Despot (born Alec Reinstein, May 2, 1982) is an American hip-hop artist from Queens, New York City, He was signed to rapper El-P's label Definitive Jux in 2004, Despite not having recorded a full-length solo album, Despot has been a part of the New York underground rap scene for over a decade, Despot is associated with the Smart Crew collective and a co-owner of Santos Party House,Despot grew up in the Forest Hills neighborhood of Queens,He became involved in hip-hop at an early age, claiming that its prevalence amongst kids in his neighborhood made him appreciate rap,Around the age of twelve, Despot began to hang out with a Queens gang called the Lo-Lifes, most notable for wearing Polo Ralph Lauren clothing, Despot identifies himself as hopelessly addicted to sneakers and Polo clothing