Destroy Lonely, born Bobby Wardell Sandimanie III, is an emerging force in the underground rap scene with a growing fan base. As of 2023, his net worth is estimated to be around $800,000, a testament to his musical success and increasing influence. His earnings primarily come from music royalties, live performances, and social media engagements.
Signed to Playboi Carti’s Opium record label, Destroy Lonely’s career took off with viral hits like NOSTYLIST, which garnered millions of streams. His strong presence on platforms like TikTok and Instagram has further boosted his income, solidifying him as a rising star in the rap industry.
The Rise of Destroy Lonely: A Journey from Decatur to Stardom
Destroy Lonely, born Bobby Wardell Sandimanie III on July 30, 2001, is an emerging force in the underground rap scene. This American rapper hails from Decatur, Georgia and has made a name for himself through his raw and experimental music style. In a world where hip-hop is constantly evolving, Destroy Lonely has charted his own path, distinguishing himself from his contemporaries by blending hard-hitting beats with a distinctive sound.
In this blog post, we’ll explore Destroy Lonely’s background, his rise to fame, the challenges he’s overcome, and his unique contributions to the underground rap movement. We’ll also delve into the role of Playboi Carti’s Opium record label in shaping his career, the impact of his viral hit NOSTYLIST, and how platforms like TikTok and Instagram have propelled his music to new heights.
Early Life and Influences
Destroy Lonely was born into a musically inclined family. His father, Bobby Wardell Sandimanie II, is better known by his stage name I-20 and was a prominent figure in early 2000s hip-hop, collaborating extensively with Ludacris. Despite his father’s success, Destroy Lonely has made a point of distancing himself from being labeled as a “nepo baby.” He has publicly stated that his father did not play an active role in shaping his music career, explaining that he didn’t live with him and received little support until 2022.
Growing up, Bobby felt lonely, often struggling with school and social relationships. In the sixth grade, he moved to the southside of Atlanta to live with his grandmother and was homeschooled due to his discomfort with traditional schooling. These early experiences with isolation and self-discovery became a core part of his artistic identity, inspiring his stage name, Destroy Lonely.
“I hated school, man. I always felt like I didn’t fit in. I was always the odd one out, and I found my escape in music,” Destroy Lonely shared in an interview.
This period of his life led to personal struggles, including a phase where he became a regular Xanax user during high school, a habit that was reflected in his music. However, realizing the destructive path he was on, he vowed to change. His stage name, “Destroy Lonely,” symbolizes the destruction of his past self and his transformation into a stronger, more focused artist.
The Beginnings of a Music Career
At the age of 14, Destroy Lonely began experimenting with music. He started out as a typical SoundCloud rapper, making tracks on his computer and uploading them to the platform. While he wasn’t taking music seriously at first, a teacher noticed his talent and encouraged him by allowing him to use the school’s studio whenever he wanted. This support became pivotal in his growth as an artist.
During this time, Destroy Lonely formed close bonds with his friends Nezzus and Texaco, who were instrumental in his early development. Nezzus had a home studio, which quickly became the birthplace of Destroy Lonely’s initial projects. Together, they created and released a joint album titled NezzusDestroyed in 2018, showcasing his potential and giving fans an early taste of his raw talent.
NezzusDestroyed Album Tracklist
| Track Name | Duration | Producer |
| Intro | 2:01 | Nezzus |
| Destroyed | 3:45 | Texaco |
| Loneliness | 4:05 | Nezzus |
| Pain & Struggle | 3:30 | Nezzus |
| Outro | 2:50 | Texaco |
This early work established his signature sound, blending melancholic, spacey beats with deeply personal lyrics. However, it wasn’t until his 2019 single, “Bane“, that Destroy Lonely truly started gaining traction in the underground rap scene.
Joining Playboi Carti’s Opium Record Label
In 2021, Destroy Lonely’s career took a significant leap forward when he was signed to Playboi Carti’s Opium record label. The signing marked a major turning point in his journey from a relatively unknown artist to a rising star. Playboi Carti, one of the most influential figures in the new wave of hip-hop, recognized Destroy Lonely’s potential and sought to bring his unique sound to a broader audience.
Opium, known for its cutting-edge artists and forward-thinking approach to music, provided the perfect platform for Destroy Lonely to flourish. In an industry dominated by trap and mumble rap, Opium’s roster, including artists like Ken Carson and Playboi Carti himself, prioritizes creativity and experimentation over mainstream appeal. This environment gave Destroy Lonely the freedom to develop his distinct style, which blends ethereal production with introspective lyrics.
