Francis's songs converted "non-believers" by flagging nationalism in his lyrics. His straightforward lines, recited the rapper's way, totally won over the skeptics.  Don't we all like Kaleidoscope and Cold Summer Nights?

His other trademarks—the running man and his ethnic costumes—were all the rage in the early '90s.  

Significantly, the King of Pinoy Rap was successful in conveying the important roles of the youth via his songs: they should be peace-loving, environment-friendly, and think and feel Pinoy!

The positive response of the public to his works paved the way for other rappers to make the scene, especially Andrew E. and Michael V.

1. ERASERHEADS. In the music scene, a group of college students in UP Diliman began making waves in 1992 with the success of their debut album Ultraelectromagneticpop. Three singles "Pare Ko," "Toyang," and "Tindahan ni Aling Nena" topped the charts and turned their first work into a sextuple platinum album.

Two years later, they released Circus, which was the story of the four members' life. Four hits "Kailan," "Magasin," "Alapaap," "With A Smile," and "Sembreak" were enough reason for fans to buy the album. It turned gold in just 30 days and, eventually, quintuple platinum.

In 1996, Eheads launched their third album Cutterpillow via an open-air concert, which was believed to be one of the decade's most attended events. Even before the album featuring "Ang Huling El Bimbo" hit the record bars, it went gold.

Hailed as "the Beatles of the Philippines," Eheads was the most influential alternative rock band in country. Its success in the mainstream market opened doors for Rivermaya, Parokya ni Edgar, Yano, Siakol, to name a few.

Most college students in the mid-90s could relate to the Eraserheads' repertoire. Their  songs painted real-life situations with wit, humor, and down-to-earth lyrics, giving voice to the young generation's sentiments.

Some of their singles even became controversial—remember Ely Buendia's infamous curse in "Pare Ko" and the band's alleged promotion of drug use in "Alapaap"? But the issues worked to their advantage—more Pinoys got curious and bought the albums like the music addicts that they are.

The famous rockers had a movie, appeared in various TV commercials, and even went international.

No other band, to date, can match the impact of Eraserheads on those who lived through the '90s.

Some of you may want to add Robin Padilla, the Bad Boy of Philippine Cinema, or Lea Salonga, who counqered the international stage. Others may argue that Regine Velasquez should be in the list, but her successful career began in the late '80s. And what about APO Hiking Society's one-week presence on the boob tube...?

The space below is all yours.

If you want to check out the "IN" things in the '80s, CHECK THIS OUT.