Copyright Criminals

"This is a Sampling Sport"

Sep 19 2009 Not Rated 1h 5m

Documentary, Music

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.

Plot

A documentary that examines the creative and commercial value of musical sampling.

Written by

Kembrew McLeod

Directed by

Benjamin Franzen, Kembrew McLeod

Cast

D.J. Abilities, Aesop Rock, Steve Albini

Crew

View crew

Production Countries

United States of America

Production Companies

Changeing Images

Languages

English

Awards

N/A

Trailers

Scores

# of Votes

291

Average Rating

7.2 out of 10

Metascore

Popularity

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