Exec Bio

Daniel “A1” Hayes stands out as a highly successful marketing and promotions executive in the music industry, with a track record spanning over 15 years that has consistently paved the way for remarkable successes. His company, Team Six Inc formerly A1 Promotions, is a powerhouse in the field, and www.a1thehitman.com highlights his extraordinary work in radio promotion, securing airplay for major artists, and propelling independent talents into household names. 

In 2019, Kevin Liles and Lyor Cohen named Hayes the National Director of Urban Promotions for 300 Entertainment, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of artists like Megan Thee Stallion, Lil Keed and Gunna. Personally credited by Thee Stallion herself for taking her single “Big Ole Freak” from a regional sensation in Houston to breaking it at radio, Hayes showcased his ability to provide national exposure and helped her song go platinum. 

Most recently, Hayes played a crucial role in the re-emergence of Usher, who delivered an extraordinary performance at the 2024 Super Bowl. Team Six Inc under Hayes’s leadership, ensured widespread visibility for Usher’s new singles leading up to Usher’s now number 1 album on Billboard, “Coming Home.” Notable among these were “Good Good” featuring 21 Savage and Summer Walker, which secured the number 1 spot on urban mainstream, and “Glu,” peaking at Top 5 on the same charts all for which Hayes was directly behind. 

Hayes’s influence extends beyond Usher; he was also responsible for breaking Hitkidd & Glorilla “FNF” at radio. He played a pivotal role in taking their record to number 1 at urban mainstream when the viral artist’s song gained immense popularity on YouTube and TikTok. This achievement has now earned Hitkidd & Glorilla’s song platinum status, showcasing Hayes’s consistent commitment to elevating artists across different platforms and genres in the music industry. 

Additionally, Hayes lent his talents to newly Grammy award-winning artist Lil Durk, helping the track “All My Life” featuring J. Cole reach number 1 on urban mainstream. This is the second number 1 single Hayes has scored for Lil Durk with first one being “What Happened To Vigil” feat Gunna in conjunction with Alamo Records. This further solidifies Hayes’s reputation as a key player in the success stories of various talents in the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry. 

However Daniel “A1” Hayes wouldn’t stop there as he continues to be a force in the music industry, and his influence extends to being the promotional support behind Larry Jackson’s new $1 billion-backed media company, Gamma. The partnership between Gamma and Team Six Inc has added another dimension to Hayes’s influence. This collaboration underscores his strategic prowess, successfully implementing and executing national promotion strategies for all of Gamma’s urban priority releases which led to the delivery of chart-topping hits for Gamma where he played a pivotal role in Sexyy Red’s journey, securing her first top 10 record with “Pound Town 2” featuring Nicki Minaj, followed by the success of “Skee Yee,” which reached top 5 at urban mainstream. October London’s “Back To Your Place” secured a top 15 position, and for Rick Ross & Meek Mill’s second single “Above The Law” from their debut album “Too Good To Be True,” Hayes achieved a top 25 spot at urban mainstream with that single. 

Throughout his career, Hayes has demonstrated his multifaceted expertise and strategic approach, leaving an indelible mark on the industry and solidifying his position as a key figure in the success stories of artists across Hip Hop and R&B. He is undoubtedly an unsung hero, deeply embedded in the shadows of the music business, where his work is seldom seen but heard everywhere.