Copyright Criminals 2009
7.3 / 10
Copyright Criminals
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.
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.
Videos & Photos
All 1 Videos & 3 Photos
cast
Full Cast & CrewAR
Aesop Rock... Himself
... Himself
... Himself
... Himself
SF
Sage Francis... Himself
... Herself
Genres:
Release Date:
May 21, 2009 (United States)
Run Time:
1hr 5`
MMPA Rating:
PG-13
Original Language:
English
Production Countries:
United States
Status:
Released
Plot Keywords:
Cast & Crew of
Copyright Criminals
Directors & Credit Writers
... Director
... Director
Cast
AR
Aesop Rock... Himself
... Himself
... Himself
... Himself
SF
Sage Francis... Himself
... Herself
... Himself
... Herself
... Himself
MMM
Mix Master Mike... Himself
P7
Prefuse 73... Himself
... Himself
PR
Pete Rock... Himself
... Himself
... Himself
... Himself
... Himself
Produced By
... Producer
... Producer
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