Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) today announced the signing of an exclusive publishing agreement with Yu Leseberg client Keith Harris, GRAMMY and Juno-winning writer/producer. The publishing deal encompasses Keith's entire catalogue, including the Black Eyed Peas "Imma Be" which hit No. 1 on Billboard's Hot 100 Singles chart this week and is No. 1 on the iTunes singles charts. Through the agreement, UMPG immediately represents Harris' publishing rights for the US and Canada and will represent Harris' world-wide publishing in July 2010, upon completion of his deal with EMI Music Publishing.

"This is a very special milestone for my career as a producer/writer/musician. I'm extremely thankful to the Peas, management, the Harris Productions team, and my new family at Universal Music Publishing," said Keith Harris.

The publishing agreement was negotiated and lawyered by entertainment attorney Helen Yu, whom has represented Keith Harris for many years.

"Congratulations to Keith for writing a worldwide hit with the Black Eyed Peas. 'Imma Be' is one of those songs that sings positive energy and passionate determination in every language. Great work by James Cheney in bringing this amazing client to us," said Tom Sturges, Head of Creative, Universal Music Publishing Group.

"I'm extremely excited to be teaming up w/ Keith Harris. The success he's having right now is just the beginning, and I look forward to the future as his career continues to develop. His talent as a producer is undeniable," added James Cheney, Director of Creative Affairs, Universal Music Publishing Group.

The Keith Harris co-written and co-produced "Imma Be" is the fourth single from the Black Eyed Peas fifth album The E.N.D. (Interscope). The song marks the group's fourth successful top ten hit from the album and was performed by the group during the 52nd GRAMMY Awards. The song has hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles, No. 1 Hot Digital Songs, No. 1 on Hot Digital Tracks, and No. 1 on iTunes. Harris also co-wrote and produced the Black Eyed Peas "Meet Me Halfway" which hit No. 1 on the UK Singles chart, Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, and Top 3 on the Hot Digital Songs charts.

The publishing deal also encompasses Harris' co-writes in such notable recordings as "Heat" - Mariah Carey; "American Boy" - Estelle; "Be Ok" and "Let's Rock" - Chrisette Michele (2009 GRAMMY award winner for Best Urban/Alternative Performance); "Picture Perfect" - Chris Brown; "Baby Love" - Nicole Scherzinger; "Will vs. Superblack" "Impatient" and "Fly Girl" - Will.I.Am; "All That I Got" and "Close To You" - Fergie; "Till the Wheels Falls Off" and "Weekend" - Kelis; "About You" - Mary J. Blige; "In Da Club" - Genuwine; "Revival" - Jully Black (2008 Juno Award Winner for R&B Soul Recording), remixes for the Michael Jackson Thriller 25th Anniversary album, and more.

Keith has been the drummer for the Black Eyed Peas and Fergie since 2003. He is currently on the road with Black Eyed Peas for The E.N.D. World Tour 2010.

PR Newswire, March 2, 2010