Who is Destroy Lonely?

Born Bobby Wardell Sandimanie III on July 30, 2001, Destroy Lonely is an American rapper hailing from Atlanta, Georgia. He is the son of rapper I-20, which explains his early exposure to the world of music. Destroy Lonely is best known for his album If Looks Could Kill, which debuted at #18 on the US Billboard 200. He is signed to Playboi Carti’s Opium label through Interscope Records and Ingrooves.

Destroy Lonely’s Music Journey

Destroy Lonely started working on music at the age of 14, making his first songs in a recording studio at his school. He met two of his best friends, Texaco and Nezzus, who would produce many of his early works and continue to work with him on later projects at school. Immediately upon meeting Nezzus, they began recording their first project, NezzusDestroyed. Lonely would later go on to gain traction with his 2019 track Bane.

In 2020, Destroy Lonely released his third mixtape titled </3 (alternatively Broken Hearts), and a month later, on October 31, 2020, he would release the deluxe edition titled </3². Following the release of </3 in 2020 and the attention from “Bane”, Destroy Lonely was noticed by Playboi Carti in December 2020 after the music video for his song “Oh Yeah was released. In early 2021, he signed to Carti’s record label, Opium.

In 2022, Destroy Lonely released his fifth mixtape, titled No Stylist. The mixtape features a sole appearance from his labelmate, Ken Carson. In 2023, Destroy Lonely released his sophomore album, If Looks Could Kill, consisting of 25 tracks with a bonus track with labelmate Ken Carson. Two additional tracks would be released with the CD and vinyl copies, along with a short film, “Look Killa”. 

The album explores themes of a lavish lifestyle, drug habits, and love life, all set against a backdrop of dark and gloomy trap beats.

The album’s title track, If Looks Could Kill, is a standout. It’s a rush of venomous guitar and feathery drawls that tease a shadowy, manic mood for the project. The song was first previewed on Instagram Live, where Lonely was seen wearing a Halloween mask, fitting the antagonist-like aesthetic of the song. The track gained significant traction on TikTok, where over twenty thousand videos were uploaded using the song’s audio.

The Aesthetic of Destroy Lonely

Destroy Lonely’s unique aesthetic consists of dark attire and designer clothes. His music videos often contain imagery of elaborate dinner parties and midnight car rides. His music has been described by Brandon Callender of The Fader in the following manner: “Destroy Lonely has an eclectic ear for beats that skews toward twinkly, atmospheric beats that function like canvases, his voice vivid splashes of paint.” This atmospheric sound is achieved through the use of ambient synthesisers and samples from orchestras and video game soundtracks like Genshin Impact.

If Looks Could Kill Lyrics

The lyrics of If Looks Could Kill are a reflection of Destroy Lonely’s unique style and his ability to create engaging and relatable content. The song is a showcase of his talent and his ability to connect with his audience on a deeper level. The lyrics are a mix of introspective thoughts and observations about life, love, and the struggles of being an artist. The song is a perfect example of Destroy Lonely’s ability to blend different genres and styles to create a unique sound that is distinctly his own.

The song was first previewed via Instagram Live on October 19, 2022, where Lonely was seen wearing a Halloween mask, fitting the antagonist-like aesthetic of the song. The track gained significant traction on TikTok, with over twenty thousand videos uploaded using the song’s audio prior to its official release.

The Critic’s Corner

However, the album is not without its criticisms. Some argue that it is overlong and haphazard, offering only tantalising glimpses of the album that might have been. Yet, it’s the album’s redeeming qualities that make it a must-listen. One of Lonely’s biggest draws has always been the moon-white shimmer of his voice, often so Auto-Tuned that it sounds like he’s gurgling La Croix, and the way he strafes around and against the rhythm, evoking elastic, frenetic rappers like Carti, Future, and the late Lil Keed.

The Production: A Mixed Bag

The album’s production, largely handled by his longtime collaborator Clayco, has been a topic of discussion. The beats, many of which Clayco had a hand in, copy-paste the same pattern for three or four minutes without any intriguing switch-ups. The most striking shift is the addition of a muddy, distorted exterior and doomy, dirge-like guitars, but they often sound generic, like when Lonely heard Carti’s extended “Narcissist” tour intros and thought they were hard.

The Verdict

Despite the criticisms, If Looks Could Kill is a testament to Destroy Lonely’s unique aesthetic and musical prowess. It’s a sonic journey that takes listeners through the highs and lows of his life, all set against a backdrop of innovative beats and mesmerising lyrics.

