CARMINE
CARMINE (stylized as CΛRMIИΞ; also known as Armani Ghost; born Sam Paniagua) is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and recording engineer. He is the founder of Aetherflux Records and blends elements of melodic rap, contemporary R&B, trap soul, and atmospheric trap.
Early life
Paniagua was raised in Cutler Ridge, South Florida, and attended South Ridge Senior High School. At 18, he moved to Miami Beach, where he became involved in nightlife, luxury culture, and the exotic car business. By his early twenties, he was working in Miami's exotic car scene and later founded Vice City VIP, an exotic car dealership connected to Miami's entertainment and music-video culture.
Paniagua later relocated to Italy, which influenced a more controlled and atmospheric direction in his music.
Career
CARMINE began releasing independent music in late 2024. His early work featured lo-fi elements with sparse percussion and restrained vocals.
In 2025 he released the EPs MIAMI FILES, VOL. 4: Hurricane Hearts and CΛRMIИΞ presents EX_HAUST.
In mid-2025 he released the single "Exile Mode", followed by "You See Me Now".
CARMINE also uses the alias Armani Ghost.
Prior to his music career, Paniagua founded Hive Forensics A.I. Inc. in February 2020 in Florida.
He is the founder of Aetherflux Records and incorporates technology and production tools in his work.
In December 2025, several outlets described him as an emerging melodic artist active in Europe.
On 22 June 2026, CARMINE is scheduled to perform live at Tunnel club in Milan, Italy.
Musical style
CARMINE's music incorporates elements of melodic rap, contemporary R&B, trap soul, and atmospheric trap. His work combines South Florida influences with a more restrained European sonic identity shaped by his time in Italy. Reviews have described his sound as blending dark R&B, chillstep, moody trap, and glitch-influenced textures.
EPs
- MIAMI FILES, VOL. 4: Hurricane Hearts (2025)
- CΛRMIИΞ presents EX_HAUST (2025)
Singles
- "No Room At The Table" (2025)
- "Exile Mode" (2025)
- "You See Me Now" (2025)
- "Rear Seat" (2026)
- "Black Silence" (2026)
- "Quiet Side" (2026)
- "Red Queen" (2026)