Is Joaquin Phoenix’s Rap Career A Hoax?

Joaquin Phoenix, who handed Hollywood his resignation last October, rapped for an audience at club LAVO in Las Vegas last weekend. It came as no surprise that he sounded like a 34-year-old actor who has suddenly decided to become a rap star. But what did surprise the crowd was the enormous hole in the crotch of his corduroy pants, his off-kilter dancing, and the way he fell — plummeted, more like it! — off the stage after his set.

These oddities have only contributed to speculation that his rap career is an elaborate stunt. After all, Joaquin’s brother-in-law, Casey Affleck, was there to capture the concert for a documentary about his attempt to make it in music. According to the Daily News, the ever-present cameras have “left many wondering whether Phoenix’s foray into music is a drawn-out joke.” Joaquin claims it’s not. “Are there people out there who think I’m a joke? I’m sure there will be,” the actor-turned rapper told People. “I can’t worry about that.”

Joaquin’s first rap album, reportedly being produced by Sean “Diddy” Combs, doesn’t yet have a release date. Let’s hope it stays that way.