After 15 years as an actor in such films as "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels," "The Transporter," The Italian Job," "Crank," and "The Expendables," Jason Statham has proved there are few people working today who can kick as much ass as he can. But in his new film "Redemption," Statham stretches more than his muscles, offering a complex and dramatic turn as an ex-special forces soldier who steals another man's identity, in the process finding an opportunity for, you got it, redemption.

In the latest installment of "Unedited," MTV News' Josh Horowitz sits down with Statham for a candid conversation about the past, present and future of his career. Below are some highlights from the conversation, where Statham discusses "Redemption," assesses some of his strengths and weakness, and talks about the prospect of working with, of all people, Will Ferrell.

MTV: The movie is called "Redemption" in the U.S. but it was originally called "Hummingbird." Which do you prefer?

Jason Statham: Hummingbird is slightly more specific because it refers to a military drone, which is like an all-seeing eye. Basically Joey, the character I play, it's his conscience, and it drives him to live on the street because he can't escape the atrocities that he's been a part of.

MTV: This film seems to offer you more to chew on as an actor than some of the thrill rides you've been in before. How do you differentiate this film from the others you've done?

JS: I think it is a hybrid. There is a certain physicality to the role which is something I've ...

Aly & AJ are officially in their twenties, and to completely say goodbye to their teen-pop-star days, they've got a new name: 78Violet. And with the release of their new single, "Hothouse," on the horizon, the two tell MTV News they are looking forward to re-introducing themselves to the world in a whole new way.

"I think for us, us changing from Aly & AJ to 78Violet was a choice we kind of made because not only did we want to be seen as kind of individuals ... but also wanting to find kind of that third element to who we are when we're onstage, that other voice that is kind of created when the two of us sing together in unison or in harmony " big sister Aly, 24, told MTV News. "And 78violet is kind of that feminine alter ego when we're onstage."

And, each part of that new moniker means a lot to the sisters. They first explain the significance of that shade of purple that makes up their group name. "So, for us, I think violet plays a really, has always played an important part in our lives," AJ, 22, explained. "That color is just extremely spiritual and uplifting and there's always been purple surrounding us, which is weird but it's just always been around."

In fact, the color is so important to the ladies that after departing from Hollywood Records, they signed with Violet House Records. As for the number part of their new name, well, fans will have to be kept in the dark on that ...

Just when you thought it was safe to watch television again, Stephen King returns with a new project, "Under the Dome," that seems destined to keep you hiding under the covers of your bed after watching it. Creator Brian K. Vaughan ("Lost") adapted King's novel — appropriately enough, about a city that finds itself under a giant dome — into a 13-part series starring Mike Vogel ("Bates Motel"), Colin Ford ("We Bought A Zoo"), Rachelle Lefevre ("Twilight") and Dean Norris ("Breaking Bad") as city dwellers who struggle to determine how to get out, and what it means that they're stuck there in the first place.

Thus far, the critical consensus seems to be that the Monday (June 24) premiere gets the series off to a promising start. MTV News rounded up a cross section of some of these reviews to give potential viewers a sense of what they'll be in for when and if they decide to go under the dome with the show's cast and creators on CBS at 10 p.m. ET.

Initial Impressions — Go!
" 'Under the Dome' feels like summer, in the best possible way. Not in the withered way so much television feels like summer, as if the heat has blanched and sapped away any motivation or creativity, but like summer used to feel at the movies: With school out of session, and even the grown-ups taking a couple weeks off, it was finally time to let your daydreams run wild." — Tim Molloy, The Wrap

How Does It Stack Up To Other King Adaptations?
"It only seems ...

Jay-Z has an album coming out, and if you didn't know about it, you certainly do now. Following Hov's three-minute ad takeover during the NBA Finals announcing Magna Carta Holy Grail, the hip-hop superstar has descended upon Times Square on Monday (June 24), smack dab in the middle of what some could call the world's advertising mecca.

With larger-than-life, black and white ads illuminating Broadway, Jay's album promo can be seen from 42nd Street to 49th, glowing in the eyes of the tourist-dense crowd. Images from the NBA Finals spot show Jay at the piano and in the studio, while MagnaCartaHolyGrail.com stands around him in bold letters. The ads detail the Samsung deal the rapper has, encouraging Galaxy users to download the app, available now, to get the album. (Beyoncé smirks across the street in her Pepsi ad, as if she's beaming with support.)

