Joaquin Phoenix Begins Rap Career

Joaquin Phoenix took his next career step this weekend, making his debut as a rapper in a Las Vegas nightclub, according to the New York Daily News.

Phoenix, who retired from acting in October following his role in Two Lovers, performed a three-song set at the club LAVO. His brother-in-law, actor Casey Affleck, was in attendance, filming material for a documentary about Phoenix's transition to music.

"This is who I am. This is my story," Phoenix told People magazine. "After all the years of reading scripts and reading lines, this is my chance to do something straight from the heart and put it out there."

Phoenix, 34, was previously nominated for two Academy Awards, and was best known for his work in films like Gladiator, Walk the Line and Signs.

He has reportedly tapped rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs to produce his debut album, NME reports. A release date has not yet been set.