Erick Morillo was a $25 million net-worth DJ and record producer. Erick Morillo was internationally recognized for his work on the Strictly Rhythm label in house music. With the 1993 single “I Like to Move It,” he achieved his biggest commercial breakthrough with his hip-hop house outfit Reel 2 Real, catapulting him to international acclaim. Morillo hosted popular club nights worldwide under various aliases, including Smooth Touch, Ministers de la Funk, Club Ultimate, and RBM.
How did Erick Morillo die?
Erick Morillo was discovered dead on September 1, 2020, at his home on La Gorce Drive in Miami Beach, Florida. The reason for his death was not immediately known, but according to Miami police spokesperson Ernesto Rodriguez, there was no obvious evidence of foul play.
Morillo died inadvertently of “acute ketamine toxicity” on October 13, 2020, according to a preliminary report provided by the Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner, with MDMA and cocaine use identified as contributory causes. His death w as ruled an accident due to “acute ketamine toxicity” in the final autopsy report, which also included a probable COVID-19 infection in the weeks preceding his death.
Morillo worked as a DJ at different local clubs in New Jersey. He met Latin reggae musician El General at a bar one day and became good friends with him. The pair later collaborated on the 1991 single “Muevelo,” which blended reggae and house music influences while sampling T99’s “Anasthasia.” It was an unexpected smash that went Platinum.
Morillo’s fame in Latin clubs rose as a result of further remixes he created. He rose to prominence after teaming with dance music pioneer Louie Vega. Morillo’s hip hop house project Reel 2 Real gained commercial hits in 1993 with the singles “The New Anthem” and “I Like to Move It,” the latter of which became an international dance sensation.
In response, he recorded “Move It!,” which was released in 1994. Despite his success with Reel 2 Real, Morillo believed his endeavor was harming his street cred. As a result, he established a new label and published the song “Jazz it Up.” Morillo dropped the Reel 2 Real moniker in 1996, following the release of the album “Are You Ready for Some More?” to concentrate on his producing and global deejaying career.
