FRANCIS M. - King of Pinoy Hip-Hop: A Tribute

His real name is Francis Michael Durango Magalona, “KiKo” as he was called, has also earned the title as the Master Rapper,  Father of Hip-Hop and Man from Manila.

An original member of  Kuya Germs That’s Entertainment (1986). Well, Francis started in 1980’s as a break dancer and holds the title as the very 1^st Filipino to have recorded a rap album, YO! (1989) with the hit song “Mga Kababayan Ko” that became the National Rap in 1990.

Did you know that his Lola Pauline was a faith healer?

Francis is one of the 1^st three judges of 1^st Philippine Idol Search on TV along with Mr. C and Asia’s Queen of Song, Pilita Corales via ABC 5 (now TV5).

& worked as MTV VJ in 1997-2000 together with Donita Rose and Regine Tolentino.

Francis Magalona has the passion for pictures. He loved photography very much.

Master Rapper was the 2^nd recipient of MTV Pilipnas Video Music Awards (2006), Gary V. was the 1^st in 2005.

His wife Pia was also his manager. And within a short span, they had 8 children, Unna, Nicholo, Francis Jr.,  Elmo, Arkin, Clara, Maxene and Saab.

Francis Magalona has successfully crossovered from rap music to the mainstream – he conquered the big screen and the television via Eat Bulaga host.

To mention some of his movies were:

Comedy/Fantasy

[‘84]       Bagets                                                                 

[‘85]       Dr. Dr. I Am Sick

[‘85]       Mga Kwento ni Lola Basyang

[‘92]       Ano Ba ‘Yan?

[‘93]       Ano Ba Yan 2

[‘94]       Mama’s Boys

[‘97]       Tong Its

Action/Drama

[‘87]       Kung Aagawin Mo Ang Lahat sa Akin

[‘90]       Gumapang Ka sa Lusak

[‘90]       Iputok Mo Dadapa Ako

[‘91]       Estribo Gang

[‘91]       Joey Boy Munti

[‘91]       Pangako ng Puso

[‘92]       Baby Salongga

[‘94]       Totoy Buang

 His albums:

[1989]   Francis M.

[1990]   YO!

[1990]   Mga Kababayan

[1990]   Gotta’ Let Ya’ Know

[1991]   Man From Manila

[1992]   Pop is Francis M

[1993]   Meron Akong Ano?

[1995]   Freeman

[1996]   Happy Battle

[1998]   Oddventures of Mr. Cool

[1999]   Intescholastic

[2001]   Freeman 2

[2002]   Best of Francis M

[2004]   Pambihira

[2010]   In Love & War

Finally, he had released his self-produced album in 2005 with the title " F Word"

Leukemia was the cause of Francis M.'s death.