Rapper Jazzy G has lived the life she sings about

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Music is what keeps Jasmine Nahbexie, an 18 year old from Whitecap First Nation, out of trouble. She's been living on her own in Edmonton since she was 13.

"If it wasn't for my music, I don't know where I would be," Nahbexie said. "It helps me deal with a lot of problems. Like, instead of getting mad or angry, I get up on the stage and perform and that makes me happy every time."

She began rapping at the age of 16. Her music talks about her life growing up alone and her experiences with drugs and alcohol.

"I started with alcohol and drugs when I was 14 years old and my grandmother helped me get away from it when I was 16," Nahbexie said.

"Besides my music, I dedicate all of my hard work to my grandmother," who passed away just over a year ago. Her passing inspired Nahbexie to put together a documentary about hip-hop and Native culture.

"I kind of just made it for my grandma because if it wasn't for her, I don't think I would've ever made it out of the scene," Nahbexie said. "She really smartened me up."

Although her documentary is only seven-and-a-half minutes long, Nahbexie said it has a powerful message and that is drug and alcohol use has a severe impact on people, Aboriginal people especially.

"That's what seems to be taking our Native culture down," Nahbexie said. "That's what leads to depression, suicide, and that's what leads to all of this corruption between the younger Aboriginals and the adults."

Nahbexie suggests that, "people should show what they love to do, whether it's through different types of art forms, music or whatever."

Nahbexie is a student at Boyle Street Education Centre in Edmonton. She will graduate either this year or early next year. She said she wants to continue with her education at either the University of Alberta or a college in Lac La Biche to study in Native studies or geology.

The Boyle Centre opened in 1998 and it facilitates the education of youth between the ages of 14 to 19. The centre's programs targets at-risk or out of school youth.

If she is not in school, Nahbexie is gearing up for a performance-she's also known as Jazzy G-or can be found volunteering at Gordon Russell's Crystal Kids Youth Centre, a free drop-in activity centre for inner city children between the ages of six and 17.

"Right now I'm volunteering and I'm going to school and trying to get my life together," Nahbexie said. "I really enjoy just being around the kids at Crystal Kids. I've been doing so well for myself lately and I love it."

Nahbexie has been volunteering at the centre as a part of the hip-hop program since May.

Gord Stewart, acting executive director for the centre, said Nahbexie is a positive role model for the youth.

"A lot of people her age don't really interact well with their peers, but she really does and they listen to her to," said Stewart. "She is just a breath of fresh air and for being that young, she is wise beyond her years. She's a definite asset to our volunteers. She's wonderful."

When asked if she has considered entering the music industry as a young Aboriginal hip-hop performer, Nahbexie said she had thought about it, but is staying focused on completing her education at the Boyle Centre.

"I freestyle. I rap for myself and I rap for other people to get messages out there," Nahbexie said. "I want to show them that there are other people out there like them so that they could maybe look up to somebody like me. If there are people who are being dragged down, they should keep on living no matter what happens. Anything is possible. You've just got to have a dream and believe in your self."