Copyright Criminals (2009)
• May 21st, 2009 • 1h 5min
Music, Documentary
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.
Make sure to check your pop-up blocker!!
Trailer
Similar Movies
Beat Street
Released on: 1984-06-08
Drama, Music
An aspiring DJ, from the South Bronx, and his best friend, a promoter, try to get into show business...
Bolletjes Blues
Released on: 2006-03-23
Drama, Music
Spike, an aspiring rapper, gets sucked into a criminal environment and ends up in jail for smuggling...
Breakin'
Released on: 1984-05-04
Music, Drama, Romance
A struggling young dancer joins forces with two breakdancers and together they become a street sensa...
CB4
Released on: 1993-03-12
Comedy, Music
A "rockumentary", covering the rise to fame of MC Gusto, Stab Master Arson, and Dead Mike: members o...
Daryl Hall and John Oates - New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival
Released on: 2013-05-05
Music
Daryl Hall and John Oates kept a diverse crowd happy, updating their sound just enough to make hits ...
U2: Rattle and Hum
Released on: 1988-11-03
Music, Documentary
A concert movie on an unprecedented scale, Rattle And Hum captures U2 - on and off the stage - durin...
Within Temptation & The Metropole Orchestra: Black Symphony
Released on: 2008-09-19
Music
Their most ambitious staging to date, Black Symphony is capturing a unique concert at Rotterdam's Ah...
Lindsey Stirling: Brave Enough
Released on: 2017-05-17
Documentary, Music
Beginning on the eve of her thirtieth birthday, “Brave Enough,” documents violinist Lindsey Stirling...
Coldplay: Live 2003
Released on: 2003-11-04
Music
On tour promoting their 2002 studio album ‘A Rush of Blood to the Head’, English pop rock band Coldp...
Straight Outta Compton
Released on: 2015-08-11
Drama, Music, History
In 1987, five young men, using brutally honest rhymes and hardcore beats, put their frustration and ...
Alternative Freedom
Released on: 2006-04-29
Documentary, Music
Directors Twila Raftu and Shaun Cronin explore the controversial issue of free data exchange and the...
Led Zeppelin Played Here
Released on: 2014-10-11
Documentary
1969. Man lands on the moon. Half a million strong at Woodstock....and Led Zeppelin perform in the g...
Ludwig van
Released on: 1970-06-01
Documentary
An odyssey through Beethoven’s lasting presence and influence in our modern world – viewed through t...
Evanescence: Anywhere But Home
Released on: 2004-11-22
Music
Grammy-winning rock group Evanescence performs live at the Zenith in Paris, France on May 25, 2004. ...
Tap
Released on: 1989-02-12
Drama, Music
Max Washington has just been released from prison after serving time for burglary. He returns to his...
Noseland
Released on: 2014-05-08
Documentary, Comedy
A humorous ode to the world of classical music and some of its star musicians.
Tricot: Kabuku Tour 2016 Final At Akasaka Blitz
Released on: 2016-11-02
Music
Tricot live release from Akasaka, Tokyo
El Cantante
Released on: 2006-09-12
History, Drama, Music
The rise and fall of salsa singer, Héctor Lavoe (1946-1993), as told from the perspective of his wif...
Nirvana: Unplugged In New York
Released on: 1993-12-16
Music, TV Movie, Documentary
A live album by American rock band Nirvana, the album features an acoustic performance recorded at S...