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Copyright Criminals (2009)

Copyright Criminals (2009)

Music Documentary

This is a Sampling Sport

Release Date: 2009, May 21
Directors: Benjamin Franzen, Kembrew McLeod
Countries: United States of America
Production: Changeing Images
Cast: Saul Williams, George Clinton, Chuck D, Sage Francis, El-P, Pete Rock, DJ Spooky, Pam the Funsktress, Miho Hatori, Shock G, Mix Master Mike, Prefuse 73

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.

Keywords:

hip-hop copyright