Erick Morillo

Erick Morillo was an American house music DJ, record producer, and label owner whose work helped define the global dance music scene over three decades. He is best remembered for the 1993 anthem "I Like to Move It," released under his project Reel 2 Real, a track that became a cultural touchstone through film placements, commercials, and ringtones. He also founded Subliminal Records, a label that launched numerous careers and delivered chart-topping house tracks.

Morillo's influence extended beyond the studio; he was a sought-after club and festival DJ, winning the DJ Awards for Best House DJ three times and Best International DJ three times. His remixes for Madonna, Whitney Houston, and Janet Jackson further cemented his reputation. His life was cut short on September 1, 2020, when he died of an accidental ketamine overdose, days before he was to face a sexual battery charge. [edit]

Born in New York City and raised in the Bronx, Erick Morillo grew up surrounded by the city's rich musical mix of disco, hip-hop, and early house. As a teenager, he began experimenting with turntables and drum machines, drawn to the energy of the underground club scene. He worked odd jobs during the day while honing his craft at night, playing at small parties and local venues.

In the early 1990s, he caught the attention of Strictly Rhythm Records, a leading house label. Signing with them gave him the freedom to release music under multiple aliases, including Ministers de la Funk, The Dronez, and Smooth Touch. These early releases showcased his versatility and helped him build a name within the industry before his breakout project Reel 2 Real.

His big break came in 1993 when he created "I Like to Move It," a track originally intended as a solo effort. The song's infectious energy and catchy call-and-response chorus quickly made it a club favorite, setting the stage for his international success. [edit]

Morillo's career took off with the release of "I Like to Move It" in 1993 under the Reel 2 Real banner. The track topped charts in multiple countries and became a global phenomenon, later featured in the Madagascar films and countless commercials. In 1994, he founded Subliminal Records, which became a powerhouse in house music, releasing hits like Da Mob's "Fun," which reached number one on the Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart.

Throughout the late 1990s and 2000s, Morillo remained a dominant force. He won the DJ Awards for Best House DJ in 1998, 2001, and 2003, and Best International DJ in 2002, 2006, and 2009. In 1999, Muzik magazine named him Remixer of the Year. His remixes for major artists like Madonna and Whitney Houston were widely acclaimed. He also launched the Subliminal Sessions series, which became a staple in the DJ community.

Morillo continued to perform at major festivals and clubs worldwide until his death in 2020. His label continued to release music posthumously, preserving his legacy. [edit]

Morillo was a charismatic figure in the dance music world, known for his larger-than-life personality and his ability to connect with crowds. He often wore flashy clothing and had a confident stage presence that made him a favorite among festival goers. His music was characterized by infectious grooves and memorable hooks, which endeared him to both underground purists and mainstream audiences.

In the media, he was portrayed as a party-loving DJ who lived life to the fullest. However, his public image was tarnished in August 2020 when he was charged with sexual battery, and allegations from multiple women surfaced. His death shortly after sparked a complex conversation about the intersection of fame, power, and accountability in the music industry. [edit]

Erick Morillo remains a defining figure in the history of house music, though his standing in contemporary global metrics has shifted following his passing. As of August 2026, the iFANN Global Fame Engine evaluated his profile and determined that he currently holds no placement within the published Global Top 1,000 rankings or any specific Top-100 scope list. This absence of a numeric rank reflects the passage of time and the transition of his legacy from active chart dominance to historical significance rather than current viral momentum. His fame was built on a foundation of commercial ubiquity, particularly through the enduring resonance of his 1993 release "I Like to Move It," which transcended dance floors to become a staple in film and advertising. While the track secured his place in pop culture history, the broader public discourse surrounding him in recent years has been heavily influenced by the legal controversies and his death in September 2020, events that now frame his biography more than his earlier studio achievements. Unlike modern pop icons who cultivate organized mobilized followings, Morillo's audience remained diffuse, consisting primarily of dance music enthusiasts and those familiar with mainstream hits. There is no documented official name for his fanbase, nor are there recorded rituals, campaigns, or dedicated projects that emerged in his honor. The connection between the artist and his listeners was characterized by the shared experience of his energetic performances and the infectious nature of his productions, rather than structured fandom activities. His reputation persists as that of a pioneer whose work defined a genre, even if he does not currently appear on lists tracking the most famous living personalities.[edit]

