Today we’d like to introduce you to Rob Hayes.
Hi Rob, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m thrilled to share a bit of my journey with you. Originally from Michigan, I’ve been soaking up the Southern California vibes since 2005. Music has always been my passion, driving me to chase my dreams all the way to Hollywood.
Back in high school at Everett High in Lansing, I was surrounded by the influence of legends like Magic Johnson and Dr. Dre. Inspired by their success, I dove headfirst into the music scene, making a name for myself as Young Inf with a mixtape that got some buzz in my hometown.
After graduation, I set my sights on Florida, hoping to score record deals and further my education. But life had other plans, and I found myself facing disappointment on both fronts. So, I made a bold move and enlisted in the Marine Corps. Boot camp at MCRD San Diego and serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom taught me discipline and resilience, earning me an honorable discharge in 2008.
In 2009, I landed in Los Angeles, ready to chase my dreams once again. Enrolling at the LA Film School, I honed my skills in audio engineering while interning for some big names like Macy Gray and MC Lyte. Then, in 2012, my talent caught the eye of many when I took a shot at America’s Got Talent, making it all the way to the Vegas Rounds. That same year, I joined the Global Touring department at Live Nation, kicking off a new chapter in my career.
At Live Nation and later at Roc Nation/Three Six Zero Group, I soaked up everything I could about touring artist management and production. From booking venues to managing travel logistics, I did it all. Working with artists like Madonna, U2, and Rihanna was a dream come true, and I made sure every show was a hit for both performers and fans.
Then, in 2016, I decided to take a chance and start my own label, Thirty Dark Zero Records. Becoming CEO was a big leap, but it allowed me to support other recording artists while continuing to pursue my own music. It’s been a wild ride, but I’ve loved every minute of it.
In 2023, I landed a record deal with GreaterThan Distribution, thanks to the incredible Paula Moore and none other than Randy Jackson from American Idol. It’s been a dream come true to have their support and expertise backing me up in this journey. It’s a validation of all the hard work and dedication I’ve put into my music over the years.
Through all the ups and downs, music has been my constant companion, guiding me through tough times and celebrating with me during the highs. And now, as I continue to grow and evolve, I’m grateful for every twist and turn that has brought me to where I am today.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Let me take you through the whirlwind that has been the last 12 months of my life. It’s been quite a ride, to say the least.
First off, I embarked on the monumental task of recording a double album. Pouring my heart and soul into this project was both exhilarating and exhausting, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way. It’s been a labor of love, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve created.
But amidst all these career highs, life threw me a curveball—I made the tough decision to relocate from Los Angeles to Houston. Starting fresh in a new city has been both thrilling and daunting, but I’m embracing the change with open arms. It’s all part of the adventure, right?
And then there’s the personal side of things. Going through a divorce after being with my ex-wife for 18 years has been one of the most challenging experiences of my life. It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions, navigating the highs and lows of untangling our lives and starting anew. But I’m taking it one day at a time, leaning on my loved ones for support and finding solace in my music.
Through it all, I’ve been growing—personally, professionally, and creatively. I’ve discovered strength and resilience I never knew I had, and I’ve found a renewed sense of purpose in my music. It’s been my saving grace, my therapy, and my guiding light through the darkest of times.
So to anyone out there facing their own set of challenges, I want you to know that you’re not alone. Life may throw us curveballs, but it’s how we handle them that defines us. Keep pushing forward, keep chasing your dreams, and above all, keep believing in yourself. Because even in the midst of adversity, there’s always room for growth, for healing, and for finding beauty in the chaos.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The ominous shadow of the Doomsday Clock looms large, with its relentless countdown now frozen at a spine-tingling 90 seconds until midnight. In the heart of this apocalyptic tension, I am, the visionary of a new hip hop era, emerging as a harbinger of musical transformation. My debut album, ’90 Seconds Until Midnight,’ is not just an opus; it’s a declaration of revolution that threatens to shatter the status quo.
Armed with my lyrical prowess and unmatched artistic vision, I stand poised at the precipice of hip hop’s rebirth. I’m not just aiming to simply release an album; I seek to dismantle the old world order, leaving behind a smoldering wreckage of convention to forge an untrodden path toward a brighter tomorrow.
How do you think about happiness?
First and foremost, it’s music. Music has been my passion since day one, and it brings me immense joy and fulfillment. Whether I’m rapping on stage, producing tracks in the studio, or simply listening to my favorite tunes, music is what lights me up inside.
But it’s not just about the music itself. It’s also about the journey—the challenges I’ve faced and overcome along the way. From fatherhood and marriage to navigating the ups and downs of the music industry, every obstacle has been an opportunity for growth and learning. And there’s something incredibly satisfying about pushing through those tough times and coming out stronger on the other side.
And then there’s the impact I’ve been able to make through my work. Knowing that my music brings joy to others, whether it’s through a killer concert or a hit record, is incredibly rewarding. And being able to support other artists through my label, Thirty Dark Zero Records, adds another layer of fulfillment to what I do.
So yeah, music, growth, being a dad, and making a positive impact—that’s what makes me happy. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Contact Info:
- Website: thirtydarkzerorecords.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsrobhayes/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ItsRobHayes
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk5voT-myAkOIxvbmL-Tbgw
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/itsrobhayes
- Other: https://ingrv.es/90-seconds-until-mid-265-v
Image Credits
Thirty Dark Zero Records LLC.
