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Copyright Criminals
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Copyright Criminals

2009-05-21 · 65 min · ★ 6.8

Music · Documentary

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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Production details

Directors
Benjamin Franzen, Kembrew McLeod
Production companies
Changeing Images
Countries
United States of America
Status
Released

Top Cast

Aesop RockSelf
George ClintonGeorge ClintonSelf
Chuck DChuck DSelf
El-PEl-PSelf
Sage FrancisSelf
Pam the FunsktressSelf
Bobbito GarciaBobbito GarciaSelf
Miho HatoriMiho HatoriSelf
Shock GShock GSelf
Mix Master MikeSelf
Prefuse 73Self
DJ Q-BertDJ Q-BertSelf
Pete RockSelf
Hank ShockleeHank ShockleeSelf
DJ SpookySelf
Clyde StubblefieldClyde StubblefieldSelf
Saul WilliamsSaul WilliamsSelf

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