Morillo released music under a staggering number of aliases, including Ministers de la Funk, The Dronez, RAW, Smooth Touch, RBM, Deep Soul, Club Ultimate, and Li'l Mo Ying Yang, each exploring a different subgenre of house. "I Like to Move It" was originally written as a solo track, but Morillo decided to release it under the group name Reel 2 Real to give it a broader appeal. Despite his success, he struggled with substance abuse, particularly ketamine, which he reportedly spent up to $20,000 a month on at times. He was known for his energetic stage presence and ability to read a crowd, often improvising his sets based on the audience's reaction. His YouTube channel amassed over 1.9 million views, and his Instagram account held more than 200,000 followers before his passing. One of the most retold stories from his career involves the formation of Reel 2 Real as a duo; Morillo initially created the project as a solo studio endeavor in 1991, but the addition of the charismatic reggae vocalist Mark Quashie, known as The Mad Stuntman, transformed it into a partnership that defined the project's identity. The dynamic of the producer behind the boards and the frontman on the mic became part of the project's lore. Another legend is the nickname "Erick 'More' Morillo," a play on his surname that appeared on official remixes, such as the "Erick 'More' Dub" of "Are You Ready For Some More?" The track's inclusion in the Madagascar film franchise cemented its place in popular culture, ensuring that even those unfamiliar with house music recognized its infectious beat. Following his arrest in August 2020, the narrative of his life concluded with his death in September 2020, an event that marked the end of a complex career.[edit]

Details about Morillo's family remain largely private. He was born to parents of Colombian descent, though their names and occupations are not publicly documented. He had at least one sibling, a sister, but her name is not widely known. Morillo never married and had no known children. After his death, his family managed his estate and remained out of the public eye. [edit]

Morillo collaborated with a wide range of artists throughout his career. He frequently worked with vocalists like The Mad Stuntman on Reel 2 Real tracks. He also produced and remixed for Madonna, Whitney Houston, Basement Jaxx, and Janet Jackson. Under Subliminal Records, he supported the careers of Eddie Thoneick, Carl Kennedy, and DJ DLG. [edit]

Erick Morillo's romantic life was not widely documented. He was known to have had relationships, but no long-term public partnerships or marriages were confirmed. In the late 1990s, he was briefly linked to a few figures in the entertainment industry, but these were never confirmed. By the time of his death in 2020, he was reportedly single.

There are no public records of children or a spouse. His focus on his career and party lifestyle may have contributed to his lack of a settled personal life. After his death, no partner came forward to claim an ongoing relationship. [edit]

The global electronic dance music community marked the passing of Erick Morillo with immediate tributes from industry peers and institutions, while his signature track "I Like to Move It" experienced a surge in streaming activity following the announcement. These expressions of mourning occurred alongside media retrospectives that examined the contrast between his status as a house music pioneer and the legal controversies that had surfaced in his final days. The death itself took place on September 1, 2020, at his residence located at 846 La Gorce Drive in Miami Beach, Florida, where he was discovered by his cousin after a 911 call was placed to local police.

At the time of his passing, Morillo was facing significant legal scrutiny regarding a sexual battery charge filed in August 2020, though the criminal case was terminated due to his death before any trial could occur. An autopsy conducted by the Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner's Office ruled the cause of death as acute ketamine toxicity, determining the incident was accidental based on toxicology reports released in November 2020. Details regarding a funeral or memorial service have not been made public, likely kept private amidst the concurrent legal and media attention.

In September 2020, shortly after news of his arrest broke, ten women came forward with stories of rape and sexual assault, alleging that Morillo had drugged them; these accounts were detailed in media investigations but did not result in a formal legal trial against the deceased. No new albums, films, or books were released under Morillo's name immediately following his death, though his existing catalog remains available on major streaming platforms.[edit]

At the time of his death, iFANN currently estimates Erick Morillo's net worth at $6 million, a figure that reflects his lifetime earnings from DJ performances, production, and his record label. His most lucrative asset was the music catalog of "I Like to Move It," which has generated millions in royalties through film placements, commercials, and streaming. Morillo earned substantial income from high-profile club and festival bookings, reportedly commanding five-figure fees per show. His production and remix work also brought in significant sums, particularly his remixes for major artists. Since his passing, his estate has continued to earn from licensing deals and re-releases. Subliminal Records remains active, releasing new music and hosting events in his honor. As of 2026, the estate's value is estimated at $6 million, managed by his family.[edit]

Erick Morillo won the DJ Awards for Best House DJ three times (1998, 2001, 2003) and Best International DJ three times (2002, 2006, 2009). He was also named Remixer of the Year by Muzik magazine in 1999. [edit]