Biography

Francis Michael Durango Magalona (October 4, 1964 – March 6, 2009), also known as Francis M., was a Filipino rapper, singer, songwriter, television personality, actor, and entrepreneur. He is regarded as an influential figure in Pinoy hip hop.

Magalona was a son of actors Pancho Magalona and Tita Duran. He started as a breakdancer and appeared in the teen comedy film Bagets 2 (1984) and the variety show That's Entertainment (1987) while building his rap career.

His songs "Mga Kababayan", "Man from Manila", "Ito Ang Gusto Ko", "Kabataan Para sa Kinabukasan", "Watawat", "Luv 4 Lyf", and "Lando" (with Gloc-9) have each won the Awit Award for Best Rap Recording, while "Kaleidoscope World" is another notable single. His notable albums include Rap Is FrancisM (1992), FreeMan (1995), Happy Battle (1996), The Oddventures of Mr. Cool (1998), and FreeMan 2 (2000). Magalona also ventured into rock, fronting the band Hardware Syndrome. His music addressed social issues including politics, drug addiction, colonial mentality, and intellectual property rights. In television, Magalona was a presenter for MTV Asia, Channel V Philippines, and the noontime variety show Eat Bulaga! (1997–2009). He was also a judge on Philippine Idol (2006).

Magalona died of leukemia in 2009, aged 44.