Beyond the Underground: Reinventing Destroy Lonely’s Sound in LOVE LASTS FOREVER
Article By Chioma Gregoire, University Union Editorial Board
Staff Writer | Photo By Nabil
Destroy Lonely (Lone), an Atlanta-born rapper known for his moody style and unique fashion, has made a swift rise in the rap scene, bolstered by his association with Playboi Carti’s Opium label. As one of Carti’s protégés, Lonely quickly captured attention with his experimental approach, blending elements of the underground trap scene with dark, melodic beats that resonated deeply with the rising wave of alternative hip-hop. His breakout mixtape, Darkhorse, showcased his talent for introspective lyricism, cultivating a cult-like fanbase eager for each new release. However, his 2021 project, NO STYLIST, marked his breakthrough, featuring tracks like "VETERAN," praised for its haunting production and catchy hooks. As his popularity grew, Destroy Lonely continued to solidify his image through high-energy performances and collaborations, appealing to fans drawn to Opium’s rebellious, boundary-pushing ethos. This journey has established him as both a promising rapper and an influential figure among hip-hop’s new generation.
The release of LOVE LASTS FOREVER (LLF) has been highly anticipated, with fans eagerly awaiting new music after Lone teased the project title in late 2023. In March and April of 2024, he dropped hints on social media about the album’s rollout, originally setting expectations for an April release before ultimately pushing it to summer, with the final release in late August. This album is Destroy Lonely's sophomore project following If Looks Could Kill and arrives after a period of relative quiet from the artist, during which he contributed to label-mate Ken Carson's projects. Some fans have commented that his older flows hold a special place, but LOVE LASTS FOREVER has the potential to show growth in both his sound and creative depth, with Lonely adopting a persona called "Baby Money," which suggests a reflection on fame and wealth’s impact on his personal identity.
LOVE LASTS FOREVER spans 21 tracks with a runtime of 1 hour and 5 minutes. The track arrangement is obscure, which can make it challenging to follow a clear narrative, though this may reflect a deliberate choice to evoke the chaotic nature of the album’s theme and cover art.
Stylistically, this album embodies Destroy Lonely’s signature “opium” sound, with atmospheric, melancholic production and a fusion of genres. Heavy, bass-driven beats create a dark, brooding soundscape, layered with a myriad of ethereal synths and distorted effects that give each track a hypnotic feel. His laid-back, autotune-infused vocal delivery intensifies this dreamy vibe, while the lyrics explore themes of fleeting relationships, personal struggles, and the weight of fame. Among the standout tracks on LOVE LASTS FOREVER, a few capture the album's themes and mood most effectively: “MEET THE BOSS,” “WISH YOU WELL,” and “FORGOT MY NAME.” In my opinion, these three tracks not only resonate with the overarching concepts of the album but also tie into its title, offering insight into Destroy Lonely's evolving artistry. “FORGOT MY NAME” particularly shines with its seamless blend of modern trap elements and Lone’s earlier, more introspective sound. His vocal reflections on this track are layered with a sense of nostalgia, giving it a unique and thoughtful feel. The production on the album, especially with contributions from frequent collaborators like Lil88 and Clayco, exemplifies Lone’s ability to work with his signature dark, melodic soundscapes while simultaneously trying to push his style into new territory. With their polished, bass-heavy beats and haunting synth work, these producers add depth to Lonely’s flow, providing a cohesive sound that’s both atmospheric and distinctively “opium.”
Artwork By @osk.gfx
LOVE LASTS FOREVER marks a shift in Destroy Lonely’s musical journey, positioning him for a broader, more mainstream audience without entirely abandoning his roots. Where his earlier projects—more underground and distinctly Atlanta-trap influenced—appealed heavily to fans of the city's experimental hip-hop scene, this album explores new sounds that are likely to reach a wider listener base. Rather than pushing stylistic boundaries as he has in the past, LOVE LASTS FOREVER appears to focus on creating a refined sound that aligns more with Atlanta’s trap aesthetic but strikes a balance between familiar elements and a more accessible appeal. This evolution is a testament to Lonely’s versatility and his ability to adapt, highlighting his potential to bridge his underground origins with the broader hip-hop landscape. Though the album’s themes revolve around love, Lonely examines it through the lens of fame and internal relationships rather than traditional romance. This focus on love as an external force—distanced from a straightforward narrative—can at times create a sense of thematic disorientation, with the album’s title and content seeming loosely connected. Nevertheless, LOVE LASTS FOREVER offers a deep, introspective look at the complexities of wealth and fame, pushing Destroy Lonely’s artistry forward as he continues to experiment with form and sound in the alternative hip-hop genre.
