Copyright Criminals

Synopsis

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.

Main Cast

Aesop Rock

Himself

Age : 47 | Popularity : 3%

George Clinton

Himself

Age : 82 | Popularity : 7%

Chuck D

Himself

Age : 63 | Popularity : 5%

El-P

Himself

Age : 49 | Popularity : 3%

Sage Francis

Himself

Age : N/A | Popularity : 3%

Pam the Funsktress

Herself

Age : N/A | Popularity : 3%

Bobbito Garcia

Himself

Age : 56 | Popularity : 7%

Miho Hatori

Herself

Age : N/A | Popularity : 3%

Crew

Department	Role	Name
Directing	Director	Benjamin Franzen Kembrew McLeod
Production	Producer	Benjamin Franzen Kembrew McLeod
	Executive Producer	Kembrew McLeod
Crew	Cinematography	Benjamin Franzen Ross Sebek
	Visual Effects Editor	Dave Willadsen
Writing	Writer	Kembrew McLeod
Editing	Editorial Production Assistant	Sarah Franzen
	Additional Editing	Video Rahim
Sound	Music	Annie Lin Brooke Wentz
Department	Role	Name

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