Repping LA with Every Stitch

Born x Raised: A Voice for the Unheard, A Flag for the Forgotten

Born x Raised is not just a clothing brand—it’s a living, breathing expression of Los Angeles. It’s a cultural imprint rooted in the streets, built on loyalty, pride, and a deep respect for community. Born x Raised represents a side of LA that isn’t always seen in the glitz and glamour, but is just as vital, if not more—one filled with grit, history, and heart. Founded in 2013 by the late Chris “Spanto” Printup and Alex “2Tone” Erdmann, Born x Raised emerged as a response to change. A response to gentrification. A statement against the erasure of identity and the commodification of neighborhoods.

The brand was created to represent the people who are often overlooked: the ones born and raised in their cities, the ones with roots, not just addresses. From its beginnings, Born x Raised has been about preservation—preserving the culture, the values, and the stories that shape the soul of communities.

The Meaning Behind the Name

The name Born x Raised is straightforward, yet powerful. It symbolizes authenticity. It’s a declaration of origin and belonging—two ideas often stripped away in a rapidly changing urban landscape. The “x” in the middle acts as both a barrier and a bridge. It marks the line between past and future, between staying true and selling out. For Spanto and 2Tone, it was important to make that distinction clear. This wasn’t just about fashion. It was about identity.

For many, the phrase “born and raised” carries a personal weight—it’s where you learned to fight, to love, to grow. It’s where your family lived, where your memories were formed, and where your roots still grip the earth. That’s the essence of the brand.

A Deep Connection to Los Angeles

Born x Raised is proudly, defiantly from Los Angeles. But not just any Los Angeles—the real Los Angeles. The one with corner stores and backyard barbecues. The one with murals of saints and saints in the making. The one that isn’t trying to impress tourists or cater to developers. Spanto, a proud Native Angeleno with roots in Venice, made it his mission to represent the neighborhoods that shaped him—those now being bulldozed, rebranded, and forgotten in the wave of gentrification.

The brand’s designs reflect this connection. From bold typography to gritty graphics, every piece feels like a love letter to LA’s working class. You’ll find tributes to the Dodgers, nods to Chicano culture, references to old school lowrider crews, and visuals that speak the language of the streets. Born x Raised designs aren’t just wearable—they’re statements.

Streetwear with a Message

In an era when streetwear often leans into hype and mass appeal, Born x Raised has always taken a different route. Their drops aren’t about trends—they’re about truth. The brand uses fashion as a storytelling tool, tackling topics like displacement, police violence, cultural pride, and more. There’s a rebellious streak in every collection, but it’s rebellion with purpose.

Whether it’s a tee with a stark message or a collaboration with a community organization, Born x Raised knows that style without substance is hollow. They’ve built a reputation for speaking up and standing tall—especially when it matters most.

Collaboration with Integrity

Over the years, Born x Raised has worked with major names like the Los Angeles Dodgers, the NHL, Converse, and even the late Nipsey Hussle. But they’ve never compromised their voice or their values for the sake of a collab. Every partnership is rooted in mutual respect and a shared vision. When they team up with others, it’s about amplifying the culture, not diluting it.

Their 2023 collab with Nike, which included a powerful tribute to Spanto after his passing, showed how deeply the brand resonates beyond fashion. It was more than a sneaker release—it was a cultural moment. The rollout included heartfelt tributes, a mural, and a celebration of Spanto’s life, bringing together a community that felt his absence as much as his presence.

The Legacy of Spanto

The heartbeat of Born x Raised was, and always will be, Spanto. His vision for the brand was born from personal pain and love—love for his city, for his people, and for authenticity. Spanto faced adversity early in life, including incarceration and a cancer diagnosis, both of which shaped his view of the world. But instead of letting those struggles define him, he channeled them into something bigger: a brand that gave voice to others who felt left behind.

His passing in 2023 was a devastating blow to the streetwear community and to LA as a whole. But his legacy lives on in every garment, in every message, and in every person who wears Born x Raised as a badge of pride.

A Brand That Belongs to the People

More than just merch, Born x Raised is movement. It’s worn by the barber down the block, the tattoo artist on Melrose, the kid on the BMX bike, and the mother with a story to tell. It’s for those who understand the beauty in struggle and the power of staying rooted.

What sets the brand apart is its unwavering connection to real people. It doesn’t chase algorithms or seasonal fashion trends. It creates from the heart, for the heart. Born x Raised is proof that streetwear can be soulful, that it can have depth, and that it can build bridges between generations and neighborhoods.

Looking Ahead

Even after Spanto’s passing, Born x Raised continues to thrive, guided by the principles he and 2Tone instilled from day one. The mission remains the same: to uplift, to represent, and to protect the culture. The brand is now an institution in LA, and its influence continues to grow nationally and globally.

As Born x Raised looks to the future, it carries with it a powerful reminder: that where you come from matters. That you don’t need to sell out to stand out. And that some of the loudest, proudest voices come from the quiet corners of the city.