Erick Morillo
| Erick Morillo | |
|---|---|
| Erick Morillo in October 2012 | |
| Background information | |
| Also known as | Ministers de la Funk, the Dronez, RAW, Smooth Touch, RBM, Deep Soul, Club Ultimate, Li'l Mo Ying Yang | 
| Born | March 26, 1971 New York City, New York, U.S. | 
| Died | September 1, 2020 (aged 49) Miami Beach, Florida, U.S. | 
| Genres | House, electro house | 
| Occupations | Disc jockey, producer | 
| Instruments | Turntable, sampler | 
| Years active | 1982–2020 | 
| Labels | Strictly Rhythm, Subliminal Records | 
| Website | Official website | 
Erick Morillo (March 26, 1971 – September 1, 2020) was a Colombian-American disc jockey, music producer, and record label owner. Having produced under a number of pseudonyms, including Ministers de la Funk, the Dronez, RAW, Smooth Touch, RBM, Deep Soul, Club Ultimate, and Li'l Mo Ying Yang, Morillo was best known for his international work in house music, in particular for the label Strictly Rhythm, and the 1993 hit "I Like to Move It", which he produced under the pseudonym Reel 2 Real, and which was featured in commercials, movies, and ringtones. His label Subliminal Records produced the number-one Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play hit "Fun" by Da Mob, and won the Muzik magazine "Remixer of the Year" award in 1999. Subliminal also brought attention to artists like Eddie Thoneick, Carl Kennedy, and DJ DLG. He was a three-time winner of DJ Awards "Best House DJ" in 1998, 2001, and 2003 and a three-time winner of "Best International DJ" in 2002, 2006, and 2009 receiving a total of 15 nominations in all from 1998 to 2010.
Erick Morrilo was attributed as "One of the best live DJ's I ever booked in my 20 years career, as an entertainments and promotions manager, and in many of London's top venues!" said U.K. club and events promoter Terry Slade.
He died from a drug overdose at his home in Miami Beach, three days before he was due to appear in court to face rape charges.