Destroy Lonely

Bobby Wardell Sandimanie III, born July 30, 2001, and professionally known as Destroy Lonely, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter from Atlanta, Georgia. His entry into the music industry was marked by an early influence from his father, rapper I-20. Growing up in a musically inclined household, Lonely began working on music at a young age, recording his first songs in his school’s studio at 14. He formed significant collaborations with friends and producers, including Texaco and Nezzus, laying the groundwork for his future career.

Destroy Lonely’s musical journey gained momentum with his 2019 track “Bane,” which attracted attention within the Atlanta rap scene. In September 2020, he released his third mixtape, </3 (pronounced “Broken Hearts”), followed by a deluxe edition titled </3² in October 2020. These releases garnered initial recognition and led to his discovery by Playboi Carti. Carti’s endorsement was pivotal, and in early 2021, Lonely signed to Carti’s label, Opium, an imprint of Interscope Records.

In April 2021, Destroy Lonely appeared in Playboi Carti’s music video for “Sky,” marking a significant milestone in his career. He continued to build his reputation with performances at events like the Lyrical Lemonade Summer Smash and collaborations with artists such as Ken Carson and Bktherula. His fifth mixtape, No Stylist, released in August 2022, featured a notable appearance by Ken Carson and was well-received. The project was followed by a deluxe version, NS+ (Ultra), in November 2022.

Destroy Lonely’s debut studio album, If Looks Could Kill, was released on May 5, 2023. The album, which features a unique horror movie-inspired aesthetic, includes a bonus track with Ken Carson and was accompanied by a short film, “Look Killa.” The album’s release was a significant milestone, peaking at number 18 on the US Billboard 200. Despite its commercial success, If Looks Could Kill received mixed reviews, particularly from older fans and critics.

In October 2023, Destroy Lonely released a deluxe version of his debut album, If Looks Could Kill (Director’s Cut), which included additional tracks. He also featured on Ken Carson’s album, A Great Chaos, contributing to tracks such as “Singapore,” “Paranoid,” and “Like This,” which also featured Lil Uzi Vert.

Destroy Lonely’s musical style is characterized by dynamic, atmospheric beats and a unique blend of ambient synthesizers, guitar riffs, and orchestral samples. His influences include bands like Crystal Castles and Deftones, as well as rap artists such as Lil Wayne, Drake, and Future. His music is noted for its eclectic sound, often incorporating elements from video game soundtracks like Genshin Impact.

In his personal life, Destroy Lonely has faced controversy. In 2024, allegations of domestic abuse surfaced when his girlfriend accused him of physical and mental abuse, although Lonely denied these claims. Despite this, his career has continued to evolve, marked by his affiliation with Playboi Carti’s Opium label and his contributions to the Atlanta rap scene.