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Copyright Criminals (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.
Updated May 11 2020
Cast
Chuck D
Chuck D
Aesop Rock
Himself
George Clinton
El-P
Himself
Sage Francis
Himself
Pam the Funsktress
Herself
Robert Garcia
Himself
More Cast
Crew
Benjamin Franzen
Director
Benjamin Franzen
Producer
Benjamin Franzen
Cinematography
Kembrew McLeod
Director
Kembrew McLeod
Producer
Kembrew McLeod
Executive Producer
Kembrew McLeod
Writer
Ross Sebek
Cinematography
More Crew
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