Copyright Criminals (2009)

A documentary that examines the creative and commercial value of musical sampling.

Directors:

Benjamin Franzen, Kembrew McLeod

Writer:

Kembrew McLeod (book)

Stars:

Aesop Rock, George Clinton, Chuck D.

Cast

Credited cast:
Aesop Rock	...	Himself
George Clinton	...	Himself
Chuck D.	...	Himself
El-P.	...	Himself
Sage Francis	...	Himself
Pam the Funsktress	...	Herself
Robert Garcia	...	Himself
Miho Hatori	...	Herself
Humpty Hump	...	Himself
Mr. Len	...	Himself
Mix Master Mike	...	Himself
Prefuse 73	...	Himself
DJ Q-Bert	...	Himself
Pete Rock	...	Himself
Hank Shocklee	...	Himself

Storyline

A documentary that examines the creative and commercial value of musical sampling.

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Taglines:

This Is a Sampling Sport

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Genres:

Documentary | Music

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Details

Official Sites:

Official site PBS

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

19 September 2009 (Canada)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Changing Images, Copyright Criminals

Technical Specs

Runtime:

65 min

Color:

Color

User Reviews

Made in the spirit of hip-hop

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.