Four months ago, when Joaquin Phoenix announced to the world that he was trading in his successful film career for the rhythms and rhymes of the rap/hip-hop world, most Hollywood insiders (and many of his fans) thought it was a hoax or an elaborate joke. But, after a few rocky club gigs, a televised exchange of hostile words with David Letterman about his decision, and after secluding himself in recording studios, it appears as if “JP” (as he wants to be known as these days) is well on his way to becoming a full-fledged rapper working on bumping up his street cred.
In this conversation with Earl Dittman, Phoenix talks openly about his decision to leave films, his ensuing music career, and the media’s response to his unpredictable behaviour. Plus: this week’s DVDs and Blu-rays, all after the jump.