For those interested in exploring the future of rap, If Looks Could Kill is a must-listen. It’s a testament to Destroy Lonely’s unique aesthetic and musical prowess, and a glimpse into the future of the genre.

Conclusion

Destroy Lonely is a rising star in the music industry. His unique style, engaging lyrics, and dynamic performances have earned him a dedicated fan base. His latest album, If Looks Could Kill, is a clear demonstration of his talent and his ability to create music that resonates with his audience. Whether you’re a fan of hip hop, trap, or pop rock, Destroy Lonely’s music is sure to captivate you.

Destroy Lonely If Looks Could Kill Lyrics

Intro
If looks could kill

Chorus
Baby, I’m the fashion demon
Ridin’ down Candler Road and I’m speedin’
I got hella hoes tryna fuck me and my bros (My bros)
I got hella shows lined up, I’m on the road (On the road)
I get hella green and I get hella ‘chos (Hella ‘chos)
These niggas green as fuck, I’m ’bout to get over (Get over)
No, bitch, I’m not greenin’ out, you can nug it over (Can’t get over)
I just like to ball hard, ball like Dellavedova (Dellavedov’)
Don’t shop at Dover’s (Nah)
Don’t shop at Neiman’s (Nah, no)
Don’t commit treason (Nah)
Everything I do is for a reason
Everything I do is so strategic (Huh, so strategic)
Baby, please don’t leave mе
I don’t need you, and I know that you don’t need me (But I want you)
I done got the flyеst, I’m on a date with the Moon this evenin’ (Huh)
She act cool, but I know she evil, so deceivin’ (So deceivin’)
If looks could kill, that makes every day Halloween, man (It’s Halloween)

Verse
I get bitches, I don’t need no wingman (No wingman)
I get richer, I don’t sell no weed, man (Not right now)
I smoke dope by the pound, yeah, for real
Huh, I’m on the top of the mountain, king of the hill (We top floor)
Uh, I don’t like no Swisher, I like Grabba Leaf, lil’ nigga (Grabba, Grabba, Grabba)
Real deal codeine sipper, walk ’round with a purple liver (Purple)
Uh, I’m a fashion killer, I’m a shit popper, babe (Shit popper, babe)
I’m a real big baller, but won’t let no lil’ bitch play with me(Grabba, Grabba)
I’m a pussy killer, after I hit it, might let her lay with me (Huh)
She a fashion killer, check out how she walk in, yo, look, she slayin’ it (Huh)
My boy got a trigger finger, he ready to pull it, so, please, don’t play with him (Grrah)
I smoke ’til my lungs black, lil’ bitch, I take a lil’ blunt and I face that shit (Huh, face it)
I look at my demons and face ’em (Face ’em)
Take the Chrome Hearts Timbs and I lace ’em (Ha)
I’m walkin’ through hell, I got an FN loaded up with a laser (Rah)
My bitch rockin’ Chanel, I put on Balenciaga for all of my haters
I gotta go, bitch, l’Il see you later (Go)
I’m the Dark Lord, real soul taker (Huh)
I’m the Top Floor Boss and lil’ player (Boss)
I put on big pants, real deal raver (Raver)
(Raver, raver)

Chorus
Baby, I’m the fashion demon (Demon)
Ridin’ down Candler Road and I’m speedin’ (Speedin’)
I got hella hoes tryna fuck me and my bros (My bros)
I got hella shows lined up, I’m on the road (On the road, shows)
I get hella green and I get hella ‘chos (Hella ‘chos)
These niggas green as fuck, I’m ’bout to get over (Get over)
No, bitch, I’m not greenin’ out, you can nug it over (Can’t get over)
I just like to ball hard, ball like Dellavedova (Like Dellavedov’)
Don’t shop at Dover’s (No)
Don’t shop at Neiman’s (No)
Don’t commit treason (No)
Everything I do is for a reason (Reason)
Everything I do is so strategic (Huh, so strategic)
Baby, please don’t leave me (Please don’t leave me)
I don’t need you, and I know that you don’t need me (But I want you)
I done got the flyest, I’m on a date with the Moon this evenin’ (Ayy)
She act cool, but I know she evil, so deceivin’ (So deceivin’)
If looks could kill, that makes every day Halloween, man (It’s Halloween)