Copyright Criminals poster

Copyright Criminals

This is a Sampling Sport

6.8(9)20091h 5m2

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.

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Status
Released
Budget
—
Box office
—
Language
English
  • hip-hop
  • copyright

Top billed cast

Behind the camera

Produced in

United States of America

Gallery

Still from Copyright Criminals

Videos

Release dates

  • United StatesUS

    • TheatricalPG-1321 May 2009

Frequently asked questions

Copyright Criminals was released on 21 May 2009.

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