Rap artist and host Francis Magalona died Friday, March 6, 2009 at the Medical City after a long battle from leukemia at age 44. Francis M. is well known and respected in the entertainment industry as rapper, TV host, MTV VJ, songwriter, producer, actor, director and photographer. He is known as the most popular Filipino rapper to date. He has immortalized himself for his nationalistic rap song "Mga Kababayan".

The country's master rapper Francis M. spearheaded and produced 2 volumes of "Rap-public of the Philippines", a collection of innovative rap songs in one spectacular album by finalists and winners of the popular Eat Bulaga contest of the same title.

FrancisM received the Hall of Fame Award at the 1st Annual Philippine Hip-Hop Music Awards in 2005 and the prestigious MTV Pilipinas Video Music Awards Generations Award in 2006 for displaying excellence in the industry.

Francis, also known as Kiko, has collabored with rappers Andrew E, Michael V, Denmark, Pikaso, Gloc 9, Stick Figgas and artists Parokya ni Edgar, Joey Ayala, Heber Bartolome, Ryan Cayabyab, Mike Hanopol, Ely Buendia and many more.

His last post online on his multiply page at francismagalona.multiply.com is about his chemotherapy treatment.

He is survived by his wife and eight children Unna, Nicolo, Francis Jr., Elmo, Arkin, Clara, and actresses Maxene and Saab.
Our condolences to the Magalona family.