Joaquin Phoenix the rap star

JOAQUIN PHOENIX made his public debut into the music world last night by rapping at a nightclub.

The retired actor treated the crowd at LAVO in Los Angeles to three songs from his upcoming album but said he was worried that people would think he was a joke.

Speaking to People.com before taking to the stage, he said: "This is me saying 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. Are there people who think it's going to suck? Probably, but I can't worry about that."

He then took to the stage and performed three songs from his yet-to-be-titled album, dancing up and down the club's catwalk, pumping his fist in the air during some lyrics.

After his set, he told the audience: "You hold a very special place in my heart."

Phoenix, 34, who quit his acting career last year, said music was his first love and he was very serious about his new line of work.

He explained: "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.

"And why hip-hop? "When I was young I liked punk rock music but then I discovered rap. I love the storytelling aspect of hip-hop."