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Copyright Criminals is a new PBS documentary on the rise of sampling, specifically in hip-hop music, and the cultural and legal ramifications.
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.
For the second year straight, Vybz Kartel has won DJ of the Year at the annual EME (Excellence in Music and Entertainment) awards in Jamaica. He also picked up Recording Artist of the Year and Songwriter/Lyricist of the Year. This caps off his run in 2009 which saw him land eight number one singles in Jamaica, as well in landing in the Billboard Hot 100 in the US. We’re honored to have worked with him and send our congratulations!
It can be exceedingly difficult to buy bounce music and support the artists like you want. Fret no more because now you can finally buy Big Freedia’s Hitz Vol. 1 1999-2010 on iTunes. Give Freedia your support and do yourself a favor and check all these hits! Seriously, some big tracks on here.
This is the official video for the “Look Pon Me” single from Sticky’s recently released Jumeirah Riddim EP out now on Mixpak. Shot in Kingston, Jamaica and starring Natalie Storm, this video, like the single, represents one of the strongest funky bashment collaborations between London and Kingston to date.
Big up Stretch Armstrong for including “Dre Skull – I Want You (Dre Skull Remix)” in his recent Five Favorite Songs To Spin playlist for the February issue of Vanity Fair magazine. Make sure to check for Stretch’s weekly radio show Delancey Music Service with Eli Escobar on East Village Radio. Tune in for quality music from two heavy hitters every Monday!
Cubic Zirconia has been busy readying their album which is slated to drop this summer, but before the album comes the singles and first up is “Josephine” which drops today along with four proper remixes from Greenmoney, Waajeed, DJ Sega and Egyptrixx.
They also just did a nice mix for self-titled which you can stream or download below. Make sure to read their full commentary on the track selection.
The debut release from French producer French Fries is out now on Young Gunz and it’s a big EP with massive originals and proper remixes from Bok Bok, Tomb Crew, and Beataucue. We hired French Fries to do a remix for a still secret, upcoming release on Mixpak and we promise it’s a BIG remix! In the meantime, support good music and purchase this EP on Beatport.
French magazine Tsugi just did a label spotlight on Mixpak and included a short interview with label-boss Dre Skull. Setting it off is a nice snap from Dre Skull’s recent trip to Atlanta to record with Lil Scrappy for an upcoming Mixpak release.
