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.
Top Cast
Aesop Rock
as Himself
Himself

George Clinton
as Himself
Himself

Chuck D
as Himself
Himself

More Like This

Joe Cocker: Respect Yourself
2005 • Movie

Quadrophenia
1979 • Movie

The Distortion of Sound
2014 • Movie

Yentl
1983 • Movie

Metallica: Lollapalooza Brazil 2017
2017 • Movie
Universal State of Mind
• Movie

Radiohead | Live at I-Days 2017
2017 • Movie

That Thing You Do!
1996 • Movie

Summer Night Concert: 2014 - Vienna Philharmonic
2014 • Movie

Folia no Morro
2008 • Movie

Noseland
2014 • Movie

High School Musical
2006 • Movie

Roberto Vecchioni - Camper
1992 • Movie

Viva Las Vegas
1964 • Movie
Wirklich alles?!
2002 • Movie



