Draft:Jay Mac

Jay Mac
Jay Mac performing live in 2025
Background information
Birth name	James McDowell
Also known as	Jay3, Jay Three, Jay Mac The Whole Mackage
Born	(1990-04-29) April 29, 1990
Origin	Banbury, England
Occupations	Musician, entertainer, professional wrestler
Years active	2006–present

Jay Mac (born James McDowell, 29 April 1990) is a dynamic British singer, rapper, entertainer, and former professional wrestler known for his high-energy performances and genre-blending sound. Hailing from Banbury, Oxfordshire, England, he skillfully fuses R&B, Hip-Hop, Drum and bass, and pop to craft infectious, feel-good tracks that resonate with diverse audiences. Beyond his music career, Jay Mac has gained recognition for his compelling live shows, community activism, and notable involvement in professional wrestling

Early years

Jay Mac was born on 29 April 1990 in Banbury, Oxfordshire. From a young age, he showed a strong interest in music, initially singing hymns and performing solos in church, which helped build his confidence as a vocalist.

Inspired by performers such as Michael Jackson, Bobby Brown, and MC Hammer, Jay Mac developed a passion for combining powerful vocals with dynamic stage presence.

During his teenage years, Jay Mac transitioned from singing to rap and grime, influenced by UK artists like Kano, Wiley, Klashnekoff, Dizzee Rascal, Sway, The Mitchell Brothers and Roots Manuva. He began writing original lyrics, freestyling, and participating in rap battles. At age 13, he recorded his first track, "The Anthem," marking the start of his career in urban music.

These early experiences helped shape Jay Mac’s distinctive sound, blending R&B, UK street music, Drum and bass, and pop elements.

Career

Jay Mac’s musical journey began as a talented teenager performing under the monikers Jay3 and Jaythree, before he took a bold step into the industry by forming the genre-defying rock and R&B fusion band Baleve in his early 20s. His breakthrough came with the original track "Never Let You Down," which he first showcased at Open Mic UK and subsequently gained traction across multiple platforms.

Jay Mac rose to wider national prominence in 2016 as a standout finalist on The X Factor, impressing audiences and judges alike during the intense Six Chair Challenge under the mentorship of Sharon Osbourne. Though his journey ended just shy of the live shows in a controversial decision, his performance left a lasting impact.

In 2025, Jay Mac cemented his status as a major live performer with a high-profile UK tour spanning iconic venues across Camden, Liverpool, Birmingham, Northampton, Colwyn Bay, Hackney, and numerous leading festivals. His electrifying rendition of the Backstreet Boys classic "Everybody" at Thame Festival got the entire crowd dancing and singing along, creating a memorable highlight that was widely shared on Social media, amassing over 20,000 views and amplifying his fanbase.

His music has received extensive airplay on prestigious radio stations such as BBC Radio 1Xtra, Amazing Radio, and New Style Radio in Birmingham, while also breaking through internationally with features on Valley FM Australia, showcasing his growing global appeal.

Discography

Albums

• ToogoodToobad (2015)
• El Loco (2020)
• How It Wuz (2022)

Singles and Notable Tracks

• "Never Let You Down" (2013)
• "Everytime" (2013)
• "Shine" (2013)
• "El Loco" (2020)
• "Those Eyes" (2020)
• "Hit This Once" (2020)
• "Few Steps" (2020)
• "How It Wuz" (2022)
• "Fxxin U" (2022)
• "PLT" (2022)
• "Pressure" (2025)
• "Iconik" (2025)
• "Jump Up" (2025)
• "I Might" (2025)

Wrestling Entrance Song

• "Return of Jay Mac"

Jay Mac is also the primary artist on the JMRE label, which he co-founded.

Live performances and tours

Jay Mac's 2025 tour included performances at:

• Camden (April 9th)
• Liverpool (April 17th)
• Colwyn Bay (May 11th)
• The Lab, Northampton (May 17th)
• Camden (May 28th)
• Liverpool (June 6th)
• Birmingham Phoenix Bar (June 20th)
• The Lab, Northampton (June 21st)
• Thame Pride (June 21st)
• Shipston Proms (June 28)
• Hackney (June 29)
• Macclesfield Pride (July 5)
• Chesterfield (July 12)
• Isle of Sheppey (July 19)
• Lichfield (July 27)
• Basingstoke (August 16)
• HMV, Banbury (August 23)
• Great Yarmouth (September 6)
• Northampton Music Festival (September 7)

The Macclesfield Nub News praised him for "an explosive set that had the whole town bouncing," while Thame Pride reviewers highlighted his "incredible energy and connection — one of the best acts of the day." Liverpool fans also praised his "best energy and stage presence." Jay Mac is a staple performer at LGBTQ+ Pride events, advocating for inclusivity while openly identifying as straight.

Wrestling career

Under the ring name Jay Mac The Whole Mackage, McDowell competed primarily in the WIH Wrestling promotion in Hinckley, as well as in NBWA and events in Coalville and Middleton Cheney. Active for approximately five years, he usually portrayed a "heel" character, engaging in local rivalries and participating in battle royals. He produced and performed his own wrestling entrance song titled "Return of Jay Mac." His wrestling record and events are documented on various wrestling databases.

Personal life

Jay Mac is a father of three daughters, aged 16, 14, and 1. Fatherhood has had a grounding influence on his life. He splits his time between Liverpool and Birmingham. He is currently in a long-term relationship.

In 2025, Jay Mac co-founded JMRE Events, an entertainment and artist management company which also operates a record label. JMRE provides bookings for weddings, corporate gigs, and special event formats such as bingo nights and karaoke takeovers. Jay Mac is the primary performing artist on the label.

Jay Mac is an advocate for positive social values, campaigning actively against knife crime, drug dealing, and violence. He is vocal about his opposition to music that glorifies these themes, emphasizing authenticity in urban music scenes. He also advocates for fathers’ rights and speaks openly about the challenges faced by fathers in family courts, raising awareness of issues with the current system.

Musical style and influences

Jay Mac’s music blends the slick R&B and Hip-Hop stylings of early 2000s artists such as Ne-Yo and Usher with elements of UK grime and drum and bass. His sound is known for its energetic, feel-good quality with an emphasis on crowd engagement and positivity rather than heavy or dark lyrical content.

Awards and recognition

Jay Mac won the Shipston Proms Introducing competition in 2025, earning the opportunity to perform at the main Shipston Proms alongside established artists such as Judge Jules and Richard Parfitt Junior.

His music has charted in Australia, England, and the United States, receiving notable airplay on BBC Radio 1Xtra, Amazing Radio,New Style FM Birmingham, and international stations such as Valley FM Australia.

Jay Mac has received extensive press coverage praising his dynamic live performances and positive stage presence.

Philanthropy and community engagement

Jay Mac is actively involved in community outreach, focusing on promoting positive social values among youth. He campaigns against knife crime, and violence, encouraging safer and constructive lifestyles.

He advocates for fathers’ rights, raising awareness about the challenges fathers face in the family court system and calling for reforms to protect parental rights.

Though he identifies as straight, Jay Mac supports LGBTQ+ inclusivity and frequently performs at Pride events, promoting respect and acceptance.

Through JMRE Events, he contributes to local culture by organizing inclusive entertainment formats such as karaoke takeovers, bingo nights, and corporate events, fostering community engagement.