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.
Production
Changeing Images
Cast & Characters
Aesop Rock
Self
George Clinton
Self
Chuck D
Self
El-P
Self
Sage Francis
Self
Pam the Funsktress
Self
Bobbito Garcia
Self
Miho Hatori
Self
Shock G
Self
Mix Master Mike
Self
Prefuse 73
Self
DJ Q-Bert
Self
Directors & Crew
Kembrew McLeod
Director
Benjamin Franzen
Director
Kembrew McLeod
Writer
Benjamin Franzen
Producer
Kembrew McLeod
Producer
Screenshots & Stills
