One of the frontrunners of Playboi Carti’s Opium record label, Destroy Lonely is back with his highly-anticipated album — LOVE LASTS FOREVER. The album, released on August 30th, after repeated delays, opened at No.10 on the Billboard 200 chart, with a total of 37,500 equivalent album units sold. Boasting of 21 tracks, containing features from rap-veteran Lil Uzi Vert and fellow Opium labelmate Ken Carson, the album sees Lone embarking on a new sonic journey with the help of executive producer Lil88 but fails to set the project apart from his previous works or those of his peers.
The album starts off with the introductory track “FOREVER”, which begins with a sample of “Love Lasts Forever” by All Saints, used to reference the album title as well as the supposed central theme. However, listeners can quickly decipher that the theme is not what they would assume it to be — around love — as lyrics all throughout the LP cannot separate themselves from contemporary rap’s often criticised muses: sex, money and drugs. The production team, composed of icons such as Wheezy, Southside, Clayco and more, are unable to cook up a backup plan to the uninspired verses. Lil Uzi Vert’s feature on the track “LOVE HURTS” provides a much-needed refresher from Lonely’s cardboard flow which is indistinguishable from his past work.
All is not bad, as with track number five, titled “BABY MONEY”, the rapper takes on the moniker of “Baby Money”, which serves as his newest nickname and adlib used in the album, a recurring theme in the Destroy Lonely music catalogue as he has previously opted for nicknames such as “Look Killa” (used in “If Looks Could Kill”) and “Top Floor Boss” in his previous projects. A warbly synth, accompanied by hard-hitting hi-hats and an actual unique, catchy flow from Lonely make the track a contender for being one of the most-streamed songs in the album.
Influence from Atlanta trap pioneers such as Young Thug and Future is apparent all throughout the body of work but Destroy Lonely has failed to elevate the distinct sound. Up until the midway point of the album, the songs are unidentifiable from each other, and it feels as if the rapper picked out his verses from an AI software while the production team had several slow days at the office. The tenth track, “LOCK IN”, deals with the same message of Lonely taking drugs and boasting about his riches, while he steals someone’s significant other. It is highly disappointing for listeners, who had been captivated by his artistry ever since he signed to Opium and were eagerly waiting for his latest drop since September 2023 when he teased the title through an unassuming Tumblr post.
Things get personal with songs such as “DOUBT IT” and “HONESTLY”, allowing us to know Destroy Lonely’s perspective on things bothering him and his state of being. On the former, the rapper talks about the “problems” that come with being young and rich, and how he doubts whether his lover will stick through thick and thin, while on the latter, he lets his raw vocals take front stage and gets vulnerable about his former lover through bars like: ‘Be honest with me, I know you miss me, shawty, keep it G (Keep it G)/ Beyond this sh*t, I always thought it’d be you and me.’
Teaming up with Ken Carson on “THRILL”, Destroy Lonely and his production ensemble manage to make one of the most noteworthy tracks of the whole project. The duo’s familiarity with each other helps them to pick up each other’s verses at the right cue, leading to a buttery-smooth flow of bars while the exciting 808s and hi-hats are sure to make you rock your head, owing to the genius of producer Dylxn.
Overall, LOVE LASTS FOREVER is nothing ground-breaking in the rap scene and will probably go on to be one of Destroy Lonely’s most uninspired works. The Opium rap prodigy, who is constantly vying to have his sound enjoy mainstream attention, has not fulfilled his objective. Memorable and spectacular are words that most would agree cannot be attached to this project.
4.5/10