5 Questions With DJ Mac

Fresh off the success of his WYFL (Weh Yuh Feel Like) Riddim, which has already spawned more than 40 features in just three months, disc jockey and producer Jason ‘DJ Mac’ McDowell is enjoying a big moment in dancehall. Produced by DJ Mac and CrashDummy the WYFL Riddim was released last November and has been hailed for bringing fresh, fun energy back into dancehall.

Known for blending traditional dancehall energy with modern production, DJ Mac has steadily built an impressive catalogue that includes hits like No Budget by Skippa; Still a Bleed by Chronic Law; 25/8 by Jahshii; and the widely embraced reimagining of the Fiesta Riddim in 2024, which features the hit, Haad by Armanii.

Now the producer has set a new benchmark for 2026. In a historic double-chart surge, the WYFL Riddim secured five entries on Jamaica’s YouTube Top 30 Trending Chart in January before following up with five placements on the US iTunes Reggae Songs Chart in February. This marks the first time a single dancehall riddim project has achieved the feat.

With a new ambassadorship with Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum, the producer is proving that his influence extends far beyond the studio. He has stated that the partnership is bigger than just a brand collaboration.

“For me, this partnership with Wray & Nephew is cultural validation and also something that I’ve always wanted to align with a brand that represents the same energy and authenticity that my brand is about and [that] means a lot to me,” he said. “Career-wise, [the partnership] signals growth and recognition. It shows that what I’m building as DJ Mac isn’t just impacting music, it’s impacting culture. When a legendary Jamaican brand sees value in what you’re doing, it confirms that the movement is real.”

This week, 5 Questions With... caught up with DJ Mac to talk about his tactics as a producer and what’s next.

1. What would you say defines your sound, and what do you do differently from other producers?

My sound is for the dance and the hall. For the parties, for the streets, anything that gets you moving. The difference with me and every other producer is that I’m not afraid to take the old approach where music marketing and promotion is concerned. You can catch me in the streets all the time promoting my music. While still relating to the younger audience through my content online that attaches my brand to the music itself. Essentially a face is put to the music through marketing.

2. You’ve been on a noticeable run with your beat selections lately. When you’re creating or listening back, how do you know this is the one?

What tells you a rhythm is ready for that moment? The bounce or the groove of the riddim is the only thing I need to hear to know this is “the one”. It’s not that hard for me.

3. You’re not shy about working with emerging or undiscovered talent. What makes someone stand out in your eyes?

Work ethic for sure. But most importantly young talent who are aware of themselves and what they can do with their voices. Different tones, keys and such. I like a good singer.

4. Recently, you signed a deal with Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum as their new brand ambassador. What will this partnership allow you to do?

For me, it opens the door to bringing dancehall production into bigger, global and corporate spaces — festivals, lifestyle campaigns, and cultural moments.

5. Beyond artistes, you’ve also been building strong relationships with other producers. What do you look for in a producer collaborator, and how do you ensure the creative process stays fresh and innovative?

A mutual ear for sure is something that allows the creative process to be easy when collaborating and also understanding what we are trying to achieve from a specific project.

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