Reel 2 Real: The House Music Project Behind a Global Dance Anthem

Reel 2 Real is an American house music project, best known for its massive 1994 international hit "I Like to Move It." The group was the creation of New York City-based producer and label owner Erick "More" Morillo, who collaborated with vocalist The Mad Stuntman to craft a signature sound that dominated dance floors worldwide.

Early career

The project was formed in 1993 by DJ and producer Erick Morillo, who had founded the Strictly Rhythm sub-label Subliminal Records. For the Reel 2 Real venture, Morillo enlisted the charismatic vocalist Mark Quashie, who performed under the alias The Mad Stuntman, to provide the distinctive, energetic toasting and singing that became the project's hallmark.

Breakthrough

Reel 2 Real's breakthrough came instantly with their debut single in 1994. "I Like to Move It," released on Strictly Rhythm, became a global phenomenon, reaching the top five in the United Kingdom and charting across Europe and Australia. The track's infectious piano house riff and The Mad Stuntman's catchy vocals made it a staple of 90s dance music, achieving gold certifications in several countries and propelling the accompanying album, "Move It!," to success.

Key tracks

I Like to Move It - The definitive Reel 2 Real track, this 1994 release is one of the most recognizable house anthems of all time, defining the group's career.

Can You Feel It - This follow-up single from 1994 continued the upbeat, vocal-driven house formula, securing further chart success in Europe.

Conway - Another track from the debut album "Move It!," it showcased the project's consistent ability to produce energetic, crowd-pleasing house music.

After the peak of "I Like to Move It," the Reel 2 Real project continued with a second album, 1996's "Are You Ready for Some More?," which included the single "Raise Your Hands." While subsequent releases did not match the colossal impact of their debut hit, Reel 2 Real's music remained influential in the house and pop and chart scenes. Erick Morillo focused on his thriving career as a DJ and label boss, while The Mad Stuntman continued performing and recording, forever linked to the iconic track.

Fans of Reel 2 Real's upbeat, sample-heavy house style may also enjoy the work of similar artists from the same era, such as The Outhere Brothers, who also blended house with playful, vocal-driven hooks. The music of Nightcrawlers shares a similar focus on piano-led house anthems with memorable vocal phrases. For that classic 90s dance sound, Corona offers another example of a project centered around a massive, enduring dancefloor hit.