Francis Magalona is Dead at 44

RP's Master Rapper, Francis M, succumbed to cancer earlier today as announced by Vic Sotto on Eat Bulaga!

Born October 4, 1964, Francis “Kiko” Magalona is being credited as the first Filipino rapper in the country who eventually crossover to the mainstream. He was also popularly known as the “King of Pinoy Rap” and was considered one of the most idolized, celebrated and influential rappers within the genre. He is the son of late Philippine movie screen legends Pancho Magalona and Tita Duran.

Francis was diagnosed on August 8, 2008, with leukemia at the Medical City Hospital, Pasig. His wife appealed for privacy.

“I don’t want a media circus. I want privacy with my family. What I’d rather talk about is how we can solicit blood donations to replace the supply that I have consumed in the hospital. It was very gradual, hindi siya biglaang lumabas (it did not come out so suddenly). We don’t want to use the word ‘curable,’ but the doctors say it’s treatable,” said Pia Arroyo-Magalona, Francis’ wife.

After his treatment and discharge, he made his return on Eat Bulaga together with Ely Buendia, who was also recently discharged for heart problems.

On March 6, 2009, it was reported that Francis Magalona died at 12:00 noon due to acute myelogenous leukemia.