Just days ago, the news of Erick Morillo’s passing began to spread on the internet after an initial TMZ report which was later confirmed.
The 49-year-old Columbian – American DJ/Producer/Record label boss passed away at his Miami Beach residence earlier this week. Miami Beach police are said to have received a 911 call at 10:42 AM EDT to 5660 La Gorce Drive. While the circumstances of his death are still unknown, the news has drawn mixed reactions from the EDM community and fans alike.
Morillo’s’ claim to fame came with his 1993 track ‘I Like To Move It’ under the Real 2 Reel alias. The song grew to fame when a remix was used in 2005 for the animated film Madagascar. He then went on to establish himself as a mainstay in the House music scene over the years. The award-winning DJ went on to establish a number of unique events across the globe from Miami to Ibiza and pave his way to success in the scene. It was a known fact that he battled substance abuse and even took some time away from the industry in 2013 to cope with the ramifications.
While there has been an overwhelming sense of sadness on his passing, many raise the point that Morillo was set to appear in court later this week with regards to a sexual assault accusation from a fellow DJ for an incident said to have taken place in December 2019, which Morillo denied from the very beginning.
In spite of denying the charges all along, Morillo turned himself in to the police on August 6, after the results of a rape kit tested positive for his DNA. He was set to appear in court for the hearing this Friday, Sept 4, 2020.
From David Guetta to Paul Oakenfold, here is how the community reacted to the news of his death and remembered him through the good and the bad.
😢 @ErickMorillo, may you Rest In Peace. One of the best djs I've ever seen. You inspired me so much as this picture is clearly showing. Thank you for opening doors for so many of us. I’m gonna miss those long nights i used to spend in the DJ booth with you 15 years ago. pic.twitter.com/XJqEFCRBVZ
— David Guetta (@davidguetta) September 2, 2020
You taught me what house music was…. and you gave me a chance without any hesitation or judgement… RIP BIG BRO 🙏🏾❤️ @ErickMorillo pic.twitter.com/5PabUkhp1H
— CARNAGE (@djcarnage) September 1, 2020
not enough characters on twitter to describe how devastated we are by this huge lost y’all. sleep well king we’ll never forget how much you’ve helped us coming up and all the genuine love you always showed no matter what. 💔💔💔 Rest In Peace brother love you man @ErickMorillo pic.twitter.com/JWgQnVXTd2
— TheMartinezBrothers (@themartinezbros) September 1, 2020
Heartbreaking news. No words. Rest In Peace @ErickMorillo pic.twitter.com/2y0L3msLdb
— Joseph Capriati (@josephcapriati) September 1, 2020
Rest In Peace my brother. We will always miss you ❤️ pic.twitter.com/MUBsNYsSXE
— Paul Oakenfold (@pauloakenfold) September 2, 2020
No no… this is unreal shit man. Last week we were talking about dropping new music and now this… I can't believe this…. I will never forget the moment u called me to make music together … @erickmorillo Rest In Peace my friend. U will be missed :( pic.twitter.com/ejkDEi7Jew
— Eva Simons (@evasimons) September 3, 2020
We lost another legend. Rest In Peace, @ErickMorillo. ♥️
— Sam Feldt (@SamFeldtMusic) September 1, 2020
RIP Erick Morillo. One of the greatest to ever do it 🙏
— Hot Since 82 (@hotsince82) September 2, 2020
Rest in peace @ErickMorillo ❤️ pic.twitter.com/zd19YMjV5V
— The BPM Festival (@TheBPMFestival) September 1, 2020
No words.😢 RIP @ErickMorillo pic.twitter.com/6rgjn823iQ
— Dash Berlin (@DashBerlin) September 2, 2020
We can hold both thoughts concurrently:
Erick Morillo left an undelible mark on house music; his death is tragic & premature.Also, Erick Morillo was out on bail after being arrested for sexually assaulting another DJ last year.
His legacy is complicated but loss is still loss.
— Zel McCarthy (@ZelMcCarthy) September 1, 2020
He obviously had his demons & fought his battles over the years and god knows what he’s been going through over the last few weeks since the allegations but what ever he was accused of, whatever he is alleged to have done, this should not have been the end, I can’t believe it. pic.twitter.com/0QqchTRoEi
— Danny Howard (@dannyhowarddj) September 1, 2020
