King of Philippine rap, Francis Magalona, dies

Manila, Philippines: Francis Magalona, known as the king of Philippine rap music, has died of complications from leukemia. He was 44.

A colleague said Magalona died Friday.

A rapper, songwriter and producer, Magalona, who also went by the name FrancisM, shot to national fame with his 1990 album "Yo!" and the hit song "Mga Kababayan Ko" (My Countrymen), in which he urged fellow Filipinos to be proud of their heritage, work hard and strive for a better life.

Magalona was considered one of the most politically conscious voices of his generation.

He appeared on the popular noontime TV variety show "Eat Bulaga" on GMA-7 network, where one of the hosts, Vic Sotto, announced that Magalona died in a Manila hospital while undergoing treatment for leukemia.

Farewell, Kiko! Thanks for the music...
Seth
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 07, 2009, 15:07

I was shocked to even hear that you were sick. You will always be a legend and no one would take your place. Take a vow, your light would always shine on no matter where you are now.
Marion
California,USA
Posted: March 07, 2009, 14:54

Thank you for making me proud as a Filipino. Thank for your music my only king of rap, kiko we will miss you. Rest in peace my beloved compatriot.....
Leon
Al Khobar,Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Posted: March 07, 2009, 14:11

Condolences from ponoc family.
Reymark
Bacoor Cavite,Philippines
Posted: March 07, 2009, 13:40

Condolence for the family
Inah
,Bahrain
Posted: March 07, 2009, 13:29

I was sad when I heard the news about Francis M. passing away. He is really a good person a great actor and amazing father.....we will really miss him? condolence to his family.
Minda
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 07, 2009, 13:17

...Rest In Peace...Kabayan Ko..always remembered 3 stars and the sun...shout from the Man of Manila...
Joy Siapno
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: March 07, 2009, 13:05

Francis M, you are always the BEST! REST IN PEACE.
Maria Makiling
Mariveles, Bataan,Philippines
Posted: March 07, 2009, 12:49

WE WILL MISS YOU... THANK YOU FOR YOUR LOVE FOR OUR COUNTRY.
Leila
MANILA,PHIL
Posted: March 07, 2009, 12:01

Condolences to Francis's family we're so sad to hear that he passed away so early. And Francis, you are still in every Filipinos heart we will never forget you. We love you.
Joevie Villareal
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 07, 2009, 11:40

I am a great fan of the one and only MASTER RAPPER... For my hero, I wished for a happy trip.. and enjoy your eternal life... UP THERE :-) all of your supporters and "KABABAYANS" will miss u so muchhh...
Alain Christoffer Maligad
Bacolod,Philippines
Posted: March 07, 2009, 11:38

We think of you in silence, We often speak your name Now all we have is memories, And your picture in a frame. Your memory is our keepsake With which we'll never part. God has you in his keeping We have you in our hearts... WE LOVE YOU MR.FRANCIS M. (THE MASTER RAPPER) WE MISS YOU..
Tina De Guzman
Pasig city,Philippines
Posted: March 07, 2009, 11:34

You truly are the man from Manila! Thanks for the inspiration...Thanks for the music
Vincent L. Pinon
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: March 07, 2009, 11:31

We miss u master rapper. May you rest in peace. Love you.
Thalyn
Torino,Italy
Posted: March 07, 2009, 11:24

We will miss you Francis M. " Master Rapper"
Dick Sta. Elena
Riyadh,Saudi Arabia
Posted: March 07, 2009, 11:15

Francis M. is a great loss not only for the music industry nor to television but big loss for the whole new young generation's Filippinos who admired him. He brought happiness and patriotism to all, especially to Filipinos abroad like me. PEACE BE WITH YOU MASTER RAPPER...
Gracer Torres
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 07, 2009, 10:56

Thanks for making all Filipinos proud of you. You'll still be number 1 kiko. Rest in peace
Alfredo Hernandez
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 07, 2009, 10:55

we love you kiko!!!!
Michael Tagorio
Samal, Bataan,Philippines
Posted: March 07, 2009, 10:35

I idolise Franciz m. I remember the thing he give in our country!!! he is so very kind!!dont worry kua francis you'll still be in our hearts!! Because you're the master rapper of the Pihilippines!!! We love u kua francis.
Jhanela Anne Irinco
Mandaluyong,Philipines
Posted: March 07, 2009, 09:58

I am a filipino! Thank you Francis M. for making me proud of my country and my culture! You died as an edifice of philippine culture. I am proud of you and allow all the Filipinos to salute you.
Manuel Paulo Granadozin
Taichung,Taiwan
Posted: March 07, 2009, 09:55

Condolence to the family and friends of The king of rap Francis Magalona
Jeneross m.Alibudbud
Bay,Laguna,Philippines
Posted: March 07, 2009, 09:10

I am not a no.1 fan of Francis M. But truly he captivated my heart to fight against all odds and even to go on with what I have right now. He is just an inspiration to us. Even at 44 he's very young for his age. A truly good in deeds and must be awarded as an ultimate father to his siblings as well as a good husband. A great inspiration to those who suffers with leukemia. We will truly miss you Master Rapper!
Jason Dionzon
Davao,Philippines
Posted: March 07, 2009, 07:07

May u Rest in Peace!!!!!
Don Tyrone BUlandus
Taguig,Philippines
Posted: March 07, 2009, 04:52

I felt really sad when I heard that he passed away. God, took him so early, but we know he is resting in peace.
Jamaicha Canlobo
Monterey Park, California,USA
Posted: March 07, 2009, 02:48

You will be remembered FrancisM...
Maui
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: March 07, 2009, 00:37