BMG Chrysalis inks will.i.am

LOWER-CASE BIG DEAL: BMG Chrysalis U.S. announced today that it has signed a worldwide publishing deal with will.i.am. The agreement inspired the requisite quotes. Said BMG CEO Hartwig Masuch, “will.i.am is an extremely influential and busy artist, with an endless range of activities. We are delighted, that he has chosen BMG as the best home for his music rights, and we are confident we will provide him with the flexibility he needs for his various projects." Added BMG Chrysalis EVP N.A. Richard Blackstone, "As a multifaceted creative innovator, will is constantly expanding the scope of his musical career, and we look forward to successfully supporting him on that ongoing journey." Commented the pubco’s Venus Brown, "The word 'genius' gets thrown around a bit too much these days, but in the case of will.i.am, it's undeniably true. will.i.am's range, cleverness and global appeal as a songwriter/producer are just a part of what makes him special and I'm so grateful that he has chosen BMG as his partner and home for his works. " (8/29a)