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Daniel "A1" Hayes

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.

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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. 

Accolades

Daniel "A1" Hayes has received the following certified Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) Gold & Platinum awards for marketing and promotions for the following artists and record labels below:

2011

  • Lupe Fiasco "Lasers" (Album) (Atlantic Records) *
  • Wale "Ambition" (Album) (Atlantic Records) *
  • Wale "Lotus Flower Bomb" (Single) (Atlantic Records) *

2012

  • Tank "How I Feel" (Album) (Atlantic Records) *
  • Estelle "Thank You" (Single) (Atlantic Records) *
  • Estelle "All of Me" (Album) (Atlantic Records) *
  • Self Made Vol 2 (Album) (Atlantic Records) *
  • Wale "Bag Of Money" (Single) (Atlantic Records) *
  • Omarion "Let's Talk" (Single)  (Atlantic Records) *
  • Diggy "Unexpected Arrival" (Album) (Atlantic Records) *
  • Diggy "Copy & Paste" (Single) (Atlantic Records) *
  • Wiz Khalifia "O.N.I.F.C (Album) (Atlantic Records) *
  • Wiz Khalifia "Work Hard, Play Hard" (Single)  (Atlantic Records) *
  • B.O.B Strange Clouds (Album) (Atlantic Records) *
  • B.O.B Strange Clouds (Single) (Atlantic Records) *
  • Kendrick Lamar "Good Kid Mad City" (Album) 1x Platinum (Interscope Records)
  • Rick Ross "God Forgives I Don't" (Album) Gold (Def Jam)
  • 2 Chainz "Based On A T.R.U." (Album) Gold (Def Jam)
  • 2 Chainz "No Lie" (Single) 1X Platinum(Def Jam)
  • 2 Chainz "I'm Different" (Single) 1X Platinum (Def Jam)
  • 2 Chainz "Birthday Song" *Single) Gold (Def Jam)

2013

  • French Montana "Pop That" (Single) 1X Platinum (Interscope Records)
  • Drake "Nothing Was The Same" (Album) #1 Billboard Top 200 & 3X
  • Platinum (Cash Money Records)
  • Beyonce "Beyonce" (Album) 2X Platinum (Columbia Records)
  • Robin Thicke "Blurred Lines" (Single) 6X Platinum (Interscope Records)

2014

  • Ca$h Out "Cashing Out" (Single) 1X Platinum (Epic Records)
  • Nicki Minaj "The Pink Print" (Album) 2X Platinum (Cash Money Records)
  • Beyonce "Beyonce" (Album) 2X Platinum (Columbia Records)

2015

  • Rae Sremmurd "No Flex" (Single) 1X Platinum (Interscope Records)
  • Rae Sremmurd & "No Type" (Single) 1X Platinum (Interscope Records)
  • Fetty Wap "My Way" (Single) 1 X Platinum (300 Entertainment)
  • Fetty Wap"Trap Queen" (Single) 4X Platinum (300 Entertainment)
  • Fetty Wap "679" (Single) 3X Platinum (300 Entertainment)

2016

  • Desiigner "Panda" (Single) 5X Platinum (Def Jam)
  • YFN Lucci "Keys To The Street" (Single) #1 Record In The Country (Think It's A Game)
  • Drake "Views" (Album) 4X Platinum (Cash Money Records)
  • Madeintyo "Uber Everywhere" (Single) 1X Platinum (BMG)
  • 21 Savage "Savage Mode" (Album) Gold (Epic Records)
  • 21 Savage  "No Heart" (Single) 1X Platinum First Week (Epic Records)
  • 21 Savage "X" (Single) 1X Platinum (Epic Records)
  • DJ Khaled "Major Key"(Album) Gold & 1 Billion Streams (Epic Records)
  • DJ Khaled  "I Got The Keys" (Single) 1X Platinum & 262 Million Streams (Epic Records)
  • DJ Khaled "Do You Mind" (Single) 1X Platinum & 369 Million Streams (Epic Records)
  • DJ Khaled I'm The One" (Single) 5X Platinum & 1.8 Billion Streams (Epic Records)
  • Yo Gotti "Down In The Dm" (Single) 1X Platinum (Epic Records)

2017

  • YFN Lucci "Everyday We Lit" (Single) #1 Record In The Country  (Think It's A Game)
  • DJ Khaled "Grateful" (Album) 1X Platinum & 4.8 Billion Streams (Epic Records)
  • DJ Khaled "Shining" (Single) 1X Platinum & 155 Million Streams (Epic Records)
  • DJ Khaled "Wild Thoughts" (Single) 3X Platinum & 1.3 Billion Streams (Epic Records)
  • Migos "Bad & Boujee" (Single) 4X Platinum & #1 at Urban Radio (300 Entertainment)
  • Cardi B "Bodak Yellow" (Single) 9X Platinum & #1 at Urban Radio (Atlantic Records)
  • Cardi B "Ring" (Single) 2X Platinum & #1 at Urban Radio (Atlantic Records)
  • Cardi B "Bartier Cardi" (Single) 3X Platinum & #1 at Urban Radio (Atlantic Records)
  • Cardi B “Invasion of Privacy” (Album) 3X Platinum (Atlantic Records)
  • Cardi B “She Bad” - (Single) 1X Platinum (Atlantic Records)
  • Cardi B “Drip” – (Single) 1X Platinum (Atlantic Records)
  • Cardi B “Get Up” – (Single) 1X Platinum (Atlantic Records)
  • Cardi B “Be Careful” – (Single) 2X Platinum (Atlantic Records)
  • Cardi B “Best Life” – (Single) Gold (Atlantic Records)
  • Cardi B "I Do" - (Single) 1X Platinum (Atlantic Records)
  • Jay Z "4:44" (Album) 1X Platinum (Roc Nation Records)
  • Tee Grizzley "First Day Out" (Single) 2X Platinum (300 Entertainment)

