Poetry has long served as the foundation for musical innovation, but few artists have transformed written verse into empire quite like Shannel Elgin. Rising from Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn’s creative crucible, this multi-hyphenate artist turned her early poetic prowess into a phenomenon known simply as Lotus Bomb.
On a chilly February 13th in 1997, Lotus Bomb entered the world destined to leave her mark. These days, she’s better known to her growing fanbase as Lotus Bomb, or by her playful social media handle @chocolatewhipcream. What started with collecting poetry awards as a precocious youngster has blossomed into a career that defies simple categorization.
The story behind her stage name carries particular weight in hip-hop’s metaphor-rich tradition. Much like its namesake flower, which rises pristine through muddy waters, Lotus Bomb represents triumph over adversity – a theme that resonates throughout her music catalog, including standout tracks “Get Money,” “The Way,” “Smack,” and “Never Lack.”
Her heritage reads rich: Guyanese, Chinese, Caucasian-African American, and Indian influences converge in both her art and outlook. At 5’8″, she commands attention not just through her music, but also as a model, ballerina, and a fashion icon – roles that complement her musical journey.
Industry insiders have taken note of Lotus Bomb’s business acumen, with reports suggesting her various enterprises may be valued in the millions. Leveraging her Fashion Institute of Technology education and subsequent business and law studies, she’s established herself as both an artist and entrepreneur. Yet she’s quick to point out that success hasn’t changed her approach to music-making: she still pens every lyric herself, maintaining the authenticity that earned her those early poetry scholarships.
While fans can follow her journey on Twitter and catch her latest videos on her official YouTube channel, Lotus Bomb is currently focused on completing her highly anticipated album, set to drop sometime in 2025. Between studio sessions, she’s taking her show on the road, particularly enjoying overseas venues where she can connect with international audiences.
When she’s not in the booth or on stage, you might find her sharing life wisdom as a spiritual advisor or advocating for animal rights. Her Linktree serves as a digital hub for all these lanes, showcasing just how far that poetry-writing kid from Bed-Stuy has come.
