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Copyright Criminals

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6.8/10 • 9

2009-05-211h 5m

MusicDocumentary

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.

Directors
Benjamin Franzen, Kembrew McLeod
Writters
Kembrew McLeod

Top Billed Cast

View Credits
  1. Aesop Rock

    Aesop Rock

    Himself

  2. George Clinton

    George Clinton

    Himself

  3. Chuck D

    Chuck D

    Himself

  4. El-P

    El-P

    Himself

  5. Sage Francis

    Sage Francis

    Himself

  6. Pam the Funsktress

    Pam the Funsktress

    Herself

  7. Bobbito Garcia

    Bobbito Garcia

    Himself

  8. Miho Hatori

    Miho Hatori

    Herself

  9. Shock G

    Shock G

    Himself

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Status
Released
Original Language
English
Budget
--
Revenue
--
Keywords
hip-hopcopyright