On March 11th, Pouya took the stage at SOMA in San Diego as part of his highly anticipated “They Can Never Make Me” tour, and from the moment he stepped out, the energy in the venue was undeniable. His performance showcased his signature flow, where his rapid-fire verses were complemented by his clever wordplay. The venue amplified the experience, creating an atmosphere of anticipation that lasted throughout the entire show.
What made the show even more remarkable was the chance to see one of the OG underground rappers from the SoundCloud era perform live. Pouya has been a pivotal figure in the rise of this generation of hip-hop, and watching him on stage was a testament to his journey and growth. He masterfully blended his raw talent with a magnetic stage presence, making it clear why he’s been a dominant figure in the underground scene for so many years. From the way he interacted with the crowd to the energy he exuded during each song, Pouya proved once again why he’s not just a rapper, but a true performer who knows how to captivate an audience.
Photo: Rome Thorpe
The Pouya Experience
Attending Pouya’s concert at SOMA in San Diego was a thrilling experience, especially since it was my first time photographing him live. I’ve been listening to his music for years, so finally seeing him on stage was a full-circle moment. The energy he brought to the crowd was electric, and being able to capture those intense moments through my lens was something I’ll never forget. There’s a unique power in witnessing an artist you admire perform live, and Pouya did not disappoint.
The crowd at SOMA was absolutely wild, feeding off every beat and lyric as if the whole room was vibrating with excitement. The setlist was a perfect mix of his biggest hits, including fan favorites like “1000 Rounds” and “Doubt Me,” along with some of his collaborations with $uicideboy$. Hearing those tracks live with the crowd singing every word made it clear why he has such a strong following. The atmosphere was intense and full of raw energy from start to finish.
If you have the chance, I highly recommend seeing Pouya live while he’s still on tour. His stage presence is unmatched, and there’s something special about experiencing his music in person. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering his work, his shows are an unforgettable experience that should not be missed.
Photos: Rome Thorpe
Personal Pouya Review
I’ve been listening to Pouya for about 6 or 7 years, so getting the chance to see him live for the first time and photograph him was an exciting and memorable experience. It was especially cool to see so many fans rocking G59 gear, a testament to his collaboration with $uicideboy$ on their tour. The vibe of the venue made the night feel even more personal, with fans showing their support and energy throughout the performance. Photographing him while hearing his songs in real-time had me feeling like a working fan—capturing the moments I’d always enjoyed from the sidelines, all while immersed in the music that made me a fan in the first place.