2018

  • YFN Lucci "Everyday We Lit" (Single) #1 Record In The Country  (Think It's A Game)
  • Cardi B “Drip” – (Single) 
  • Cardi B “I Like It” – (Single) 8X Platinum (Atlantic Records)
  • Young Dolph "100 Shots" (Single) Gold (Paper Route Empire)
  • Rihanna "Anti" (Album) 3 X Platinum (Roc Nation)
  • 2 Chainz "Pretty Girls Like Trap Music" (Album) 1 X Platinum (Def Jam Records)
  • Rich The Kid "New Freezer" (Single) 2X Platinum (Interscope Records)
  • Young Thug "Digits" (Single) 1X Platinum (YSL/300 Entertainment)
  • Young Thug "Chanel" (Single) 1X Platinum (YSL/300 Entertainment)
  • Young Thug "Check" (Single) 1X Platinum (YSL/300 Entertainment)
  • Young Thug "Best Friend" (Single) 1X Platinum (YSL/300 Entertainment)

2019

  • Meek Mill “Champions” -(Album) 1x Platinum (MMG/Atlantic Records)
  • YNW Melly "Murda On My Mind" (Single) 3X Platinum (300 Entertainment)
  • YNW Melly "Mixed Personalities" (Single) 1X Platinum (300 Entertainment)
  • Lil Duval "Smile (Living My Best Life) (Single) Gold (Empire)
  • Future "Mask Off" (Single) 6x Platinum (Epic Records)
  • DaBaby "Suge" (Single) 2x Platinum (SCMG/Interscope Records)
  • Megan Thee Stallion "Cash Shit" (Single) 1X Platinum  #1 at Urban Radio (1501/300 Entertainment)
  • Megan Thee Stallion "Hot Girl Summer" (Single) 1X Platinum (1501/300 • Entertainment)
  • Megan Thee Stallion "Big Ole Freak (Single) Gold (1501/300 Entertainment)
  • Calboy "Envy Me" (Single) 1X Platinum (Polo Grounds/RCA Records)
  • The Weeknd "Starboy" (Album) 3X Platinum (Republic Records)
  • Lil Baby & Gunna "Drip Too Hard" (Single) 5X Platinum (Quality Control/YSL/300 Entertainment)
  • Young Thug "The London" (Single) 2X Platinum(YSL/300 Entertainment)

2020

  • Wale "On Chill" (Single) 2x Platinum (Warner Records)
  • Megan Thee Stallion "Fever" (Album) Gold (1501/300 Entertainment)
  • Megan Thee Stallion "Realer" (Single) Gold (1501/300 Entertainment)
  • Megan Thee Stallion "Sex Talk" (Single) Gold (1501/300 Entertainment)
  • Gunna "Baby Birkin" (Single) Platinum (YSL/300 Entertainment)

2021

  • Wale "Love" (Single) Gold (Warner Records)
  • Megan Thee Stallion "Savage" (Single) 4x Platinum (1501/300 Entertainment)
  • Megan Thee Stallion "Thot Shit" (Single) Platinum (1501/300 Entertainment)
  • Erica Banks "Buss It" (Single) Platinum (1501/Warner Records)
  • Lil Baby & Gunna "Drip Too Hard" (Single) 9x Platinum (Quality Control/Motown)

2022

  • Megan Thee Stallion "Girls In The Hood" 2x Platinum (1501/ 300 Entertainment)
  • Foogiano "Molly" (Baby Mama) (Single) Platinum (1017/Atlantic Records)
  • Cardi B "Wap" (Single) 7x Platinum (Atlantic Records)
  • Lil Durk feat Gunna"What Happened To Virgil" (Single) Gold (Alamo Records)
  • Lil Durk "7220" (Album) Gold (Alamo Records)
  • PGF Nuk feat Polo G "Waddup" (Single) Gold (Alamo Records)
  • Lil Donald "Do Better" (Single) Platinum
  • Young Boy Never Broke Again & Birdman "Black Ball" (Single) Gold (Cash Money)

2023

  • Lil Durk feat Gunna"All My Life" (Single) Platinum (Alamo Records)

2024

  • Sexyy Red "Poundtown" (Single) Platinum (Open Shift/gamma)
  • Sexyy Red "Get It Sexxy" (Single) Gold (Open Shift/gamma)
  • Bossman Dlow "Get In With Me" (Single) Platinum (Alamo Records)

* Atlantic Records Various Artist (Albums) Over 2 Million Sold Combined

Press

Awards

"Radio Has To Respect The Streets" Daniel "A1" Hayes On How Urban Radio Really Works

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