Destroy Lonely is an American rapper from Atlanta, Georgia, known for his atmospheric trap and rage-influenced music. He gained wider attention after Playboi Carti noticed his song "Oh Yeah" and signed him to the Opium label in early 2021. His studio albums include If Looks Could Kill and Love Lasts Forever.
Early life
Destroy Lonely was born Bobby Wardell Sandimanie III in Atlanta, Georgia. He is of Liberian descent, and his father is rapper I-20, who was associated with Ludacris's Disturbing tha Peace label. He has also described Ludacris as his uncle.
He was homeschooled beginning in sixth grade before returning to public school in ninth and tenth grade. He has connected the "Destroy" part of his stage name to a period of Xanax abuse and the "Lonely" part to the solitude he experienced during adolescence.
2015-2019: Beginnings
Destroy Lonely began making music at 14, recording his first songs in a studio at school. While in high school, he began collaborating with the rapper and producer Nezzus, and the two created the project NezzusDestroyed. His first official song appeared on SoundCloud in 2015.
He released early projects including Darkhorse and the EPs Destroy, Sometimes U Lose, and Forever, ILY. His 2019 track "Bane" helped him gain traction, while his work with Atlanta artists including BigSmokeChapo and producer Clayco expanded his local musical network.
2020-2022: </3 and No Stylist
Destroy Lonely released the mixtape </3 on September 25, 2020, followed by the deluxe edition </3² on October 31. After the music video for "Oh Yeah" drew Playboi Carti's attention in December 2020, Destroy Lonely signed with Carti's Opium label in early 2021, an imprint of Interscope Records.
He appeared in Carti's music video for "Sky" and worked with Opium labelmate Ken Carson on multiple releases. Destroy Lonely released the mixtape No Stylist in August 2022, his first project to enter the US Billboard 200, where it peaked at number 91. He later headlined the No Stylist tour and supported Ken Carson on The X Man Tour.
2023-2024: If Looks Could Kill & Love Lasts Forever
Destroy Lonely released his debut studio album, If Looks Could Kill, on May 5, 2023. The 25-track album included the bonus song "Money and Sex" with Ken Carson, and its deluxe edition, If Looks Could Kill (Director's Cut), arrived in September with six additional tracks. The album peaked at number 18 on the US Billboard 200.
His second studio album, Love Lasts Forever, was released on August 30, 2024. It reached number 10 on the Billboard 200 and number one on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. He also appeared on three tracks from Ken Carson's album A Great Chaos, including "Singapore," "Paranoid," and "Like This," the latter featuring Lil Uzi Vert.
Musical style
Destroy Lonely's music combines Southern hip-hop, trap, rage, and emo rap. His production commonly uses ambient synthesizers, programmed guitar riffs, orchestral samples, and sounds from video-game soundtracks. His performances are also associated with dark-colored attire and prominent name-brand clothing.
He has cited Crystal Castles, Deftones, The Cure, Lil Wayne, Drake, Future, Young Thug, Playboi Carti, and Tyler, the Creator as influences. His lyrics often center on braggadocio, while earlier material also addressed relationships, love, guns, and financial crime.
Quick facts
- Destroy Lonely began recording songs in a studio at his school when he was 14.
- He and Nezzus created the early project NezzusDestroyed while they were in school.
- His 2019 song "Bane" helped him gain traction in Atlanta's hip-hop scene.
- Playboi Carti noticed Destroy Lonely after the December 2020 music video for "Oh Yeah."
- Destroy Lonely signed to Playboi Carti's Opium label in early 2021.
- No Stylist became Destroy Lonely's first project to enter the US Billboard 200, peaking at number 91.
- His debut studio album, If Looks Could Kill, contained 25 tracks and was followed by a deluxe Director's Cut edition.
- If Looks Could Kill peaked at number 18 on the US Billboard 200.
- Love Lasts Forever reached number 10 on the Billboard 200 and number one on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
- Destroy Lonely's production incorporates ambient synthesizers, programmed guitar riffs, orchestral samples, and video-game soundtrack samples.
FAQs about Destroy Lonely
How old was Destroy Lonely in 2020?
He was 18 until July 30, 2020, and turned 19 on that date.
What is Destroy Lonely's ethnicity?
Destroy Lonely is of Liberian descent.
What is Destroy Lonely's real name?
His real name is Bobby Wardell Sandimanie III.
How old was Destroy Lonely when he started making music?
He was 14 when he began making music.
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