Mikey Taylor was born on January 1, 2003, in Moston, Manchester. He was raised in Moston by his parents and grew up with three brothers. Beyond this, further family details, including the names of his parents, are not publicly available.
After completing secondary school, Taylor pursued an interest in sports. He attended the Joe Gallagher Boxing Academy in Manchester, a college focused on boxing, where he trained seriously. Boxing has remained a personal interest for him, and he continued to practice the sport as a hobby in later years.
Michael Taylor, known as Tays, first built an audience as a Manchester-based content creator and gaming streamer. He regularly uploaded gaming videos and live streams, which earned him a substantial online following.
Around 2019–2020 he began writing and recording his own rap music, often producing tracks from his bedroom. His early songs featured laid-back beats and a Mancunian accent, helping him stand out in the UK drill/grime scene.
Even by late 2020, his independent tracks were generating buzz online; two of those early singles, “Star” and “Bang,” were played on BBC Radio 1Xtra, giving him important exposure.
Tays gained nationwide attention in 2024 by competing on Locked In (Season 5), a reality competition series produced by Footasylum. He was voted the fan-favorite winner of that season.
The show trapped influencers together in a house, streamed around the clock, and winning it significantly raised his profile. His victory on Locked In exposed him to a much broader audience, linking his persona as a content creator with the mainstream UK entertainment scene.
| Real Name | Mikey Taylor |
| Stage Name | Tays |
| Birth Date | January 1, 2003 |
| Birthplace | Moston, Manchester, UK |
| Profession | Rapper, Songwriter |
| Music Debut | Independent releases during his teenage years |
| Notable Projects | Manchester City 2024/25 home kit soundtrack |
| Major Collaborations | Adidas, Footasylum, Manchester City |
| Debut Album | Boys Get Sad Too (2025) |
| Popular Singles | “Crying Over You,” “Locked In Freestyle” |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed as of 2026 |
Following his success on reality TV, Tays doubled down on music and became more integrated into the UK rap circuit. He began working with established artists and brands to broaden his influence.
For example, in 2022 he served as one of the opening acts for Manchester rapper Aitch on the “Close to Home” tour, playing to sold-out crowds. He also partnered with commercial brands, including campaigns for sports retailers like JD Sports and Footasylum, blending his hip-hop image into popular marketing.
These collaborations, combined with his streaming fame, helped to cement Tays’s reputation as a rising voice from the Manchester rap scene.
Tays steadily expanded his music catalog with singles that attracted industry attention. In 2021 he released the single “BLEM” produced by DJ Banks.
In 2022 he followed with “Perfect Girl,” which received an exclusive “First Look” premiere in Wonderland magazine, and also issued the track “What’s On Yours.”
In 2024 he put out singles like “Manchester’s Calling” and “Blue Eyes” that further expanded his audience. His releases have earned support from music media: outlets such as Clash magazine and GRM Daily have featured his songs, and BBC Introducing has regularly championed his new tracks. Each new release helped establish his style, blending UK rap energy with catchy, laid-back production.
Tays’s influence on social media kept pace with his music career. By 2024 he had garnered over 1.3 million followers across his channels, drawing audiences on Twitch, Instagram, YouTube, and other platforms.
His Spotify monthly listener count climbed above 120,000, reflecting the growing popularity of his songs.
He also co-hosts the weekly Off Stream podcast with fellow creator AngryGinge, which expanded his presence beyond music and gaming. Through engaging content, collaborations, and high-profile promotions, Tays became a prominent figure in the UK’s online entertainment community.
In recent years, Tays has focused on new music projects and live events. In 2025 he released Boys Get Sad Too, an eight-track album featuring guest verses from artists like Aitch and Cole LC.
This debut album marked a major milestone in his career, showcasing more mature songwriting and production.
As of 2026, he continues to build his career by releasing new singles, performing live shows, and creating digital content. He remains active in various media projects, from podcasts to branded events, leveraging his high profile to keep growing his presence in the UK rap and entertainment scene.
As of 2026, Tays net worth is not publicly disclosed, and no figure has been officially verified by major financial authorities. His revenue streams include his music releases – from streaming royalties, song sales, and live-performance earnings – and his online content creation (including brand partnerships on social media). Specific earnings figures from these activities have not been publicly disclosed. Tays is a Manchester-based rapper, content creator, and streamer whose real name is Mikey Taylor. He first gained an online audience through gaming streams and later moved into music within the UK rap scene. His popularity grew further after winning Locked In Season 5in 2024.
Tays was born in Moston, Manchester, England. His upbringing in Manchester has influenced both his online persona and the style of his music.
Tays initially built a following as a gaming streamer and online content creator. His visibility increased through music releases, social media growth, and his appearance on the Footasylum reality series Locked In, which he won in 2024.
Tays primarily creates UK rap and hip-hop–influenced music. His songs often feature laid-back beats and lyrics delivered in a distinctive Mancunian accent.
Yes, Tays maintains an active presence across several platforms, including Twitch, Instagram, YouTube, and Spotify. These channels allow him to share music releases, livestream content, and collaborations with other creators.