The news marks a potentially important blow to Apple, since it gives Universal the freedom to negotiate special deals -- including non-iTunes exclusives -- with other vendors, such as Napster. Prominent artists on Universal include the Black Eyed Peas, Macy Gray and U2, with the complete roster representing nearly a third of all music published worldwide. The label seems to have bristled at its relationship with Apple. While the two companies were originally united in a three-year deal, after the rise of the iTunes Store to dominance, a subsequent deal was limited to one year. Universal has also come out strongly in favor of DRM, something that Apple has been seeking to dismantle with iTunes Plus.