DJ and ‘I Like to Move It’ hitmaker Erick Morillo dead at 49

DJ Erick Morillo, responsible for one of the biggest dance hits of the 90s, has died days before he was due in court to face sexual battery charges.

Erick Morillo, a DJ and music producer best known for his 1993 hit I Like to Move It, has died at the age of 49.

His death was confirmed to Miami Beach outlet Local 10 News by Miami Beach Police Department’s Ernesto Rodriguez.

He was found dead after police responded to a call at 10:42am, and detectives are currently in the early stages of an investigation.

No other details, such as cause and date of the death have been announced.

TMZ reports that there were no apparent signs of foul play, and Morillo’s cause of death will be determined by the medical examiner.

US DJ Erick Morillo.

Morillo’s death comes just under a month after he was arrested and charged with sexual battery on a woman at his home in December.

Despite denying the accusations, the musician turned himself in after a rape kit tested positive with his DNA.

His court hearing was scheduled for Friday.

The DJ worked under several pseudonyms, such as Reel 2 Reel, which is the name under which I Like to Move It was released. Other names he’s used include Ministers de la Funk, The Dronez, RAW and Smooth Touch.

Fans and dance music figures have paid tribute to the “troubled” DJ, who leaves behind a “complicated legacy” given the charges he was facing:

Heartbreaking news. No words. Rest In Peace @ErickMorillo pic.twitter.com/2y0L3msLdb

— Joseph Capriati (@josephcapriati) September 1, 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

😳💔 Can’t believe it. Only spoke to him last week... he was troubled, less than perfect but was always amazing to me and helped us get circus going in the early days, and we had many amazing times over the 20 years we we’re friends. Genuinely gutted. RIP @ErickMorillo 🤯

— Yousef (@yousefcircus) September 1, 2020

Very sad to learn of the passing of @ErickMorillo - we first met in New York early 90’s he became a firm favourite guest on my Dance Anthems shows from late 90’s and was always smiling when I met him - such sad news RIP Erick

— Dave Pearce (@dj_davepearce) September 1, 2020

R.I.P @ErickMorillo such sad news. Mr Subliminal, pretty much single handily changed the game. ⁣
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House Music Royalty and an absolute king on the decks. ⁣
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Will always be a massive honour to have DJed for him at his Subliminal Sessions Arena’s at Creamfields. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/RDneGHQ01q

— Anton Powers (@AntonPowers) September 1, 2020

We lost another legend. Rest In Peace, @ErickMorillo. ♥️

— Sam Feldt (@SamFeldtMusic) September 1, 2020

Man.. What loss.. Rest in peace @ErickMorillo

— Dyro (@Dyro) September 1, 2020

Awful to hear about @ErickMorillo passing. Love to all his friends and family 💔

— Gorgon City (@GorgonCity) September 1, 2020

This story originally appeared on Fox News and is republished here with permission.