About us
Artist Cartel Music Group — Independent Music with a Mission
Artist Cartel Music Group connects New York City and North Carolina through independent music, artist development, and community media. Working alongside Southern NYC and Middle Child ENT, we help artists develop their craft, understand the business, and reach new audiences. Our platforms include Artist Unplugged Podcast, community radio through Oak 93.5, online radio through Live365, television programming on BronxNet and other NYC community access stations, and direct music sales through Cartel Sound Exchange. We serve independent artists and the wider community by creating spaces to showcase talent, share experiences, and tell stories through music, radio, television, and film.
Ron Montgomery — Co-Founder, Artist Cartel Music Group
Ron Montgomery brings New York City roots and a passion for developing independent talent to North Carolina’s music scene. In 2014, he founded Southern NYC, creating opportunities for local artists through mentorship, showcases, and performance platforms. Growing up surrounded by hip-hop legends in New York City, Ron developed a deep appreciation for the culture and a keen ear for sound and emerging talent. Today, he leads the North Carolina branch of Artist Cartel Music Group and runs Artist Unplugged Podcast and Artist unplugged drop Mic series, Ron also cohosts Oak 93.5 a community radio show giving independent artists a platform to share their stories and music. He also co-hosts Tae and Ron’s Podcast, available on YouTube.
Brenda Baker — Co-Founder, Artist Cartel Music Group & Founder, Middle Child ENT
Brenda Baker is a New York City entrepreneur, media producer, and community advocate with 27 years of experience mentoring young people through dance and mentorship programs. Her music industry roots include co-founding Ghetto Gold Records with Big Sal, working with artists such as Bushwick Clique. Today, Brenda heads the New York branch of Artist Cartel Music Group, overseeing daily operations and business administration while developing marketing strategies and supporting artist development. Through Middle Child ENT and her various media platforms, she helps independent artists and everyday people share their stories. She currently produces Middle Child ENT Presents in collaboration with Artist Cartel Music Group for BronxNet community television. As a content creator and filmmaker, Brenda also uses AI tools to develop visual stories, short films, and promotional content, bringing together music, technology, and community voices.
Official Videographer
Tae4eign – Official Videographer
Tae4eign has been capturing the stories of local artists for years, building a strong reputation as the go-to videographer in the scene. As the official videographer for Artist Cartel Music Group, his grind and dedication shine through every project. Loved by artists for his vision and consistency, Tae4eign is the one they call to bring their music videos to life.
Cameraman & Filmmaker
abcdirection@yahoo.com
Alan Carlton – Visual Artist & Filmmaker
Alan Carlton is a lifelong visual artist whose creative journey began with paint and sculpture before evolving into advertising, television, and film. A graduate of Syracuse University’s School of Visual Communication, he built his foundation at top NYC ad agencies working with global brands like Volvo, Nikon, and Hertz. With over 25 years in television and film, Alan has produced and directed commercials, music videos, documentaries, and broadcast programming. Passionate about innovation in visual storytelling, he continues to collaborate with organizations and artists to bring powerful stories to life.
Music Producer
Nocknificent1@gmail.com
Nocknificent — Music Producer & Advisor, Artist Cartel Music Group
With over 30 years of experience across musical genres, Nocknificent brings a seasoned ear and firsthand industry knowledge to every project. Having been signed twice as an artist to labels with major distribution, he understands both the creative and business sides of music. As a producer and advisor for Artist Cartel Music Group, he helps artists develop their sound and navigate the industry. He is also a content creator and operates an online media show called Impact Media One on Live365, which features the Artist Cartel Music Group radio show and gives independent artists another platform to reach listeners.
Songwriter & Artist Manager
Sylvia M – Songwriter & Artist Manager
Sylvia M has been writing songs for many years, creating music for herself and other artists. Bringing her talents to Artist Cartel Music Group, she contributes not only her songwriting skills but also her experience managing artists and developing their careers.
Artist Unplugged Podcast “Host”
Miss Bide Divine is a dynamic vocalist and rapper from Washington, DC, raised in Baltimore, known for her powerful delivery, emotive lyricism, and versatile sound. Inspired by hip-hop legends and driven by faith, family, and community, she creates music that inspires change and connection. Now serving as the host of the Artist Unplugged Podcast, Bide Divine continues to amplify authentic voices and elevate the culture.
The movement
COMMUNITY & STORYTELLING
We serve the community by giving people a platform to tell their stories, share their experiences, and connect with others. Through interviews, community conversations, documentaries, and creative programming, we make room for voices that deserve to be heard.
Through Middle Child ENT and programs such as the Artist Unplugged Podcast, our community outreach spans radio, public-access television, and online media. These platforms include Oak 93.5, BronxNet Access Television, BRIC Brooklyn Free Speech, Manhattan Neighborhood Network (MNN), and Impact Media One on Live365.
MUSIC & CREATIVE PROJECTS
Music is at the heart of what we do. From independent music production and live showcases to music videos and visual storytelling, we create opportunities for original work to reach new audiences. Our creative projects include human artists and AI-assisted music and visuals.
Through Cartel Sound Exchange, we also connect artists directly with listeners, giving fans a way to purchase music and support independent talent.
INDEPENDENT ARTISTS
We support independent artists through artist development, recording, performance opportunities, interviews, music promotion, and media exposure. We help emerging talent build their presence, share their stories, and connect with audiences through radio, television, digital platforms, and live events.
Our mission is to bring music, artists, and community together—creating opportunities for people to be seen, heard, and supported.
Tune in to Oak 93.5 community radio every Tuesday from 5–7 p.m. for community conversations, artist interviews, and hot topics. Discover independent talent, hear local voices, and stay connected to what’s happening in the community.
