Copyright Criminals
21/05/2009
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.
Movie Information
Aesop Rock
as Self
George Clinton
as Self
Chuck D
as Self
El-P
as Self
Sage Francis
as Self
Pam the Funsktress
as Self
Bobbito Garcia
as Self
Miho Hatori
as Self
Shock G
as Self
Mix Master Mike
as Self
Prefuse 73
as Self
DJ Q-Bert
as Self
Pete Rock
as Self
Hank Shocklee
as Self
DJ Spooky
as Self
Clyde Stubblefield
as Self
Saul Williams
as Self
