Erick Morillo

Erick Morillo was a Colombian-American DJ, producer, and record label owner whose influential career shaped the global house music scene. Born in 1971 in New York City and raised in Cartagena, Colombia, and New Jersey, Morillo was drawn to music from a young age, learning to DJ at 11 and exploring various genres. He began his professional journey in the early 1990s, producing under several aliases but rose to prominence with the 1993 hit “I Like to Move It,” released as Reel 2 Real.

The track became an international anthem and established Morillo in both mainstream and underground circles. Morillo’s style fused elements of house, tribal, and funk, earning him residencies at legendary clubs such as Ministry of Sound in London and Pacha Ibiza, where he launched the celebrated “Subliminal Sessions” parties. In 1997, he founded Subliminal Records, nurturing talents and promoting innovative dance music.

The label released numerous club hits, while Morillo’s charismatic stage presence and energetic sets made him a sought-after performer at major festivals and superclubs worldwide. Across his career, Morillo received multiple DJ and industry awards, collaborated with vocalists and producers like Eddie Thoneick and Shawnee Taylor, and remixed tracks for icons including Whitney Houston. Despite facing personal battles and controversy, Erick Morillo remained an enduring figure in electronic music, credited with bridging the gap between the U.

S. and European dance scenes. He passed away in 2020, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking productions, mentorship, and a lasting impact on house music culture.