$V$PEKT (pronounced “Suspect”) is a hip-hop artist, songwriter, and founder of the Broken Youth movement, blending gritty East Coast lyricism with introspective storytelling. Born and raised in Reno, Nevada, he spent his early years there before moving to California, where his passion for music first began to take shape. In 2017, fellow artist Young Lord helped write some of his earliest unreleased songs, sparking the inspiration and confidence to pursue music as more than just a hobby.

In 2020, $V$PEKT relocated to Virginia, where he immersed himself in East Coast hip-hop culture. Influenced by the raw lyricism and soulful production of artists such as Wu-Tang Clan, Mobb Deep, A Tribe Called Quest, Joey Bada$$, Capital STEEZ, MF DOOM, Griselda, Pete Rock, J Dilla, and The Alchemist, he refined a sound rooted in boom bap while developing his own authentic voice. Those years shaped not only his music but also his identity as an artist, giving him a deeper appreciation for storytelling, lyricism, and the culture that inspired him.

Returning to Reno in 2022, $V$PEKT set out with a mission: to put his hometown on the map while representing a style rarely associated with the city. Through his music, he channels personal struggles, ambition, resilience, and growth into records that resonate with listeners who have ever felt overlooked, misunderstood, or broken.

At the heart of his artistry is Broken Youth—a movement dedicated to giving a voice to the broken, the outcasts, and those searching for purpose. Rather than glorifying pain, $V$PEKT transforms it into motivation, using music as both therapy and a message of perseverance. His songs combine vivid storytelling, intricate wordplay, and emotionally driven lyricism, creating a sound that honors hip-hop’s golden era while remaining fresh and personal.

With every release, $V$PEKT continues building a catalog that reflects his journey—from being labeled a “problem child” to becoming an artist determined to inspire others through authenticity, resilience, and timeless hip-hop. His goal extends beyond making music: he aims to leave a lasting legacy for Reno, for hip-hop culture, and for every member of Broken Youth who refuses to let their past define their future.