COURTLAND—Marcus Lee Boyd’s voice is like a paintbrush.

The Courtland hip-hop producer and rapper, known as Gameface, wants to inspire people through his work as an artist.

“I have a message I want to get out and music is my canvas,” Boyd said. “I want to paint melodies in the world.”

He said his music is about realism; experiencing trials, struggles and tribulations. Boyd said it speaks of a black man growing up in the projects. He raps about political issues and life experiences.

“I want to show Southampton County and Franklin that there is a positive role model,” Boyd said. “I want to show community you can do hip-hop and bring out a positive message.”

Boyd became interested in music after helping a friend record music locally. About two years ago Boyd began using his laptop and every music program he could find to produce tracks. He then started GM Enterprises label.

“GM Enterprises is more than a record label,” Boyd said. “It’s a voice for the voiceless, hope for the hopeless. I want to give back to the community by building a positive brand. We’re here for Southampton County and beyond.”

Boyd is the producer for a Franchise album entitled Fear the Outspoken, which will come out soon.

Boyd is also working on his debut album entitled Reflections of My Inner Self, which drops in January. He is finishing up a mix tape that will come out before the album. The first of two teaser albums to come out before January consists of 17 tracks and includes collaborations with Grammy winner 9th Wonder, who has worked with the likes of Jay Z, Kanye West and other performers.

Born in Atlanta, Boyd moved to Brooklyn, N.Y., and found himself in Charleston, W.Va. until he met his wife, Melvon Lashley, who was born and raised in Courtland, while doing promotional work for a friend in the area. He’s lived there ever since.

Boyd called Lashley an “absolute asset” and said she keeps him going.

“Wherever he goes I go with him,” Lashley said. “I stay out of his way and let him do his thing. I’m his main support.”

The label also consists of Boyd’s personal secretary, Patricia Whitehead, who Boyd said supports him no matter what.

“I always know there will be at least one person in the audience at a show and it’ll be her,” Boyd said of Whitehead.

Boyd recently shot a video in Franklin and Southampton County for the single entitled “Coming Home With Me Tonight.” The video features scenes from the Franklin Bowling Center, the Station One restaurant in Hunterdale and the Palm Tree Inn in Courtland.

“I want Franklin and Southampton County heard as one voice,” he said of shooting the video locally. “I live out here. This is what I represent.”

GM Enterprises has several local events planned throughout the rest of the year. On Thursday, July 28, Gameface will be having a back-to-school giveaway at 5 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Center in Franklin. He will perform at the African American Festival in Franklin on Saturday, Aug. 13. The company will serve hot meals to the less fortunate during November and give out toys in December.