M.C. Joaquin?

Watch out Jay, there’s a new star in hip-hop. While it’s somewhat common these days to hear of popular rappers who quit or postpone their music careers to pursue dreams of acting, Joaquin Phoenix has taken the opposite track. Phoenix, best known for playing Johnny Cash in “Walk the Line,” recently retired from movies and is now focusing his time and energy on hip-hop.

Yes, hip-hop. No, not as an exec/label owner; no, not even as a producer. Phoenix is following his dream of clutching the mic and rocking crowds.

Personally, I support him; but, that's not to say that I don't find the whole thing rather amusing. A 34 year old white Hollywood actor, who has never been known for his charisma, decides to “spit hot fiyah”? It almost sounds like a publicity stunt for a new movie.

Fluttering around the club's catwalk, Phoenix, 34, rapped to the sounds of a drum beat and encouraged the crowd to dance. Though dancing was at a minimum, the crowd watched intently as a scraggly Phoenix – who donned a scraggly beard, long, unkempt hair and a ripped gray hat – hopped up and down and pumped his fist in the air during certain lyrics.

The full article can be found at People.com.