

Copyright Criminals
2009-05-21 · 65 min · ★ 6.8
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
George ClintonSelf
Chuck DSelf
El-PSelf
Bobbito GarciaSelf
Miho HatoriSelf
Shock GSelf
DJ Q-BertSelf
Hank ShockleeSelf
Clyde StubblefieldSelf
Saul WilliamsSelfTitle information and images are supplied by TMDb. Explore our discovery guide for advice on comparing metadata and legal viewing options.
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