Notes from the underground: So what if FrancisM died?

by Terence Krishna V. Lopez



So what if Francis M died? So what if he died at a very young age of 44? Aren’t there too many people dying who are so much younger than he is?

But he is Francis M and that is the thing, exactly.

He is larger than life. He is the king of Philippine Rap. From him, hip-hop became cool. His youthful energy is contagious even from the small screen.

So what if he died?

It is a loss not only to the industry that has limited supply of genuine talents, especially those that go on to become superstars, with their feet remaining firmly on the ground, at all times.

FrancisM’s death is a loss to this generation, my generation that has limited supply of genuine inspiration.

Francis M is a nationalist who is not afraid to shout out loud about his rebellions against this establishment and the world’s. Or if that is an exaggeration, Francis M at the very least bravely showed through his lyrics the social realities, the class contradictions, the real situation.

So what if he died in the time of GMA, global crisis and a generation losing itself into the fantasies of the superficial world of television, internet and all other media?

Along with him dies some levels of hope and inspiration.

Because he is FrancisM. He is an icon of youth, if not fully of art and peace and nationalism.

Then again, his death now puts him into the ranks of gods.
Think jimi Hendrix and Jim Morrison.


(Photos by Eric Fernandez and Ken Tamayo)

Francis Magalona, Freeman

by Ryan Macalandag



Without doubt, Francis "Kiko" Magalona is one of the country's most influential artists in the music industry. A multi-talented visionary, Kiko dabbled and excelled not only in rap music but also in rap-infused rock songs as well. Not limited by archetypal boundaries, he wrote Kaleidescope World, Girl Be Mine and other masterpieces that a lot of generations have listened to.

He also painted, did amazing photography, wrote poetry, hosted shows, directed and acted in films, kept good friends and adored his family.

Francis M. helped new bands and rap groups with their projects, too.

He loved his country more than anyone else in the biz by a mile. His culture-induced, deeply-nationalistic songs about our Pinas will leave future generations singing Mga Kababayan Ko, Man From Manila or Tayo'y Mga Pinoy among others.

During his battle with cancer (acute myeloid leukemia), Kiko never wavered. Instead, he called it "The Happy Battle" posting photos of his condition in the hospital, calling/hosting Eat Bulaga while bed-ridden and even making music with his project band (Sickos w/ Ely Buendia) in between chemo rounds. He always made it a point that his illness will not bring about depression for his friends and family. Of course it helps that he has a very supportive family and circle of friends.

Last Friday, March 6, the Master Rapper finally succumbed to multiple-organ failure after having been rushed to the hospital and incubated the night before. His body did not make it to his scheduled bone-marrow transplant.

In his passing, Francis D. Magalona has left a grieving nation. But not for long I suppose, for even in death, his songs, art and memory will forever remain.



Sources:
http://francismagalona.multiply.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Magalona