Goodbye Francis M.

Yesterday, the Philippine Music Scene lost one of its own. Francis Magalona, an artist who made rap music a relevant form of music in the country succumbed to leukemia at the age 44. He fought the disease since he was diagnosed with it in October last year. Except for an initial appeal for help from his colleagues, he battled the disease silently, offering information only through his blog by chronicling his fight.

Francis M, as he is more popularly known, burst into the scene as a teenage actor. Making teen-themed movies and appearing in television shows geared towards the teen crowd.

He would later come out with a hit rap music entitled, "Kababayan". The song became an anthem for Filipino pride and nationalism. While his contemporaries came out with inane rap music, Francis M made social commentaries through his music.

While his popularity waned a bit in later years due to the influx of bands and other new talents, he remained a moving force of Original Pilipino Music or OPM. He collaborated with new bands and produced other talents.

Goodbye Francis M. Rest in peace. Your music will live on.