Reel 2 Real

Reel 2 Real is remembered as one of the defining acts of 90s dance music, though the project itself was never a traditional band. At its core was Erick Morillo, a New York DJ and producer who built the project around his own studio work and a rotating cast of vocalists. The most recognizable voice belonged to Mark Quashie, better known as The Mad Stuntman, whose ragga-style chanting powered their biggest hits.

As of today, the project is inactive. Morillo passed away in September 2020, and while the catalog continues to be streamed and licensed, no new material is being produced under the Reel 2 Real name. The music lives on, though, with "I Like to Move It" still a staple at parties, sporting events, and in the Madagascar films, where it became a beloved children's anthem.

Fans of the project are mostly veteran house music enthusiasts who remember the golden era of club culture, but the constant rediscovery of "I Like to Move It" keeps bringing in younger listeners who know the song from movies or viral videos. It's a rare example of a dance track that has truly crossed generational lines.[edit]

Reel 2 Real began as a studio experiment in the early 1990s. Erick Morillo, who had grown up in New York surrounded by the city's diverse sounds, was already making a name for himself as a DJ and remixer. He wanted to create music that combined the pounding energy of house with the warmth of Caribbean rhythms, something that felt both underground and universally catchy.

His first attempt was "Go On Move," released in 1993. The track gained traction in UK clubs and peaked at number seven on the UK Singles Chart, giving Morillo a taste of success. But the real breakthrough came when he connected with Mark Quashie, a Trinidadian vocalist living in New York. Quashie had a raw, energetic delivery that perfectly matched Morillo's production style. Together they recorded "I Like to Move It" in a single session, with Quashie improvising the now-iconic "I like to move it, move it" chant on the spot.

Released in late 1993, the track exploded in early 1994. It hit number two in the UK, topped the US dance chart, and became a top 10 hit across Europe. The success led to the album Move It!, released on October 10, 1994, via Strictly Rhythm Records. The project continued releasing singles through the mid-90s, with Quashie's voice fronting most of the hits. Behind the scenes, Morillo remained the sole creative force, handling production and DJ duties while Quashie provided the vocals and co-wrote many tracks.

Morillo also operated under aliases like "Erick 'More'" and "DJ Morillo" for his solo productions, but the Reel 2 Real project itself functioned as a singular entity without internal sub-units. The group achieved seven top 10 hits on the US Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, including "Can You Feel It?" and "Raise Your Hands," cementing their status as a top-tier dance act.[edit]

Reel 2 Real's sound was built on a simple but effective formula: driving house beats, infectious melodies, and rhythmic vocals that blended English, Spanish, and Jamaican patois. Morillo drew from his Latin roots and the New York club scene, creating a style that was often labeled "hip house" or "Latin house."

The production was characterized by punchy kick drums, funky basslines, and bright synth stabs, all arranged to keep the dancefloor moving. The Mad Stuntman's vocal delivery was the key ingredient, adding a ragga flavor that made tracks like "I Like to Move It" instantly recognizable. Lyrically, the songs were simple and celebratory, focusing on dancing, partying, and having a good time.

As the decade progressed, the project experimented with deeper house and trance elements, but the core party vibe never changed. This consistency helped Reel 2 Real stand out in a crowded field, and their tracks remain a testament to the power of combining different musical cultures into something new and exciting.[edit]

Reel 2 Real played a crucial role in bringing Caribbean-infused house music to a mainstream audience. Before them, reggae and dancehall were largely separate from the house scene, but Morillo's productions showed that the two could coexist beautifully. "I Like to Move It" became a global anthem, heard in clubs, on radio, and eventually in movies and commercials.

The track's inclusion in the 2005 animated film Madagascar introduced it to a whole new generation, turning it into a children's favorite. This cross-generational appeal is rare for a dance track, and it speaks to the song's universal energy.

Beyond the music, the project helped popularize the DJ-as-artist concept, with Morillo becoming a sought-after performer worldwide. His influence can be heard in countless electronic acts that followed, and the success of Reel 2 Real paved the way for other genre-blending projects in dance music. The song has also been used in events like the 2026 Juneteenth celebration in Houston, titled "REEL2REAL: BLACK SOUNDTRACKS LIVE!," showing its continued relevance in community events.[edit]

Reel 2 Real never had an official fandom with a name, lightstick, or color, as the project predates the structured fan culture of modern pop. Instead, their fans are the broader dance music community, people who love the energy of 90s house and the nostalgia it brings.

The song "I Like to Move It" has become a cultural touchstone, played at weddings, sporting events, and parties worldwide. Its popularity in the Madagascar films created a new wave of young fans who may not know the original context but still dance along. Online, fans share remixes, edits, and memories of the 90s club scene, keeping the spirit of Reel 2 Real alive.

Erick Morillo's passing in 2020 brought an outpouring of tributes from DJs and fans alike, showing the deep affection the community had for him and his work. Mark Quashie expressed deep devastation at Morillo's death, honoring his legacy and confirming the emotional bond between the two despite their professional separation in later years. The legacy lives on through the music, which continues to be streamed and celebrated.[edit]

The name "Reel 2 Real" was chosen to reflect Morillo's idea of turning real life into music and music into real life. It was a concept he carried throughout his career.

Mark Quashie, aka The Mad Stuntman, reportedly came up with the "I like to move it" chant during a studio session, improvising it on the spot. It was never written down before recording.

"I Like to Move It" was featured in the 2005 animated movie Madagascar, and it became so popular that it was used in all three sequels as well.

Erick Morillo was also a sought-after remixer, working with artists like Mariah Carey, Michael Jackson, and Madonna under various aliases.

A documentary titled Move It: Reel 2 Real Documentary was released in 2018, chronicling the rise and fall of The Mad Stuntman and the group's journey. In February 2026, "I Like to Move It" achieved Platinum status in the UK, reflecting massive long-term sales and streaming numbers.[edit]