Even if you aren't one of the thousands seeing the ads take over Nasdaq's, Reuters-Thompson's, Viacom's and American Eagle's space (and more), you may have felt his presence elsewhere. He has made a series of big moves in the past few weeks, including Monday's signing of NBA player Kevin Durant to Roc Nation Sports.

Magna Carta Already Platinum? Not So Fast.

Jay's scavenger hunt this weekend also caused a stir on the Web and around Brooklyn as fans rushed to seize the MCHG track list through a series of clues. In the end, fans got a list of 13 songs, ranging from "Picasso Baby" to ...

Main Pick

Headliner: Tito Lopez

Representing: Gulfport, Mississippi

Mixtape: Y.O.U.

Real Spit: Ever feel like it was you against the world? Well, that's the way up-and-coming MC Tito Lopez has been feeling for at least the past year or so. Last June, the Gulfport, Mississippi, spitter dropped his The Hunger Game mixtape, a mighty roar meant to accompany his then-buzzing single "Mama Proud." Now, Tito is ready to take another bite out of the rap game with his upcoming mixtape Y.O.U.

"The mixtape title Y.O.U. is officially an acronym for Year of the Underdog, but I didn't spell that sh-- out on the cover or nothin' like that because it's actually a double meaning," Lopez explained to Mixtape Daily about Thursday's release.

"I wanted it to be a double meaning for you, because you are the underdog, unless your name is Jay-Z or Lil Wayne or Eminem or something like that you're really not a favorite out here. You're an underdog whether you want to admit it or not," he continued.

Though he doesn't have the experience of a Jay or Eminem, Lopez is quickly building a reputation as a ferocious spitter, and on Y.O.U., there is no let up. On the tape-opener, "Black Dude Spanish Name," Tito weaves tightly laid bars into the confines of a sparse drum beat. "And damn the game, 'cause it's fake as a man-nequin/ Or a maniac lyin' to get out the inside of an asylum like he ain't insane," he spits, barely taking a breath.

On "What About Me," Lopez questions his place in the world over a soulful beat ...

If you thought the title of Kanye West's sixth album, Yeezus, was controversial enough on its own — until Cyhi explained its real meaning — then imagine people's reaction to the track "I Am A God." It turns out that 'Ye penned the song in response to a dis, and not from a rapper, but from a highly regarded fashion designer.

Following his much-cited New York Times feature, more rare quotes from Kanye can be found in his new cover story for W, pulled from an interview that took place in March and April.

In the candid chat, Kanye explains that the song came to life after Paris Fashion Week last fall, when a designer conceded that he could only attend a big runway show if he promised that he wouldn't show face at any future shows. Naturally, this didn't sit well with Yeezus.

"The next day I went to the studio with Daft Punk, and I wrote 'I Am a God,' " Ye explained. " 'Cause it's like, Yo! Nobody can tell me where I can and can't go. Man, I'm the No. 1 living and breathing rock star. I am Axl Rose; I am Jim Morrison; I am Jimi Hendrix."

The writer pointed out that there was no trace of a smile on Kanye's face as he explained this, with his rising voice levels clearly indicating how serious he was. "You can't say that you love music and then say that Kanye West can't come to your show!" he added. "To even think they could tell me where ...

Less than 48 hours after Lil Snupe was shot and killed, authorities have identified a suspect in the death of the Meek Mill protégé.

According to a statement released to MTV News by Louisiana's Winnfield City Police Department on Friday (June 21), warrants have been issued for the arrest of 36-year old Winnfield resident Tony Holden. The convicted felon stands 5'8" and weighs approximately 215 pounds, according to police records, and has black hair and brown eyes.

Police officials are asking that anyone with knowledge of Holden's whereabouts to contact the Winnfield Police Department immediately at 318-628-3511.

"Holden has not been located at this time and is considered armed and dangerous," the police department told MTV news in a statement, accompanied by a color photograph of the accused.

The WPD's investigation revealed that the shooting death of Lil Snupe (born Addarren Ross) at the Maplewood Apartments at 1901 South Jones Street in Winnfield, Louisiana, was the result of an altercation that erupted during a private video-game session a friend's apartment. The R.N.I.C. MC was in town visiting from Jonesboro when he was fatally shot twice in the torso.

The 18-year old rapper was signed to Meek Mill's Dream Chasers record label on the spot late last year after the two met during the MMG rapper's Grambling State University tour stop. After hearing Snupe's demo, the Dreams & Nightmares> spitter knew that he had to sign the upstart lyricist and guide him away from the streets.

"He was spittin' so much pain, he's from the south with a flow like an East Coast guy," Read More →