Who is DP?
The true origins of the reclusive superhero known as Digital Protector (aka MC Double Def DP) are largely unknown. According to one popular mythology, DP resides in a secret outpost at the edge of a digital parallel universe where he was summoned by Nimmera, the God of Copyright, to become the ultimate defender of creativity. Some speculate that he lives in a secret lair located in the ethernet where he engages in cyber-espionage to protect creators and innovators from those who thoughtlessly steal the fruits of their labors. Others believe that he might be just your average Joe by day, transforming himself into a rapping anti-piracy superhero by night. The mystery of his origins may never be solved, but DP's mission is clear: to fight illegal copying and remind us that our choices have consequences.
First appearing in 1992's Don't Copy That Floppy, DP rapped his way onto the computer screens of millions, sparking awareness of the growing problem of software piracy. His message, heard 'round the world, generated enormous buzz as innovative technology flourished.
A lot has changed since DP first warned young people against copying that floppy. Piracy has gotten much worse. From his remote lair, DP watched as advances in the Internet and the emergence of powerful technologies were accompanied by new trends in piracy and even more opportunities for illegal copying. Finally DP could take it no more. The solitary superhero knew it was time for action.
So, almost two decades later, DP is back, bringing his message to a whole new generation. This time, he's sparking heated exchanges all across cyberspace with his new song, Don't Copy That 2. With driving beats and edgy lyrics, he once again hammers home his point: it's not just a copy, it's a crime.
No one can say when or where he'll show up next, but this much we do know: DP is always watching, always ready to protect and defend the rights of creativity.
Behind the Music
Ever since word got out that SIIA was making a sequel to the popular anti-piracy music video, Don't Copy That Floppy, called Don't Copy That 2, word quickly spread and people wanted to know more. Who is DP? Why is SIIA making a sequel to the video? Do you want to know the whole story behind the origins of DP and Don't Copy That 2? Then read on as we take you back in time...
Flashback to the early 90's.
At this time, technology was flourishing rapidly; the software industry was booming with new and innovative software applications. It was an exhilarating period for software programmers and developers, as the industry was on the brink of major change. Revitalization included an explosion of cutting-edge hobbyist programs and the rise of PC gaming. But there was a growing epidemic which deprived these new technological innovators from fully reaping benefits from their extraordinary new software programs. This new problem was piracy, or the illegal copying and distribution of copyrighted works. When someone thinks about people participating in illegal activities, he or she would probably not conjure up images of school-aged kid Billy, or stay-at-home housewife Debbie, or carpooling soccer dad John. But they were all part of the piracy problem. Copying software was becoming so commonplace that many individuals were not even aware that what they were doing was illegal!
That's when the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) stepped in. The SIIA was a young organization in the early 1990s, and was actually known then as the Software Publishers' Association (SPA). To address the problem of copyright infringement, SPA created an educational campaign targeting school-aged children. The overall concept behind the effectiveness of the campaign is the power of intertwining education with law enforcement. The campaign would also encourage creativity and innovation among these children who, at their young age, have endless imaginations.
The campaign gave birth in 1992 to a video called Don't Copy That Floppy, or DCTF. Don't Copy That Floppy was a huge success in classrooms nationwide, as DP warned thousands of kids, "I thought you knew better!?" Teachers used the video to accompany lesson plans focused on educating the students about respecting the copyright law and not illegally copying the copyrighted works of others.
Flash forward to 2009.
Who still uses floppy disks? What are floppies? Let's face it. Despite the fact that the lyrics of Don't Copy That Floppy continue to be stuck in our heads, the song and accompanying video - like floppy disks themselves -- have become outdated. If people own floppies now, they are probably being used as coasters or as part of an abstract art project.
Regardless of whether we are talking about floppies or CDs, DVDs or the Internet, piracy still casts a dark shadow over the software and content industries. Today, people are no longer copying a simple PC game - but full music albums, movies, software applications and digital content! Meanwhile, the Don't Copy That Floppy video is the most popular copyright education video of all time. 17 years after its launch, the video is still shown to students, and dozens of different versions are posted on YouTube! It was clear the video needed a face lift to adjust its message to today's digital age...
We present Don't Copy That 2 (DCT2), featuring the original Digital Protector and introducing the slick vocal style of BSheba. Same DP, new beats -he's got a new style and a new message about creativity.