dirt/hurt/pain/

Released in early 2022, dirt/hurt/pain/ represents a significant stylistic pivot for Pouya, moving away from the aggressive trap and rapid-fire delivery of his Soundcloud-era roots toward a more melodic and atmospheric emo-rap sound. The EP is a concise five-track exploration of mental health, isolation, and the repetitive nature of emotional struggle. Produced with a focus on lo-fi textures and minimalist arrangements, the project strips away the distorted bravado of his earlier work to highlight a more vulnerable, singing-inflected vocal style. Critics and fans noted the project's departure from his 'chopper' reputation, praising the growth in his songwriting and the cohesive, late-night mood established by tracks like 'all my days feel the same.' It serves as a bridge between his underground origins and a more mature, introspective phase of his career, cementing his place as a versatile storyteller within the cloud rap subgenre.