Copyright Criminals

Copyright Criminals (2009)

This is a Sampling Sport

Copyright Criminals examines the creative and commercial value of musical sampling, including the related debates over artistic expression, copyright law, and (of course) money. This documentary traces the rise of hip-hop from the urban streets of New York to its current status as a multibillion-dollar industry. For more than thirty years, innovative hip-hop performers and producers have been re-using portions of previously recorded music in new, otherwise original compositions. When lawyers and record companies got involved, what was once referred to as a “borrowed melody” became a “copyright infringement.” The film showcases many of hip-hop music’s founding figures like Public Enemy, De La Soul, and Digital Underground—while also featuring emerging hip-hop artists from record labels Definitive Jux, Rhymesayers, Ninja Tune, and more.

star 6.8 7.2
  • Release Date: 2009-05-21
  • Runtime: 1h 5min
  • Directors: Kembrew McLeod, Benjamin Franzen.

Where to Watch Copyright Criminals Online

Copyright Criminals is not available for streaming at this moment.

Trailer

Cast

  • Aesop Rock

    Himself

  • George Clinton

    Himself

  • Chuck D

    Himself

  • El-P

    Himself

  • Sage Francis

    Himself

  • Pam the Funsktress

    Herself

  • Bobbito Garcia

    Himself

  • Miho Hatori

    Herself

  • Shock G

    Himself

  • Mix Master Mike

    Himself

  • Prefuse 73

    Himself

  • DJ Q-Bert

    Himself

  • Pete Rock

    Himself

  • Hank Shocklee

    Himself

  • DJ Spooky

    Himself

  • Clyde Stubblefield

    Himself

  • Saul Williams

    Himself

Related Movies