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Breakthrough with No Stylist
In August 2022, Destroy Lonely released his highly anticipated mixtape No Stylist under the Opium label. The mixtape featured songs that combined trippy, atmospheric beats with laid-back yet emotionally charged delivery. The standout track, NOSTYLIST, became an internet sensation, gaining immense popularity on TikTok and other social media platforms.
“No Stylist was a game-changer for me. I felt like I finally found my sound,” Destroy Lonely commented.
The mixtape demonstrated his growing confidence as an artist, blending fashion-forward aesthetics with bold musical experimentation. It’s no surprise that fans began associating Destroy Lonely with not only music but also with cutting-edge fashion and lifestyle content. He frequently appears in fashion videos and images on Instagram, where he boasts over 1.3 million followers.
Below is a breakdown of the No Stylist mixtape’s key statistics:
No Stylist Mixtape Overview
| Album | Release Date | Label | Key Tracks |
| No Stylist | August 2022 | Opium | NOSTYLIST, Swag, Fashion Killa |
Social Media Influence:
- Instagram followers: 1.3 million
- YouTube subscribers: 273K
- TikTok followers: 140K
The virality of NOSTYLIST on TikTok allowed Destroy Lonely to reach a broader audience and solidify his position in the underground rap scene. This track, along with others on the mixtape, gained millions of streams, drawing attention to his growing talent as a genre-defying artist.
Debut Studio Album: If Looks Could Kill
In May 2023, Destroy Lonely followed up his mixtape success with the release of his debut studio album, If Looks Could Kill. The album continued the trend of minimalist yet haunting beats, complemented by his introspective lyricism. The title track, If Looks Could Kill, quickly gained momentum, further establishing his presence in the underground rap community.
The album featured collaborations with several up-and-coming producers and highlighted Destroy Lonely’s evolution as an artist. It also provided deeper insight into his personal struggles, including his feelings of isolation, distrust of others, and determination to succeed against the odds.
“I feel like this album reflects who I am now. It’s a lot more polished, and I’m speaking from a more mature place,” Destroy Lonely explained in an interview about his album.
If Looks Could Kill Album Tracklist
| Track Name | Duration | Producer |
| If Looks Could Kill | 3:58 | DJ Pain 1 |
| Ghosts | 4:15 | Nezzus |
| Destruction | 3:30 | Texaco |
| Darkness Falls | 4:00 | DJ Pain 1 |
The album’s success also highlighted Destroy Lonely’s growing influence on younger artists, particularly those who gravitate toward the underground rap scene. His unique approach to blending fashion, lifestyle, and music has made him a trendsetter, both musically and culturally.
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Fashion, Social Media, and Brand Identity
Destroy Lonely’s rise to fame is not limited to his music alone. His strong presence on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok has allowed him to develop a personal brand that goes beyond music. Fashion videos, high-quality photoshoots, and brand partnerships have cemented his identity as a multi-faceted artist.
“I think fashion and music go hand in hand. You gotta look good to feel good, and that’s why I put effort into both.”
His personal style is often characterized by avant-garde fashion, and he is frequently seen wearing designer pieces, adding another layer to his artistic persona. This focus on aesthetics has helped him build a strong connection with his fans, who view him as not just a rapper but a trendsetter.
Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles
Like many young artists, Destroy Lonely has faced significant challenges along the way. From battling substance abuse in high school to growing up feeling isolated, his journey has been filled with personal and professional struggles. Yet, these obstacles have only strengthened his resolve and provided rich material for his music.
In many ways, Destroy Lonely’s story reflects the broader struggles of artists in the underground rap scene. Often overlooked by mainstream media, these artists carve their own paths, relying heavily on social media platforms like SoundCloud, YouTube, and TikTok to connect with their audience.
Conclusion
Destroy Lonely has proven himself to be one of the most exciting and innovative artists in the underground rap scene. From his early days as a SoundCloud rapper to signing with Playboi Carti’s Opium record label, his journey has been one of growth, resilience, and self-discovery. With viral hits like NOSTYLIST and a debut album, If Looks Could Kill, he continues to push the boundaries of rap music while establishing himself as a cultural icon.
As he forges his path, Destroy Lonely’s story serves as a reminder that even in the face of loneliness and adversity, success is possible for those who are willing to embrace their individuality and work relentlessly toward their goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to book Destroy Lonely?
Booking Destroy Lonely can range from $30,000 to $50,000, depending on the event and location.
Is Destroy Lonely signed to a label?
Yes, Destroy Lonely is signed to Playboi Carti’s Opium record label, known for its focus on underground rap talent.
How did Destroy Lonely get famous?
Destroy Lonely gained fame through his 2019 single “Bane” and his viral hit NOSTYLIST on TikTok in 2022.
What is Destroy Lonely’s biggest song?
His biggest song is NOSTYLIST, which went viral on TikTok and became a defining track in his career.
