Every rap fan from the late '90s and the early 2000's can remember a time when they or someone they knew downloaded music from websites like Napster, Limewire and others. That seemingly innocent act repeated by thousands of fans and bootleggers around the world sparked chaos within the music industry.
On Tuesday, May 21, Paramount+ shared the trailer for How Music Got Free. The two-part documentary executive produced by Eminem and Lebron James features testimony from Em, 50 Cent, Steve Stoute and other key players within the entertainment industry about the chaotic era that put music piracy in the national spotlight.
"From New York City, to Los Angeles, to the small factory town of Shelby, North Carolina, the two-part series features the quirky genius of the heretofore-unknown “pirates,” the drama of the FBI investigations and convictions, and the frontline accounts of music’s biggest artists and executives," the documentary's description reads. "An unbelievable story of cunning, illegality, celebrity, and innovation, these are the events that changed the music industry forever."
The documentary is directed by Alexandria Stapleton and narrated by Method Man. It also features appearances from Timbaland, Jimmy Iovine, Rosci Diaz, Rhymefest and others. How Music Got Free made its official debut back in March during the 2024 SXSW Film & Television Festival.
“As a filmmaker, I wanted to challenge the narrow lens of who we regard as tech innovators,” Stapleton said. “HOW MUSIC GOT FREE is a story that proves brilliant minds can be found in unlikely places, like the rural, forgotten factory town of Shelby, North Carolina.”
How Music Got Free debuts on Paramount+ on June 11. Watch the full trailer below.