Joaquin Phoenix . . . Rapper?

Joaquin Phoenix officially started his music career this weekend, performing at the club LAVO in Las Vegas. Korin Miller of the New York Daily News reported that he performed an awkward three-song set, and then accidentally walked off the stage, falling on his rear. Phoenix's brother-in-law, Casey Affleck, was there to record the rough beginning as part of his documentary of the actor's burgeoning rap career.

Phoenix told People magazine, before the performance, that this is no joke: "This is who I am. This is my story. Are there people out there who think I'm a joke? I'm sure there will be . . . I can't worry about that."

The star of such movies as Walk the Line and Signs says his final acting role will be in this year's Two Lovers, scheduled for release in February. His first album is reportedly being produced by Sean "Diddy" Combs. No release date has been announced.