King of Philippine rap, Francis Magalona, dies

MANILA, Philippines (AP) - Francis Magalona, known as the king of Philippine rap music, has died of complications from leukemia, his colleagues said. He was 44.

A rapper, songwriter and producer, Magalona, who also went by the name FrancisM, shot to national fame with his 1990 album "Yo!" and the hit song "Mga Kababayan Ko" (My Countrymen), in which he urged fellow Filipinos to be proud of their heritage, work hard and strive for a better life.

His 1992 album "Rap Is FrancisM" tackled the Philippines' many problems, including illegal drugs and political instability, making Magalona one of the most politically conscious voices of his generation.

He also appeared on the popular TV variety show "Eat Bulaga." One of the show's hosts, Vic Sotto, announced that Magalona died Friday, March 7 in a Manila hospital while undergoing treatment for leukemia.

Magalona also used to be a VJ on MTV Asia.