Japanese music icon Yoshiki has entered into a worldwide distribution and publishing administration partnership with BMG through his own record label, Melodee.

Under the new arrangement, BMG will handle the international distribution of Yoshiki’s forthcoming material, starting with “Forever Love (Live),” his latest collaboration with acclaimed vocalist Josh Groban. The deal also includes his solo record “Eternal Melody,” alongside X Japan releases dating from 1993, such as the successful albums “Art of Life” and “Dahlia.” Outside Japan, BMG will also oversee the administration of his publishing catalogue.

Yoshiki said, “I’ve always believed that music has no borders. I’m now entering one of the most ambitious and creative chapters of my career, with new projects that bring together rock, pop, classical and contemporary music in ways I have never explored before. I’m thrilled to partner with BMG to bring this vision to the world. ‘Forever Love’ with Josh Groban marks the beginning-but this partnership represents something much bigger for the future.”

BMG senior VP Michael Kachko added, “Yoshiki is a true global artist whose creativity, vision, and connection with fans transcend genres and borders. We are proud to partner with him at BMG to support and amplify this next chapter on a worldwide scale.”

+ Concord Music Publishing has entered into an exclusive worldwide publishing partnership with Israeli singer, songwriter and producer Noga Erez. The company has also reached an agreement with Ori Rousso, Erez’s partner and primary creative collaborator.

The agreement applies to all music created from this point forward, along with a selection of important recordings from Erez’s existing catalogue. These include “Stuck In Heaven,” “Bubbling,” “Penny Lame,” “Not My Problem” and her recent Armani White collaboration, “I Love You.”

“Noga Erez is a force of nature and truly one of a kind,” said Adrian Hillekamp, director of A&R at Concord Music Publishing in Berlin. “The music of Noga and Ori demands attention, their live show is beyond exhilarating and they keep innovating on every record. At the same time, they selflessly give energy, motivation and hope through their songs. It is a testament to their ability to inspire and a privilege for us to be a part of.”

+ City of Hope, one of the leading cancer research and treatment institutions in the United States, has appointed Black Music Action Coalition president and CEO Willie “Prophet” Stiggers to the executive board of its Music, Film and Entertainment Industry group. During the past 50 years, the group has generated more than $180 million in support of the organization’s work.

“For more than five decades, MFEI has brought together people who have reached the highest levels of the entertainment business and want to use that influence for something larger than themselves,” said Kristin Bertell, City of Hope’s chief philanthropy officer. “Prophet is a natural addition to that tradition. He has built an extraordinary platform by bringing people together around issues that matter, and he understands the impact this industry can have when its leaders rally behind City of Hope’s mission to make hope a reality for all who face cancer.”