GEOMETRIX - "Growing up in the Philippines during my first 10 years of my life, Francis M was one of the first true exposures I had to hip-hop, other than listening to Rappers Delight and Run DMC records. Francis M was one of the 1st DJs I've ever seen DJing in television shows. He used to be the DJ for the Vilma Santos show and he would always play American hip-hop records on the show. This led me to a lifelong love towards hip-hop and I thank you for it. RIP Francis M, a true Filipino hip-hop legend, the father of Pinoy rap."
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The Filipino rap star is in the news as he has lost his battle with leukemia. Francis Magalona died at age 44 on March 6, 2009. Vic Sotto announced his death on the nationally televised noontime program ‘Eat Bulaga!’ on that day. Prior to his illness, the rap icon was a co-host of the long-running GMA-7 TV show.
As a biography, Francis Magalona was born on October 4, 1964. His age was 44. His birth name was Francis Michael Durango Magalona and he was one of nine siblings. His parents, Pancho Magalona and Tita Duran, were both Philippine movie screen legends and his grandfather was Senator Enrique Magalona.
The rapper was a trailblazer and has set the stage for the popularity of contemporary Pinoy rappers. As a pioneer, he began his rap career in the Philippines when hip-hop and hip-hop culture were virtually unknown. Throughout his career he continued to mentor and inspire upcoming rappers.
He began his career in the early 1980s as a break dancer, eventually turning to rap and later finding success as an actor, producer, video music director, and television host. He is best remembered for his signature hit ‘Mga Kababayan’ from his 1990 album Yo! which is considered to be the first commercially-released album by a Philippine rap artist in the Philippines. Because of his emergence as a breakout artist and commercial success, Francis Magalona has become known as the ‘King of Pinoy Rap.’
The Filipino rap star released several subsequent albums including Rap Is FrancisM (1992), Meron akong ano! (I have something!)(1993), and FreeMan (1995). In 2002 he released a greatest hits album, The Best of FrancisM,was released in 2002. Throughout these years, he produced more hit singles, including “Ito ang Gusto Ko,” “Girl Be Mine” and “Kaleidoscope World.”
As a TV host, Francis Magalona was a VJ for MTV Asia, a judge in ABC-5’s ‘Philippine Idol’ as well as the co-host of the aforementioned noontime show ‘Eat Bulaga!’
He was also a businessman and entrepreneur with his own production company Filipino Pictures Inc. and record company Red Egg Records. He also owned a clothing line, FMCC (FrancisM Clothing Co.) which carries the ‘3 Stars & a Sun’ line of stores.
In 2005 he received the Pioneer Hall of Fame Award by Empire Entertainment at the 1st Annual Philippine Hip-Hop Music Awards. He also received the MTV Pilipinas Video Music Awards Generations Award in 2006, in acknowledgment of his longstanding, trailblazing career in hip-hop.
He was married to Pia Maria Arroyo Magalona and the couple had eight children, including actress Maxene Magalona.
In his final blog entry written on January 14, 2009, he addressed fans and requested their prayers.
“I look forward to the pain as I know my journey is on full speed ahead. I will not be bold to say that without asking a favor from you all. PLEASE PRAY for me as I undergo treatment. Your prayers, as always, have sustained me. And am sure the Lord will listen to all our prayers. To His will I submit myself.”
Movie star turned politician, Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. hailed Magalona’s achievements.
The country has lost a modern-day artist, a nationalist in his own creative way. Francis M. used music and fashion to promote love of country among Filipino youth.
source: Right Celebrity
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