Francis Magalona

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Biography

Rapper, songwriter, Producer, actor, director

  • Primary profession
  • Actor·soundtrack·composer
  • Country
  • Philippines
  • Nationality
  • Philippine
  • Gender
  • Male
  • Birth date
  • 04 October 1964
  • Place of birth
  • Manila
  • Death date
  • 2009-03-06
  • Death age
  • 45
  • Place of death
  • Pasig
  • Cause of death
  • Natural causes
  • Education
  • San Beda University
  • Parents
  • Pancho Magalona·Tita Duran

Music

Movies

TV

Books

Awards

Trivia

As singer-rapper, he uses the name Francis M. in his musical works.

Has eight children with Pia Arroyo -- Unna, Nicolo, Francis Jr., Elmo, Arkin, Clara, and actresses Maxene Magalona and Saab Magalona (aka Saab).

Tagged as the Master Rapper of the Philippines. He was the first Philippine-based Filipino to record a rap album, Yo!, in 1989 that produced his signature hit, Mga Kababayan Ko!.

A member of Eat Bulagas Dabarkads.

One of the original judges in the Philippine version of the "Idol" franchise, alongside Maestro Ryan Cayabyab and Pilita Corrales , Asias Queen of songs. He was chosen by Fremantle Media, owners of American Idol, and their local counterpart ABC-5. When the second season was acquired by GMA Network, he was no longer attached. Ironically, Francis has been a loyal GMA talent since starting his TV stint in the 80s.

A second generation actor. Both her parents -- screen legends Pancho Magalona and Tita Duran -- were matine idols in 1950s.

The "Father of Pinoy Hip-hop" and the "King of Pinoy Rap". He was the most idolized, celebrated and influential rappers in the Philippines.

Two of his daughters -- Maxene Magalona and Saab Magalona (aka Saab) followed his footsteps.

Managed by his wife, Pia.

Nephew of Ester Magalona.

Photography was one of his passions.

Owned the clothing line called FMCC (FrancisM Clothing Co.) which carries the "3 stars & a sun" design that started the nationalistic t-shirt fad in the Philippines. It inspired several copycats.

One of the original video jocks of MTV-Asia. He was one of the three MTV Asias first Filipino VJ along with Regine Tolentino and Donita Rose. He worked with MTV from 1997 up to 2000.

A prominent Filipino rapper, songwriter, disk-jockey, producer, actor, director, and photographer.

The first Filipino rapper in the Philippines to successfully crossover to the mainstream.

Had nine brothers and sisters.

Grandson of the late Senator Enrique Magalona and faith healer Pauliene.

He started as a break dancer in the early 1980s.

His album, "Yo!: was the first commercially released Filipino rap album in the Philippines.

His song, Mga Kababayan Ko, marked the birth of Makabayang or Nationalistic rap in Filipino hip hop in 1990.

His contributions to the rap genre have been featured in several international hip hop publications including the All Music Guide to Hip-Hop: The Definitive Guide to Rap and Hip-Hop published by Backbeat Books; as well as the May 2004 issue of the U.S. based publication The Source.

Given the Pioneer Hall of Fame Award by Empire Entertainment at the 1st Annual Philippine Hip-Hop Music Awards in 2005.

Youngest brother: Martin.

Aside from television, he also hosted live events and presentations.

A recipient of MTV Pilipinas Video Music Awards Generations Award in 2006 "in recognition of his career that has spanned decades and broken boundaries, and for his music which continues to inspire generations of artists and music fans both here and abroad." He was the second honoree, the first having been singer Gary Valenciano at the 2005 rites.

Launched a compilation album in 2002 showcasing a basic whos who of local hip-hop talents in and around the islands. It was in partnership with then FUBU Philippines management Carlo Maniquiz and Nick Tuazon.

A member of fraternity Alpha Kappa Rho in the 1980s.

Founded record company called Red Egg Records, and production company called Filipino Pictures Inc. wherein he was the resident Director and has made music videos for several bands and solo artists. His work on Sponge Colas "KLSP" won Best Rock Video at the 2006 MYX Video Awards. Other music videos he directed were for artists such as Ely Buendia.

He was able to launch a collaboration album with close friend Ely Buendia and various OPM artists in 2009, dubbed as "The Sickos Project." It would be released posthumously. Both FrancisM and Ely Buendia were having health problems at that time.

Has collaborated with artists like Joey Ayala , Heber Bartolome, Ryan Cayabyab , Mike Hanopol Andrew E, Michael V. , Denmark, Eraserheads , Pikaso, Gloc-9 , Stick Figgas and Parokya ni Edgar.

Earned the tag The Man From Manila for his hit song of the same title.

One of the original members of "Thats Entertainment" .

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