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Friday, 30 January 2009

Joaquin Phoenix: My rap career is no hoax

Rep says he's serious about hip-hop

Joaquin Phoenix | Joaquin Phoenix has a laugh | Pictures | Now Magazine| Celebrity Gossip

Retired actor Joaquin Phoenix is sporting a bushy beard

Joaquin Phoenix has laughed off reports his singing career is a publicity stunt.

The actor, 34, announced he was quitting the big screen last year to pursue his music career.

And US reports have suggested it's a prank.

‘The transition from one career to another is never seamless,’ his rep Susan Patricola tells MTV.

‘It should come as no surprise to anyone that Joaquin came from a musical family, in addition to winning a Golden Globe for his portrayal of Johnny Cash.

'He intends on exploring his musical interests despite speculative, negative or positive reactions.’

Joaquin, who is currently sporting a substantial beard, performed an impromptu rap at Las Vegas club LAVO on 16 January.