Artist Unplugged Podcast / Artist unplugged drop Mic
Artist Unplugged Podcast is a traveling platform created to give artists—especially independent and unsigned talent—a space to showcase their skills, share their stories, and be seen. Moving from city to city, the podcast highlights raw talent, authentic voices, and rising creatives shaping the culture.
The Artist Cartel Music Group ///Artist unplugged, drop Mic series
From New York to North Carolina and beyond, the Artist Unplugged Drop Mic Series, presented by Artist Cartel Music Group, gives artists a few minutes to take the spotlight, showcase their talent, and bring their own sound and energy to the mic. Discover fresh voices, original music, and unforgettable performances.
Check out the TaeandRon podcast on YouTube
ACMG featured Artist
Songwriters / Recording Artist
Sylvia M
Singer songwriter
Welcome to the music of Sylvia M., also known as Sue—an experienced songwriter based in North Carolina and part of Artist Cartel Music Group. Her passion is writing songs that tell stories, express emotion, and connect with people.
Discover her songwriting through the music featured here, and support her work by purchasing her songs at Cartel Sound Exchange.
Hear the stories. Feel the music. Support the songwriter.
FTN Kenzo
Recording artist/ performer/ songwriter
FTN Kenzo is a 19-year-old singer and songwriter from Brooklyn, bringing Caribbean roots and fresh energy to dancehall and R&B. A versatile vocalist and talented writer, he blends rhythmic delivery with melodic singing as he begins making his mark on the music scene.
With tracks produced by Nocnificent and Music Culture, Kenzo is developing a sound that reflects his heritage, personality, and drive. Energetic, smart, and determined, he approaches his music with a desire to grow and build something lasting.
His ambition reaches beyond the studio. With goals and aspirations that extend beyond music, Kenzo is a young artist focused on creating opportunities and shaping his own future.
AngelicaSNO
Recording artist, singer /choreographer
Angelica S-N-O is an emerging teenage pop artist from the Bronx whose youthful energy and playful spirit shine through her music. A singer, dancer, and natural performer, she brings personality and movement to the stage. She is also developing her songwriting skills and working on new music with producers Nocnificent and Music Culture. With a fresh sound and a love for entertaining, Angelica is stepping into the spotlight.
Artist Cartel's AI Artists & Virtual Talent
AngleBlk
Ai Virtual music artist/ influencers
Meet Candace, Nina Blue, Star Carter, and Sophia—together, they are Angle BLK, ACMG’s AI girl group, where music, visual storytelling, and technology come together. Each member brings her own personality, style, and creative energy to the group. These digital performers give our music and stories a recognizable face, bringing songs, videos, and promotional campaigns to life. Through virtual performances and imaginative content, Angle BLK connects with audiences and explores new ways to entertain.
Houston
Houstonsang
Artist cartel, virtual artist
Meet Houston | ACMG Virtual Artist
Houston is an AI-powered virtual recording and performing artist and one of the signature faces of Artist Cartel Music Group (ACMG). With Jamaican and Mexican cultural influences, Houston brings a soulful blend of R&B, hip-hop, and contemporary sounds to the digital music world.
More than a virtual performer, Houston serves as a creative ambassador for ACMG, helping promote original music, showcase the work of talented songwriters, and bring musical stories to life through innovative visuals and AI-powered performances.
His thought-provoking single, "It's Still the Same," addresses social injustice, inequality, and the ongoing struggle for change.
Through music, marketing, and digital storytelling, Houston represents ACMG's commitment to embracing technology while keeping human creativity, songwriting, and meaningful messages at the heart of the music.
Houston — Where Music, Culture, and Technology Meet.
An Artist Cartel Music Group Virtual Artist
The Artist Cartel Music Group Streaming Plateform. Cartelsoundexchange.com
Happy" is a soulful and emotional track by Sylvia M that captures the highs of falling in love and the heartache of losing it. With raw, honest lyrics and a smooth, melodic vibe, the song explores the bittersweet journey Read more
Happy" is a soulful and emotional track by Sylvia M that captures the highs of falling in love and the heartache of losing it. With raw, honest lyrics and a smooth, melodic vibe, the song explores the bittersweet journey of holding onto love, letting go, and searching for happiness in the aftermath www.tiktok.com/t/ZTYmxJL78/ https://artists.landr.com/990591896185
NBA Street Life
Ronald Montgomery, Artist Cartel
"NBA Street Life" is a gritty, high-energy anthem that draws a powerful parallel between the hustle of the NBA and the grind of urban street life. Blending raw lyricism with bold beats, the track captures the journey from Read more
"NBA Street Life" is a gritty, high-energy anthem that draws a powerful parallel between the hustle of the NBA and the grind of urban street life. Blending raw lyricism with bold beats, the track captures the journey from blacktop courts to bright arena lights—where every crossover, setback, and shot taken mirrors the survival, ambition, and resilience of the streets. It's more than a game. It’s the life.
Candle Lite
Artist Cartel
Candlelight is a soulful, intimate track written by Wayne Moodie and released under the Artist Cartel Music Group. The song tells the story of two women who fall deeply in love—drawn to each other in a way they can’t Read more
Candlelight is a soulful, intimate track written by Wayne Moodie and released under the Artist Cartel Music Group. The song tells the story of two women who fall deeply in love—drawn to each other in a way they can’t resist. As the world fades into the background, their connection burns bright, like a flame in the dark. Candlelight is about passion, vulnerability, and the magic of a love that feels like it was meant to be.
Merch Coming Soon
Artist Cartel Merch
