavy toll if unaddressed. -
Accountability is essential
Public figures must be responsible with power — the allegations against Morillo cast a long shadow. -
Art and human complexity
Legacies are rarely simple: one can both influence culture positively and have serious personal failings.
Conclusion
Erick Morillo rose from humble beginnings to become a global force in house music, anchored by the enduring dance classic “I Like to Move It” and bolstered by his own label and DJ brand. His energy, ambition, and musical ear left an imprint on the electronic music world.
Yet his life also serves as a sobering reminder that shadow follows light: health struggles, substance abuse, and legal accusations complicate how we remember him. In discussing his legacy, it’s necessary to embrace both the brilliance and the controversy.
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