Joaquin Phoenix: Is the rap career a prank?

Joaquin Phoenix: Is the rap career a prank?

Serious, or a child's play? Is Joaquin Phoenix's rap career a joke?

The "Walk the Line" actor - who claimed to have retired from the profession last year - has claimed that he's beginning a new gig as an aspiring rap star. But according to Entertainment Weekly, the former Oscar nominee's burgeoning hip-hop career may be an elaborate prank.

"He said, 'It's a put-on. I'm going to pretend to have a meltdown and change careers, and Casey is going to film it,'" a source told the mag.

Brother-in-law Casey Affleck is reportedly making a documentary on Joaquin's career transition, and was spotted at his debut performance in Las Vegas on January 16.

"It's an art project for him," a second source told Entertainment Weekly. "He's going full out. He probably has told his reps that he's quit acting. Joaquin is very smart. This is very conscious. He has a huge degree of control."

Joaquin acknowledged to People just before taking the stage at Lavo in Las Vegas that people might not take his new gig seriously.

"Are there people out there who think I'm a joke? I'm sure there will be," he said at the time, appearing in sunglasses and a bushy beard. "Are there people who think it's going to suck? Probably, but I can't worry about that."

Still, the star appeared to be serious about his new found profession.

"This is me saying this is who I am," he said. "This is my story."