Inuvik (Sep 01/06) - A group of youth got the opportunity to drop their rhymes with a famous rapper and learn about tobacco in a hip hop workshop this past weekend.

Yellowknife rapper Aaron 'Godson' Hernandez hosted the gathering at the Inuvik Youth Centre as part of the End of the Road Music Festival.

Nathan Nokadlak rhymes on the mike while Aaron 'Godson' Hernandez and Christian Van Vliet pose for the camera. The musicians gathered during a government funded anti-smoking hip hop workshop held at the Inuvik Youth Centre over the weekend.

Hernandez said the event was a good way to educate young rappers and give them a chance to hone their hip hop skills.

"We're here showing the kids how to write rap songs about the dangers of tobacco," said Hernandez. "It also gives them the chance to sing their song too."

During the workshop, youth converted their poetry into hip hop, said Hernandez.

"I'm helping them to get their own flow to each track."

Hernandez said the workshop was also a good way to share some of his rapping secrets.

"I can't just share these with anyone. You need to attend these workshops to get the secret tips," said Hernandez with a laugh.

Alfred Moses of the department of Health and Social Services was also on hand. "It's all about creating awareness about tobacco in a way that youth can identify with," said Moses.

The workshop is an extension of an initiative started in Yellowknife. The tour will also head to Fort Smith and Fort Simpson, said Moses.

"There is a high smoking rate in the North. That's why it's important to teach the kids the truth about smoking."

Mary Aviugana is one of the youth who chose to spend her time scribbling her thoughts about tobacco on a note pad at the youth centre.

She is a smoker who took part in the event because it looked interesting.

"I just came in to check it out and I'm seeing that it's really fun and a good time," said Aviugana.

Aviugana was buried deep in her writing while other youth tried their rhymes on the mike, with a beat supplied by Hernandez.

"I was writing about smoking, the dangers of tobacco and being yourself," she later explained.

Aviugana admitted to being a smoker and incorporated it into her song.

"I don't smoke too much and I'm trying to quit," she said. "Being here has taught me a lot."