ISABELLA MARTINEZ – CONTRIBUTING WRITER ORGINALLY PUBLISHED FEB 27 2025
EDITOR – MALCOLM SUMMERS
The energy inside the Aztec Theatre was electric. A dimly lit stage, the heavy pulse of bass, and an audience draped in dark streetwear signaled the arrival of something more than just a concert—it was the manifestation of a movement. Destroy Lonely, the enigmatic rapper at the forefront of Playboi Carti’s Opium label, stepped into the light, sending the crowd into a frenzy. More than just an artist, he has become a cultural architect, blending music, fashion, and aesthetic into something uniquely his own.
Born Bobby Wardell Sandimanie III, Destroy Lonely has quickly carved out his own lane in alternative rap. His sound is ethereal yet aggressive, drenched in atmospheric synths, distorted bass, and hypnotic flows. First gaining traction on SoundCloud, his music resonated deeply with a generation raised on internet subcultures and genre-blending experimentation. His breakthrough project, No Stylist, cemented his status as a boundary-pushing artist, one whose impact stretches far beyond just music.
At the Aztec Theatre, this influence was on full display. The crowd wasn’t just there to hear songs – they were living them. Every beat drop was met with moshing, every lyric screamed back in unison. It was a community, a shared experience where fans weren’t just spectators but part of the show itself.
Dark silhouettes, oversized layers, and futuristic minimalism—Destroy Lonely and his Opium collective have crafted more than a sound; they’ve built an identity. For many college students, fashion is more than style—it’s self-expression. From thrifted streetwear to high-fashion collaborations, his influence is everywhere.
Rose Jouini, a junior international business major, believes music plays a major role in shaping fashion trends. “I do think that people’s fashion sense is heavily influenced by the media they consume, especially music,” Jouini said. “Self-expression through fashion, especially through music, is something that is becoming more prevalent within younger generations. I also think that Destroy Lonely has an aesthetic that many are adopting into their own fashion and making it their own.”
The concert wasn’t just a showcase of music; it was a testament to how Destroy Lonely is shaping youth culture. His influence extends into the way students dress, how they experience music, and even how they navigate self-expression in a digital age. His rise mirrors the growing appetite for alternative rap that prioritizes vibe over structure, feeling over formula.
Natalia Rodriguez, a freshman marketing major at St. Mary’s University, observed that Destroy Lonely’s music isn’t about deep lyrical meaning, but about creating an immersive vibe. “It’s more about the feeling, not necessarily about the message. People go to his shows just to experience the energy, be around others who love the same music, and let loose,” Rodriguez said.
Expanding on that sentiment, Jouini highlighted how Destroy Lonely’s emphasis on sound over lyrics is shifting listener preferences. “His music is very sound-oriented, and I think people will and are definitely becoming more interested in this style of music as of late,” she said. “What first interested me in his songs was the focus on sound and instruments instead of focusing on lyric-heavy songs.”
As the final beats of his set echoed through the Aztec Theatre, the audience lingered, reluctant to leave the world Destroy Lonely had created. In a genre that continues to evolve, where will he go next? Will his sound deepen and shift, or will he stay true to the raw, immersive energy that brought him to this moment?
With a growing fanbase and a distinctive artistic vision, Destroy Lonely is more than just a musician—he’s a movement. His music is an experience, his aesthetic a statement, and his concerts a portal into a world where sound and feeling take precedence over meaning.
For those who have yet to dive into his discography, one question remains: Are you ready to step into his world?