Movielogr
Copyright Criminals (2009)
Directed by Benjamin Franzen, Kembrew McLeod
Most recently watched by noahphex, jenerator
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.
Rated PG-13 | Length 65 minutes
Actors
Aesop Rock | George Clinton | Chuck D | El-P | Sage Francis | Pam the Funsktress | Robert Garcia | Miho Hatori | Humpty Hump | Mix Master Mike | Prefuse 73 | DJ Q-Bert | Pete Rock | Hank Shocklee | DJ Spooky | Clyde Stubblefield | Saul Williams