Born X Raised is not just a clothing brand—it’s a cultural statement. Rooted in the streets of Los Angeles, this streetwear label tells the story of a city often glamorized, yet rarely understood from the ground up. What makes Born X Raised truly unique is its unapologetic attitude, its deep community roots, and its unwavering commitment to telling authentic stories through fashion. In a market flooded with logos and hype, this brand has carved out its own lane, fueled by identity, memory, and the soul of L.A.
The Origins of Born X Raised
Born X Raised was founded by Chris “Spanto” Printup and Alex “2Tone” Erdmann. Both natives of Los Angeles, they had experienced the shifting dynamics of the city firsthand—gentrification, displacement, and the loss of culture in neighborhoods they grew up in. These changes didn’t just affect real estate; they impacted people, identity, and heritage.
Spanto, raised in Venice, saw how rapidly his hometown transformed from a gritty neighborhood into a glossy tourist hub. Meanwhile, 2Tone, also a longtime Angeleno, shared a similar concern: how could a city’s culture be erased so quickly? Born X Raised was their answer—a way to preserve, protest, and present their narrative of Los Angeles, one shirt, hoodie, or hat at a time.
The Message Behind the Brand
The name Bornxraised hoodie is more than just a catchy phrase. It stands as a statement of pride and resistance. It’s for those who were born in the city, raised in its culture, and deeply connected to its roots. In a time when many cities are being overrun by corporate development and transplants unfamiliar with local history, the brand offers a form of cultural armor.
Born X Raised doesn’t follow fashion trends—it speaks truth. Its designs reflect the reality of life in the city: the good, the bad, the beautiful, and the broken. From classic fonts that resemble gang tagging to bold political statements printed on tees, each piece is like a page in a diary documenting the modern-day urban experience.
Authenticity at the Core
What sets Born X Raised apart from other streetwear brands is its authenticity. It doesn’t cater to outsiders looking to ”play urban.” Instead, it speaks directly to those who have lived the reality it represents. Whether it’s referencing neighborhood rivalries, calling out gentrification, or spotlighting forgotten parts of Los Angeles, the brand never compromises on telling it like it is.
Every collection feels like a love letter and a protest rolled into one. It’s common to find slogans that challenge authority, pay homage to local figures, or highlight issues such as police violence, poverty, and racial inequality. The raw honesty of the brand has earned it a loyal following not just in Los Angeles, but across the world.
Collaborations That Make Sense
Born X Raised has managed to collaborate with some of the biggest names in fashion, music, and sports—but always on its own terms. Whether it’s a partnership with the Los Angeles Dodgers or a limited edition drop with a global fashion house, each collaboration feels intentional, not opportunistic.
What makes these partnerships stand out is how well they blend the high-profile platform of the collaborator with the gritty realism of Born X Raised. The brand never loses its voice in the mix. Instead, it elevates its message, using the spotlight to bring attention to real issues and real people.
Connection With the Community
Perhaps the most powerful aspect of Born X Raised is its deep connection with the community. Spanto, before his passing in 2023, was known for his tireless dedication to giving back. Whether it was organizing food drives, supporting youth programs, or hosting cultural events, the brand remained involved in grassroots efforts.
That community-first approach isn’t marketing—it’s mission. Even after Spanto’s death, the spirit of his vision lives on through the brand’s continued outreach and commitment to its base. Born X Raised doesn’t just represent a neighborhood—it is the neighborhood.
A Tribute to Spanto
The passing of Chris ”Spanto” Printup was a devastating blow to the Born X Raised community. More than just a co-founder, Spanto was the soul of the brand. His personal journey—from growing up in Venice to surviving cancer, to building a streetwear empire—was deeply inspiring. Every piece of clothing he helped create carried a piece of that journey.
Spanto’s legacy remains the guiding light of Born X Raised. The brand now carries not only his creative direction but also his memory. Fans and supporters around the world continue to wear the brand as a tribute—not just to fashion, but to resilience, identity, and realness.
The Cultural Impact
Born X Raised has evolved from a local brand into a global cultural force. It resonates not just with fashion enthusiasts, but with anyone who values authenticity, heritage, and storytelling. It has influenced how other brands approach identity, representation, and the concept of “hometown pride.”
By refusing to water down its message or appeal to mass-market tastes, Born X Raised has become a symbol of integrity in a world of fast fashion and viral hype. It’s a reminder that clothing can be more than just fabric—it can be history, protest, pride, and passion stitched into every seam.
The Future of Born X Raised
With Spanto’s passing, many wondered what the future would hold. But Born X Raised continues to thrive under the stewardship of 2Tone and a dedicated team that understands the weight of its message. While trends come and go, the ethos of the brand remains unchanged.
Moving forward, Born X Raised is expected to expand both its reach and its voice. New collections, more collaborations, and a continued focus on storytelling will define the next chapter. But at its heart, it will always remain true to the streets, the stories, and the spirit of Los Angeles.
Conclusion
Born X Raised is more than a streetwear brand—it’s a cultural movement born from struggle, rooted in identity, and raised on real experience. It tells the story of Los Angeles not through polished billboards but through the voices of its people, its pain, and its pride.
In a world that often values flash over substance, Born X Raised is a powerful reminder that authenticity never goes out of style. Whether you were born in L.A. or simply admire its grit and soul, this brand offers more than just fashion—it offers a voice.