Born x Raised: A Legacy of Culture, Community, and Resistance
Born x Raised isn’t just a clothing brand — it’s a statement, a movement, and a love letter to the streets of Los Angeles. Founded in 2013 by Chris “Spanto” Printup and Alex “2Tone” Erdmann, Born x Raised rose from the ashes of a rapidly gentrifying Venice Beach, a neighborhood both men knew intimately and mourned as it changed. What began as a local voice of defiance has become a global symbol of authenticity, pride, and street-born identity.
The Origin Story: Built from the Block
Spanto grew up in Venice, a place where culture, art, and hardship collided in equal measure. But as LA changed—skyrocketing rent, erasure of communities of color, and cultural displacement—he saw his world vanishing. Born x Raised was his answer. The name itself is a declaration: “I was born here, I was raised here, and I’m not leaving quietly.”
2Tone, with his background in graffiti, photography, and a deep-rooted understanding of LA street culture, was the perfect creative partner. Together, they built a brand that channeled the angst, pride, and resilience of a generation watching their hometowns get sold off and sterilized. Born x Raised gave those communities a voice—loud, unfiltered, and unapologetic.
The Design: Grit with a Message
What sets Born x Raised apart is its design language. It doesn’t chase trends. Instead, it pays homage to LA’s history, its working-class neighborhoods, Chicano culture, and the unspoken codes of the street. Their typography often echoes gang-affiliated fonts or old English lettering, tapping into the deep well of West Coast aesthetics. Their graphics reference everything from lowrider culture to classic LA sports teams, protest signs to mural art.
But it’s never shallow. Every piece carries a message—sometimes angry, sometimes nostalgic, but always rooted in pride. Shirts bearing phrases like “Gentrification is Genocide” or “On the Turf” don’t just make fashion statements; they tell stories of resistance, remembrance, and rootedness.
Loyalty Over Hype
Unlike many brands in the streetwear space, Born x Raised has remained fiercely independent. Their drops are limited and intentional. Scarcity isn’t just a marketing ploy—it’s a form of quality control and a nod to the brand’s values. They don’t mass-produce culture. They protect it.
Born x Raised doesn’t chase collaborations either—they choose them carefully. When they partner with giants like Nike or the Dodgers, it’s not just for exposure. It’s because those institutions hold meaning to their community. Their Nike SB Dunk collab, for example, was more than just a hot sneaker—it was a tribute to LA street heritage. Even when working with corporate names, Born x Raised maintains its soul.
Community First, Always
At its heart, Born x Raised is for the people. They’ve hosted community block parties, collaborated with local artists, and given back in ways that most brands never consider. Spanto was known for driving around his neighborhood, handing out merch to kids who couldn’t afford it. That kind of realness doesn’t get posted on social media—it lives in the streets, in memories, and in the legacy of a brand that never forgot its roots.
When Spanto was diagnosed with cancer, the community rallied. And even during his treatments, he remained creatively active. His fight became part of the brand’s story—a reminder of its resilience and refusal to fold. Tragically, Spanto passed away in 2023, but not before etching his spirit into every corner of the brand. Born x Raised continues not just in his memory but in his mission.
Impact Beyond Fashion
Born x Raised has helped redefine what streetwear can be. It isn’t about clout or resale—it’s about culture. It’s about using clothing as a vehicle for storytelling, healing, protest, and identity. For many, wearing Born x Raised is like flying a flag—one that says, “I’m still here. This is my home.”
They’ve also pushed boundaries of who gets represented in fashion. Their models aren’t always celebrities—they’re locals, OGs, friends, and family. People with real stories and scars. This inclusivity isn’t performative—it’s foundational. Born x Raised knows the power of visibility, especially for communities that have long been erased.
The brand has also become a favorite among athletes, musicians, and actors who connect with its message. But even as it’s gained attention from the mainstream, it’s never lost its soul. Born x Raised doesn’t bend to the industry—it bends the industry to it.
The Legacy Lives On
Today, Born x Raised continues to grow, but always on its own terms. Without Spanto, the path forward is emotionally heavier, but the foundation he laid is unshakable. The brand remains guided by his vision: to protect the culture, honor the past, and speak truth to power.
Born x Raised is more than a brand—it’s a document of LA history, a mirror to gentrified America, and a rallying cry for anyone who’s watched their neighborhood get whitewashed. It’s a reminder that the streets have stories worth telling, and that pride—true, unshakable pride—can’t be bought or sold.
In a fashion world often saturated with noise and mimicry, Born x Raised stands as a rare thing: a brand with a soul, a story, and a spine.