Copyright Criminals (2009)
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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It's one of the most original films you'll likely see all year, which, depending on your threshold for certifiably crazy storylines, could be a rewarding experience or one that frustrates you.
It really made me laugh, but for some moments I was tearing up because I could relate so much.
Like the great film, it's made with a great deal of visible affection both in front of and behind the camera.
I didn’t really have many expectations going into the movie (good or bad), but I actually really enjoyed it. I really liked the characters and the banter between them.
This documentary was made in the spirit of hip hop, by people who obviously know, understand, love and appreciate hip hop and the ideas that are presented by and through it. It was touching to see Clyde Stubblefield - James Brown's ex drummer - who was the creator of funky drummer - the most sampled piece of music - who is happy for others using his creation, does not care about the money, and only as a side note mentions that some gratitude would have been appropriate, but doesn't make a big deal out of it. It was also nice to hear views which are against sampling, with one of them being something like "sampling isn't creative, but in anyway the law should not be involved". Highly recommended to anyone who likes Hip-Hop, Rap, R&B or even popular music.