Copyright Criminals
Copyright Criminals

Copyright Criminals

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2009
1h 5m
6.8(9 votes)
Music
Documentary

Overview

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.

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Videos & Trailers

1 video

Cast & Crew

17 members
Sound

Aesop Rock

Himself

No Image
Acting

George Clinton

Himself

George Clinton
Acting

Chuck D

Himself

Chuck D
Acting

El-P

Himself

El-P
Acting

Sage Francis

Himself

No Image
Acting

Pam the Funsktress

Herself

No Image
Directing

Bobbito Garcia

Himself

Bobbito Garcia
Acting

Miho Hatori

Herself

Miho Hatori
Acting

Shock G

Himself

Shock G
Acting

Mix Master Mike

Himself

No Image
Acting

Prefuse 73

Himself

No Image
Acting

DJ Q-Bert

Himself

DJ Q-Bert
Acting

Pete Rock

Himself

No Image
Acting

Hank Shocklee

Himself

Hank Shocklee
Acting

DJ Spooky

Himself

No Image
Acting

Clyde Stubblefield

Himself

Clyde Stubblefield
Acting

Saul Williams

Himself

Saul Williams

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