Joaquin Phoenix's rap career is all part of an elaborate hoax, according to the eccentric movie star's closest pals. The two-time Oscar nominee recently announced he was turning his back on acting to follow his musical dreams, and he followed up the shock news with a zany three-song debut as a rapper at a Las Vegas nightclub.

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During his performance on January 16, which was captured on film by his actor brother-in-law Casey Affleck, Phoenix appeared to have a public meltdown before falling off the stage.

But pals insist the star knows exactly what he's doing - and his performance was all part of an "art project."

One close friend tells Entertainment Weekly magazine, "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.' It's an art project for him. 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."

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)