It’s not every day you come across an artist who’s as comfortable in the boardroom as they are in the recording studio. Brooklyn-born musician Shannel Elgin, known professionally as Lotus Bomb, is doing just that – making waves in the music industry while juggling a thriving career as an entrepreneur. The Bedford-Stuyvesant native, who goes by the sweet moniker “chocolatewhipcream” on social platforms, pulls inspiration from her business hustle and the gritty realities of growing up in New York.

Born on February 13, 1997, Lotus Bomb brings a richly diverse background to her art – she proudly describes herself as American with Guyanese, Chinese, Caucasian-African American, and Indian heritage. Tall and striking at 5’8″, this verified Spotify artist has been turning heads with bangers like “Get Money,” “The Way,” “Smack,” and “Never Lack.”

Lotus Bomb’s path to music wasn’t exactly conventional. She first fell in love with words through poetry, snagging awards for her writing while other kids were still figuring out recess. This knack for stringing together powerful phrases eventually morphed into music, with her talent landing her scholarships that recognized her undeniable creativity. Between studio sessions, she somehow found time to hit the books at the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology, while also diving into business and law studies.

Ask her about that stage name, and Lotus Bomb will tell you it’s all about rising above the muck. “The lotus flower stays beautiful in the grimiest of waters,” she explains with a hint of hard-earned wisdom. It’s not just a pretty metaphor – it’s her life philosophy, a testament to her knack for staying pristine despite whatever life throws her way. This same defiant energy flows through her music, which she promises delivers “a new experience” that’ll catch even the most jaded listeners off guard.

When she’s not dropping tracks, Lotus Bomb juggles more hats than a circus performer – writer, poet, model, dancer, and entrepreneur. She’s also carved out space as a “spiritual guru” and life coach, suggesting there’s more depth to her than just sick flows. Between business calls, she’s got a soft spot for animals and can’t resist the pull of a passport stamp. Right now, she’s living that jet-set life, touring overseas and connecting with international audiences who can’t seem to get enough of her unique vibe.

On the horizon, Lotus Bomb has her sights set on wrapping up a much-anticipated album sometime in 2025. She’s not chasing clout with her collaborations – instead, she’s keeping it real, looking to work with artists who are simply “down to earth and fun.” While many musicians struggle to make rent, Lotus Bomb’s business savvy has allegedly built her an impressive financial portfolio. Industry insiders have rumored her net worth to be in the multimillion-dollar range, though these claims remain unverified. If true, it would be a remarkable achievement for someone who writes her own rules and refuses to follow the crowd.

Want to keep up with Lotus Bomb’s next moves? Slide into her digital world on Instagram, catch her thoughts on Twitter, watch her visuals on YouTube, or take the shortcut through her Linktree for all the latest on upcoming drops and show dates. With her trajectory, you might want to pay attention – this lotus is still rising through the mud, heading straight for the sunlight.

Sometimes life takes unexpected turns that lead us down paths we never imagined. For Riko Shibata, born January 10, 1995, that path led from the serene streets of Kyoto to the dazzling lights of Hollywood, following a chance meeting with Oscar-winning actor Nicolas Cage. Their story defies conventional expectations, bridging continents, cultures, and generations.

Shibata and Cage’s paths crossed in early 2020 in Shiga, Japan, where mutual friends introduced them during the filming of “Prisoners of the Ghostland.” What might have remained a brief encounter during a movie shoot instead sparked a connection that would transform both their lives. However, timing had other plans – as their relationship began to blossom, the world ground to a halt with the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing the newly acquainted couple to navigate their budding romance across oceans through video calls and messages.

Yet distance proved no match for their growing bond. In August 2020, during one of their FaceTime conversations, Cage took a leap of faith. “I want to marry you,” he told Shibata, making what must rank among history’s most modern proposals. The engagement ring that followed – a distinctive black diamond set in black gold – spoke volumes about their unique relationship. Cage had it specially designed to match Shibata’s favorite color and shipped it to Japan via FedEx, a thoroughly 21st-century touch to their love story.

