Exec Bio

Detroit native Daniel “A1” Hayes is the founder of A1 Promotions, an Atlanta-based marketing and radio promotions company that counts notable hip-hop figures The Weeknd, Megan Thee Stallion, Cardi B, Kendrick Lamar, Beyonce, Drake, Nicki Minaj, DaBaby, Young Thug, Meek Mill andJay –Z as clients. As a result of his professionalism, leadership abilities and tireless work ethic, Hayes has earned numerous accolades including multi-platinum and platinum plaques, as well as a feature in Forbes magazine.

Hayes, a United States Air Force veteran and Full Sail University Music Business graduate, began working in the music industry as an intern at Setting The Pace Promotions where he learned the fundamentals of radio promotions, relationship building and account management. It was then that Daniel established a great rapport and worked closely with his mentor, music industry vet Lester Pace (Currently SVP of Promotions at Roc Nation).

After completing a pair of high-profile internships with Warner Bros. and Atlantic Records, Hayes secured a permanent position with Pace as his executive assistant and right-hand man, where he sharpened his skills and worked with Interscope recording artists. While assisting Pace, Hayes wasintroduced to artist management veteran Kenneth Crear (Ciara, Backstreet Boys, Justin Timberlake, Dru Hill, Janet Jackson, Mary Mary, Mindless Behavior) whom he worked closely with for three years before becoming the official road/tour manager for Conjunction Entertainment Recording Artist Mindless Behavior.

Hayes next move paired him with Mike Caren(President of Worldwide A&R Atlantic/Warner Music Group) and the entire Atlantic A&R Staff, where he was assigned the account of an emerging rapper by the name of Kevin Gates. Excelling in his responsibilities, the young boss became the Director of Urban Marketing for Atlantic Records/Artist Partners. Hayes’ name became synonymous with excellence, which garnered job offers from labels such as Epic, Capitol and Def Jam. Hayes would ultimately take the role as Urban Promotions Coordinator at RCA Records in New York working under the Executive Vice President of Urban Promotions, Geo Bivins. This position allowed him to manage the campaigns of multiple world class artists such as Jamie Foxx, Alicia Keys, Chris Brown, Usher, Bryson Tiller, A$AP Rocky, R. Kelly, G-Eazy and T-Pain.

After much consideration and encouragement from his mentors, Hayes moved to Atlanta and formed A1 Promotions. His solid relationships allowed him to work as an independent contractor for indie actsand major label imprints, which included new RCA acts that needed to be heard from the ground levelprior to being introduced to mainstream radio. In 2016, his first year of business, A1 became one of the most sought-after independent radio promotion teams and assisted in over ten number one records at urban radio. A year later Hayes helped one of music’s biggest stars, Cardi B, deliver several platinum hits at urban radio such as “Bodak Yellow,” “Ring” and “Be Careful.” Hayes was able to continue his success with Cardi for the records “I Like It” and “Please Me” feat Bruno Mars along with securing airplay for Meek Mill’s Champions albumthat is now certified platinum.

In 2019, Kevin Liles and Lyor Cohen named Hayes as the National Director of Urban Promotions for 300 Entertainment where he helped to shape the careers of Megan Thee Stallion and Lil Keed. Hayes also aided in delivering both Young Thug and Gunna number 1 albums with So Much Fun and Drip Or Drown 2, respectively. Hayes would later leave 300 to focus on his own company but he continued to independently assist other labels and artists. Hayes is lending his executive promotion talents to Southcoast Music Group and has been responsible for delivering three consecutive number one hits for superstar rapper DaBaby. These hits include “Suge,” “Babysitter” and “Bop.”