History of Erick Morillo in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 25, 2024

Erick Morillo was a Colombian-American DJ, music producer, and record label owner, renowned for his contributions to house music. He worked under numerous pseudonyms and was best known for the hit 'I Like to Move It' produced under Reel 2 Real, which gained international fame through commercials, movies, and ringtones. Morillo's label Subliminal Records produced successful tracks like 'Fun' by Da Mob and helped launch the careers of several artists. He received multiple awards, including DJ Awards for 'Best House DJ' and 'Best International DJ.' Tragically, Morillo died of a drug overdose just days before a scheduled court appearance on rape charges.

March 26, 1971: Erick Morillo's Birth

Erick Morillo was born on March 26, 1971.

1971: Early Life and Musical Influences

Erick Morillo was born in New York in 1971 and spent much of his childhood in Cartagena, Colombia, where he developed a love for salsa and merengue music.

1985: Graduation from Saint Joseph and Michael's School

Erick Morillo graduated from Saint Joseph and Michael's School, a private Catholic school, in 1985.

1989: Graduation from Emerson High School

Erick Morillo graduated from Emerson High School in Union City in 1989.

1991: Collaboration with El General

Erick Morillo collaborated with El General on the hit single "Muevelo" in 1991.

1992: Meeting Louie Vega

Erick Morillo met Louie Vega through Marc Anthony in 1992, a pivotal encounter that shaped his musical direction.

1993: Release of "I Like to Move It"

Erick Morillo, under the pseudonym Reel 2 Real, released the hit single "I Like to Move It" in 1993.

1993: Release of "The New Anthem"/"Funky Buddha"

Strictly Rhythm released Erick Morillo's "The New Anthem"/"Funky Buddha" in 1993, marking a turning point in his career.

1994: Release of "Move It!" Album

Erick Morillo released the album "Move It!" under the alias Reel 2 Real in 1994.

June 1995: Muzik Magazine Launch

Muzik, a UK dance music magazine published by IPC Media, launched in June 1995.

1995: Release of "Reach"

Erick Morillo and Louie Vega collaborated as Lil' Mo' Ying Yang, releasing the single "Reach" in 1995.

1996: End of Reel 2 Real and Focus on DJing

Erick Morillo abandoned the Reel 2 Real alias and shifted focus to DJing in 1996.

1996: Release of Second Reel 2 Real Album

Erick Morillo, as Reel 2 Real, released his second album in 1996.

1997: Launch of Subliminal Records

Erick Morillo partnered with Christina Pazzanese to launch Subliminal Records in 1997.

1998: DJ Awards Winner

Erick Morillo won his first "Best House DJ" award at the DJ Awards in 1998.

1998: Release of "Fun" and Formation of The Dronez

Subliminal Records released "Fun" by Da Mob in 1998, and Morillo formed the remix team The Dronez with José Nunez and Harry Choo Choo Romero.

1999: U.S. Tour and Subliminal Night

Erick Morillo completed a U.S. tour and hosted his club night, "Subliminal Night," in New York City in 1999.

1999: Best House DJ Award

Erick Morillo was awarded "Best House DJ" at the Pacha Ibiza awards in 1999 and 2001.

1999: Muzik Magazine Award

Erick Morillo's label, Subliminal Records, won the "Remixer of the Year" award from Muzik magazine in 1999.

1999: Muzik Magazine Award and Growth of Subliminal

The Dronez won Muzik magazine's Remixer of the Year award in 1999. Subliminal Records gained recognition, signing artists such as Eddie Thoneick, Carl Kennedy, and DJ DLG.

2001: Best Ibiza Party Award

Erick Morillo was awarded "Best House DJ" in 1999 and 2001 and his Subliminal Sessions parties at Pacha in Ibiza was named "Best Ibiza Party" of 2001 by Muzik Magazine.

2001: DJ Awards Winner

Erick Morillo won his second "Best House DJ" award at the DJ Awards in 2001.

2002: DJ Awards Winner

Erick Morillo received the "Best International DJ" award at the DJ Awards for the first time in 2002.

2002: Strictly Rhythm Ceases Operations

Erick Morillo's label Subliminal was distributed by Strictly Rhythm until the label ceased operations in 2002.

2002: Best International DJ & Club Awards

In 2002, Erick Morillo won "Best International DJ" and his Subliminal Sessions parties at Pacha in Ibiza was named "Best International Club" by Muzik Magazine.

August 2003: Muzik Magazine Closure

Muzik, a UK dance music magazine published by IPC Media from June 1995, ceased publication in August 2003.

2003: DJ Awards Winner

Erick Morillo achieved his third "Best House DJ" award at the DJ Awards in 2003.

2004: My World Album Release

In 2004, Erick Morillo released his first album under his real name, My World, which featured collaborations with artists such as Sean "Diddy" Combs.

2005: Best American DJ Award

At the annual Winter Music Conference in 2005, Erick Morillo won the "Best American DJ award".

2006: DJ Awards Winner

Erick Morillo won the "Best International DJ" award at the DJ Awards for the second time in 2006.

2007: Strictly Rhythm Reopens

Although Strictly Rhythm, which distributed Erick Morillo's label Subliminal, ceased operations in 2002, it reopened its doors in 2007.

2009: DJ Awards Winner

Erick Morillo received the "Best International DJ" award at the DJ Awards for the third time in 2009.

2010: DJ Awards Nomination

Erick Morillo received his last DJ Awards nomination in 2010, marking the end of his 12-year nomination streak.

October 11, 2012: Erick Morillo Way Dedication

On October 11, 2012, Erick Morillo's former hometown of Union City, New Jersey honored him in a ceremony dedicating the portion of Bergenline Avenue between 14th and 15th Street as "Erick Morillo Way".

June 2013: Erratic On-Stage Behavior

In June 2013, Erick Morillo drew attention for exhibiting erratic behavior, first by failing to appear at a June 6 show in Long Island, and then on June 12 when he had to be escorted off stage 45 minutes into a set.

December 2019: Sexual Battery Allegation

In December 2019, Erick Morillo was working as a DJ at a private party on Star Island in Miami Beach. Following the party, a woman accused him of sexual battery, which he denied.

August 6, 2020: Arrest for Sexual Battery

On August 6, 2020, Erick Morillo was arrested and charged with sexual battery on a woman after a private party in December 2019. Morillo denied the accusation but turned himself into police on August 6, 2020.

September 1, 2020: Erick Morillo's Death

Erick Morillo passed away on September 1, 2020, from a drug overdose.

October 13, 2020: Cause of Death Released

According to a preliminary report released on October 13, 2020, by the Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner, Erick Morillo died accidentally from "acute ketamine toxicity," with MDMA and cocaine use listed as contributing factors.