Their wedding on February 16, 2021, at Las Vegas’s Wynn Hotel reflected the cross-cultural nature of their relationship. Rather than simply opting for either Western or Japanese traditions, they created something entirely their own. Riko Shibata honored her heritage by wearing an exquisite handmade kimono from Kyoto. As she walked down the aisle, the melody of “Winter Song” by Japanese duo Kiroro filled the air – a personal choice that meant the world to her. The ceremony itself was a carefully crafted blend of Catholic and Shinto vows, complemented by verses from Walt Whitman and traditional haiku, creating an intimate celebration that respected both their backgrounds.

What made the ceremony particularly special was its intimate nature. Despite Cage’s Hollywood status, the guest list remained small and meaningful. Among those present was Cage’s ex-wife Alice Kim and their son Kal-El, highlighting the couple’s commitment to maintaining healthy family relationships. The presence of Cage’s previous family members spoke volumes about Shibata’s graceful approach to becoming part of a complex family dynamic.

Before becoming Mrs. Cage, Shibata lived a quiet life in Japan that rarely intersected with the entertainment world. While details about her early career remain private, she has been described in various media outlets as an artist, though the nature of her work hasn’t been publicly detailed. Her only known venture into acting came through a small role in “Prisoners of the Ghostland” – the very film that brought her and Cage together. Since moving to America, she’s faced the typical challenges of any immigrant: adapting to a new culture while navigating visa restrictions, made even more complex by pandemic-related limitations.

The couple’s life together reached a new milestone on September 7, 2022, when they welcomed their daughter, August Francesca Coppola Cage, in Los Angeles. The choice of name pays tribute to both past and present – honoring Cage’s late father, August Coppola, while carrying forward the legendary Coppola family legacy. For Riko Shibata, motherhood brought a new identity beyond being “Nicolas Cage’s wife,” while for Cage, his third child represented a fresh chapter in his life’s story.

Much has been made of the 31-year age gap between Shibata and Cage, but their connection seems to transcend numbers. Instead, it’s built on shared quirks and common ground found in unexpected places. Take, for example, their mutual love of unusual pets – when Shibata mentioned she kept sugar gliders (small, gliding possums often called flying squirrels), Cage was instantly intrigued. Such moments of genuine connection have helped bridge any perceived gaps between them.

The early days of their relationship revealed a depth that went beyond surface-level attraction. During their courtship, Shibata showed genuine curiosity about Cage’s interests and history. One of their first public sightings together was at Cage’s famous pyramid tomb in New Orleans – not exactly a typical date location. Rather than being put off by Cage’s eccentricities, Shibata embraced them, showing an appreciation for the unique aspects of his personality that have made him such a compelling figure in Hollywood.

Since becoming a public figure, Riko Shibata has charted her own course through celebrity culture. Her first red carpet moment came at the Los Angeles premiere of “Pig” in July 2021, where she appeared poised despite the flashbulbs and attention. She’s since become a familiar face at high-profile events, including the 2024 Golden Globe Awards and Academy Awards, where she’s demonstrated an elegant presence while letting Cage remain the focus of media attention.

October 2021 marked a significant milestone in Shibata’s public life when she and Cage appeared together in a striking photoshoot for Flaunt magazine. The avant-garde spread, shot in the Las Vegas desert, showed a different side of Shibata – one comfortable with artistic expression while maintaining her characteristic grace. Yet even this high-profile exposure didn’t change her approach to fame. She’s consistently chosen to skip the typical trappings of celebrity spouse status – no verified social media accounts, no solo interviews, no attempt to leverage her connection to Cage for personal fame.

Instead, Shibata has shown genuine interest in understanding her husband’s world. She’s visited places that hold meaning in Cage’s life and career: his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the famous (or infamous) pyramid tomb he purchased in New Orleans. These weren’t photo opportunities but private moments of connection to her husband’s eclectic interests.

Their daily life together reveals a partnership built on mutual respect and understanding. The couple splits their time between their Las Vegas home base and wherever Cage’s film projects take them. Throughout their relationship, Shibata has maintained strong ties to her Japanese heritage while adapting to life in America’s entertainment capital. She’s managed to strike a delicate balance – supporting Cage’s career while preserving her own identity and privacy.

