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Joaquin Phoenix has defended his controversial decision to swap his acting career for one in hip-hop. The twice oscar-nominated actor claims that acting no longer excites him, and hip hip has always been his passing. He said "Hip-hop is something I have loved since I was a kid, it's just the right medium to express myself in now."

Phoenix has featured in films such as Gladiator and Walking the line, but will be putting on his last acting performance in the movie "Two Lovers". The film about a tortured romance is set for release in the US on Friday and features Gwyneth Paltrow.

The actor claims that his decision was not influenced by anyone specific or activities in the movie industry. "It's a personal thing. It's not a judgment on other people or on the industry. It simply doesn't excite me anymore, there is nothing left for me to discover. I know that maybe sounds arrogant, as if I am a great actor and I have done these great things ... but I achieved my idea of success."

Phoenix also sports a new appearance which has been criticised for looking more ropck than hip-hop. He wears a scruffy beard and dark glasses. He said "I am not trying to be hip-hop, I am not trying to dress hip-hop, I am who I am. It's the particular medium I have chosen to express myself, but I don't' feel like I have to fit in."

Though most of the album he is writing is "self produced", Phoenix is getting a little help from rapper P Diddy (Sean combs).