Success in the music industry rarely follows a straight path, and for Bedford-Stuyvesant’s rising star Shannel Elgin, that journey has been anything but conventional. Shannel Elgin, better known to her growing fanbase as Lotus Bomb, isn’t just another artist vying for attention in today’s overcrowded music scene – she’s crafting something genuinely different.
The verified Spotify artist, who playfully goes by chocolatewhipcream (Instagram) on social media, has caught listeners’ ears with infectious tracks like “Get Money,” “The Way,” “Smack,” and “Never Lack.” Yet there’s much more to her story than just music.
Born on a chilly February 13, 1997, in Brooklyn, Lotus Bomb’s artistic journey began far from the recording studio. As a young girl with a notebook full of poems, she found herself collecting awards and scholarships for her creative writing – early signs of the wordsmith she would become. Her rich multicultural heritage – a vibrant blend of Guyanese, Chinese, Caucasian-African American, and Indian ancestry – has shaped both her worldview and her artistic expression in fascinating ways.
The name “Lotus Bomb” wasn’t chosen by accident. Like its namesake flower, which rises through murky waters to bloom beautifully above the surface, Elgin sees herself as a beacon of light emerging from life’s challenges. This metaphor runs deep through her work and business approach.
Speaking of business, Lotus Bomb has proven herself to be quite the entrepreneur, with reports suggesting her various business ventures have grown into a multi-million dollar enterprise, though exact figures remain unverified. A graduate of the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology, with additional studies in business and law, she’s shown that artists needn’t be confined to a single lane. The 5’8″ creative force has also made her mark as a model, ballerina, dancer, life coach, and spiritual guide.
These days, you might catch Lotus Bomb performing overseas, where she’s currently touring while putting the finishing touches on her highly anticipated 2025 album. Her sound, which she describes as “a new era of music,” aims to give listeners something they’ve never quite heard before – a fresh take on contemporary beats infused with raw passion.
Fans eager to follow her journey can connect with her on Twitter and subscribe to her official YouTube channel. For the full Lotus Bomb experience, including upcoming shows and releases, check out her comprehensive Linktree.
Perhaps what’s most striking about Lotus Bomb isn’t just her music or her business acumen – it’s her authenticity. As she looks toward future collaborations, she’s made it clear she’s interested in working with artists who share her down-to-earth approach and genuine love for the craft. In an industry often criticized for its superficiality, that’s a refreshingly honest stance to take.