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.
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
Screenplay
Keywords
hip-hop, copyright
Trailer
Copyright Criminals TrailerFrequently Asked Questions
- What is Copyright Criminals about?
- 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.
- Who directed Copyright Criminals?
- Copyright Criminals was directed by Kembrew McLeod, Benjamin Franzen.
- Who stars in Copyright Criminals?
- Copyright Criminals stars Aesop Rock, George Clinton, Chuck D, El-P, Sage Francis, Pam the Funsktress.
- How long is Copyright Criminals?
- Copyright Criminals has a runtime of 1h 5m (65 minutes).
- What genre is Copyright Criminals?
- Copyright Criminals is a Music, Documentary film.
- Where was Copyright Criminals produced?
- Copyright Criminals was produced in United States of America.