Friends of the couple have noted Shibata’s calming influence on Cage. In interviews, he appears more grounded, often speaking about their shared interests and the joy of building a life together. Their age difference, which initially drew media attention, has become a footnote to their story rather than its defining feature. Instead, what stands out is their genuine compatibility and shared appreciation for life’s unique moments.

Their dynamic offers a refreshing counterpoint to typical Hollywood relationships. Shibata hasn’t tried to reinvent herself as an American celebrity or leverage her marriage for personal gain. Instead, she’s remained true to herself while building a life with one of Hollywood’s most distinctive personalities. Their union demonstrates how authentic connections can flourish despite differences in age, culture, or background.

As parents to young August, they’ve created their own traditions, blending Japanese and American customs. Shibata’s transition to motherhood has been marked by the same quiet dignity that characterized her entry into public life. The couple has been protective of their daughter’s privacy while occasionally sharing glimpses of their family life, showing a thoughtful approach to parenting in the public eye.

Looking back at Riko Shibata’s journey from Kyoto to the heights of Hollywood, one might expect a story of dramatic transformation. Instead, we find something more nuanced – a woman who has gracefully adapted to extraordinary circumstances while staying grounded in who she is. In a world obsessed with celebrity culture, perhaps that’s the most remarkable feat of all. Through authenticity and quiet strength, Riko Shibata has written her own unique chapter in Hollywood’s ongoing story, proving that sometimes the most compelling narratives are the ones that unfold naturally, without fanfare or pretense.

Recently, I had the opportunity to connect with one of Canton’s most compelling new artists. Fresh off the release of his debut single “Abundance” (dropped March 8, 2025), Lbe Scar – born Skyler Lewis on May 4th, 1996 – emerges from what’s known as one of America’s most dangerous small cities with a story of transformation and ambition. The multi-talented artist has built an impressive résumé as an entertainer, songwriter, entrepreneur, business manager, photographer, and most importantly to him, a father.

The Interview

Your journey in music started pretty early. Can you walk us through how it all began?

Yeah, I was that kid – always scribbling poems and songs before I even knew what I was doing, probably before I turned six. You’d find me in every school play, every talent show. But honestly, it wasn’t until 2019, when I landed the promotion manager role at Hit Camp Records, that things got serious. From there, I took on management at Loedagang, LLC, recorded my first track in 2020, and then spent the next five years really finding my sound, collaborating with different artists. Some of that stuff is still in the vault, actually.

What made you step out from behind the curtain and into the spotlight?

My kids. Simple as that. Everything I do, every move I make – it’s about making sure they’re taken care of. But there was this moment when it hit me: I had to build my own foundation before I could help anyone else. That was a game-changer.

Let’s talk about “Abundance.” There’s a really powerful message there…

That track is pure manifestation energy. When I was laying down those lines – ‘Bigger and bigger,’ ‘Millions on top of millions’ – it wasn’t just about the money. It’s about that mindset, you know? Those hard-hitting snares matched with the flow, it all came together to create something that I hope lights a fire under people.

Your sound is pretty distinctive. How would you describe your musical approach?

I’m all about creating that peaceful vibe, even when we’re talking about ambition and success. I engineer everything myself because I believe in that hands-on approach. Been influenced by pretty much every genre out there – good music is good music, period.

What’s on the horizon for Lbe Scar?

Man, we’re just getting started. Got my first album dropping later this year, and I’m manifesting some collaborations – would love to work with Baby Money, Tec, or Polo G. Just trying to create music that moves people, you know?

What’s Next

You can catch “Abundance” right now on Spotify and Apple Music. For the real-time journey, follow Lbe Scar on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube.

Between the genuine authenticity in his debut single and the clear vision for his future, Lbe Scar isn’t just another artist to watch – he’s crafting a movement. His background in industry management (including his own company, Scar Management) gives him a unique edge in navigating the music business, while his artistic integrity shines through in every bar of “Abundance.”