Famed house music DJ/producer Erick Morillo was found dead in his home in Miami Beach today, Sept. 1. The 49-year-old house music stalwart rose to fame in 1993 with the massive dance hit "I Like To Move It," released under his first alias, Reel 2 Real, and featuring Trinidadian vocalist Mad Stuntman.
In a statement sent to Mixmag, the Miami Beach Police Department states they do not suspect foul play: "Detectives responded to the scene and did not observe any apparent signs of foul play. The cause of death will be determined by the Miami Dade Medical Examiner’s Office."
The news comes less than a month after the DJ was arrested in Miami on sexual battery charges. He was set to appear in court this Fri., Sept. 4 for his arraignment in connection with the case.
Morillo was born in New York in 1971 to Colombian parents, growing up in Cartagena, Colombia, New Jersey and New York. He began DJing at just 11 and, as a teen, enrolled a studio engineering course at the Centre of Media Arts in New York.
In 1991 in New York, the "Colombiano" producer connected with Panamanian reggaetón forefather El General, producing his classic hit "Muévelo." Two years later, with "I Like To Move It" and it's huge success in the U.K. and U.S., Morillo's status as a producer capable of crafting infectious international dancefloor burners was solidified. As Reel 2 Real, he released two albums, 1994's Move It! And 1996's Are You Ready for Some More? In 1997, he launched his successful house music label, Subliminal Records.
With the release of DreamWorks' animated film Madagascar in 2005, "I Like To Move It" took a whole new generation and age group by storm.
Morillo stayed relevant and active in the global house scene throughout his career, playing countless shows in Ibiza—with a residency at the legendary Pacha—Spain, New York, Los Angeles, Miami, London and across South America and beyond.
His most recent release was a Subliminal Miami 2020 compilation mix (listen below), released in March on his label. He was slated to return to Coachella in 2020 (he performed at Coachella 2011) before it was canceled due to COVID-19.
