

Copyright Criminals
This is a Sampling Sport
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.
TMDB
6.8/10
9 votes
- Status
- Released
- Budget
- —
- Box office
- —
- Language
- English
- hip-hop
- copyright
Top billed cast
Gallery

Release dates
United StatesUS
- TheatricalPG-1321 May 2009
Frequently asked questions
- When was Copyright Criminals released?
- Copyright Criminals was released on 21 May 2009.
- Where can I watch Copyright Criminals online?
- No verified streaming availability is listed for Copyright Criminals right now. Check back soon.
- Is there a Hindi trailer for Copyright Criminals?
- No verified Hindi trailer for Copyright Criminals is available yet. Only the original-language trailer is listed.
- What is the rating of Copyright Criminals?
- Copyright Criminals holds a 6.8/10 audience score from 9 votes.
- Who directed Copyright Criminals?
- Copyright Criminals (2009) was directed by Benjamin Franzen.
- How long is Copyright Criminals?
- Copyright Criminals runs for 1h 5m.





















