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.
Movie Information
- Director
- Benjamin Franzen
- Writers
- Kembrew McLeod
- Release Year
- 2009
- Runtime
- 65 minutes
- Genre
- Music, Documentary
- Language
- EN
- Country
- United States of America
- Status
- Released
- Rating
- 6.8 / 10 (9 votes)
Top Cast
Official Trailer
Ready to watch Copyright Criminals?
Pick a streaming source and press play — free, HD, no signup.
▶ Watch Copyright Criminals FreeSimilar Movies
You May Also Like
More Music Movies
Trending Now
Popular This Week
Explore related titles
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch Copyright Criminals online for free?
You can watch Copyright Criminals (2009) online for free in HD on FreeFlix. No signup or subscription is required — just open this page and click play.
Is Copyright Criminals available in HD?
Yes. FreeFlix offers Copyright Criminals in full HD with multiple mirror sources, so if one source is slow you can switch in one click.
What is Copyright Criminals about?
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.
Do I need to register or pay?
No. FreeFlix is completely free, with no registration, account, credit card, or hidden charges.