Born x Raised: A Voice for the Unheard, A Brand for the Bold
Born x Raised is more than just a streetwear brand—it’s a cultural movement rooted in the heart of Los Angeles. Founded in 2013 by Chris “Spanto” Printup and Alex “2Tone” Erdmann, the brand quickly became a staple in the world of streetwear, not just for its bold designs and gritty aesthetic, but for its unwavering commitment to community, heritage, and authenticity. Born x Raised isn’t trying to fit into the fashion industry—it’s carving out its own space, proudly shaped by the streets that raised it.
At the core of Born x Raised is a story of identity. It emerged at a time when the city of Los Angeles, like many urban areas, was experiencing heavy gentrification. Long-time residents and families were being pushed out of neighborhoods that had defined their lives for generations. The unique culture, traditions, and flavor of these communities were being erased or commodified. For Spanto and 2Tone, who were both born and raised in LA, this wasn’t just a trend—it was a personal loss. Born x Raised became their way of pushing back, of reclaiming their city’s voice.
Every piece from Born x Raised carries a message. The graphics are unapologetically raw, often incorporating elements of LA’s local culture, street codes, and historical references. The fonts are heavy. The slogans are direct. The colors are bold. But behind the visual impact lies deep meaning. Words like “Gentrification Is Genocide” or “On the Turf” are not just edgy marketing tactics—they’re statements of protest, identity, and solidarity with those often left out of mainstream narratives.
Unlike many streetwear brands that are primarily focused on trends, Born x Raised remains rooted in storytelling. Each drop is connected to a specific place, experience, or social issue. For Spanto, the brand became a personal platform for honoring the city’s underrepresented voices—those of indigenous communities, working-class families, and street kids who never saw themselves reflected in popular culture. This dedication to authenticity is why Born x Raised resonates so deeply with its audience. It’s not trying to be cool. It just is.
Tragically, Spanto passed away in 2023, but his legacy lives on through the brand he co-created. His influence was instrumental in shaping the aesthetic and values of Born x Raised. He poured his life experiences into every piece, often speaking openly about his battles with cancer, incarceration, and life on the streets. For Spanto, Born x Raised wasn’t about fame or fashion—it was about survival, memory, and respect. His death sent shockwaves through the community, but also brought even more attention to the message he spent his life building.
One of the defining elements of Born x Raised is its relationship with LA sports teams and local culture. The brand has done collaborations with iconic institutions like the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Lakers, bridging the gap between fashion, sports, and city pride. These collabs aren’t shallow money-grabs—they’re love letters to LA. Born x Raised understands that for many Angelenos, their sports teams are sacred. The brand treats them with reverence, often creating limited-edition pieces that sell out instantly, not just because of hype, but because of the emotional connection.
In a landscape where streetwear can often feel over-commercialized or diluted by hype culture, Born x Raised stands out for staying true to its roots. Its limited releases, community-first mindset, and willingness to address real-world issues make it a breath of fresh air. Even the way the brand operates reflects its values. Born x Raised doesn’t drop new collections just to stay relevant—it releases pieces when they’re meaningful. The focus is on quality over quantity, message over margin.
The brand has also made a point to give back. Whether it’s through charity events, fundraisers, or partnerships with local organizations, Born x Raised continues to invest in the same neighborhoods that shaped it. This sense of responsibility is what separates it from the crowd. It’s not just about making money—it’s about making a difference.
Born x Raised has never followed the typical fashion playbook. It’s not concerned with fitting into fashion weeks or chasing trends. It has carved out a unique lane that blends streetwear with activism, design with storytelling. It’s a brand for those who have lived through struggle, who have seen their neighborhoods change, who carry their city on their back. It’s for the people who have always been outsiders, now finding a uniform that represents their truth.
In many ways, Born x Raised is an extension of LA itself—tough, creative, diverse, and unapologetically real. The city is in the brand’s DNA, visible in every collection, every campaign, every photograph. But despite its deep LA roots, the message has reached far beyond city lines. Born x Raised speaks to anyone who knows what it means to fight for your place in a world that wants to forget you.
The impact of Born x Raised continues to grow. Celebrities, athletes, and artists have all been spotted wearing the brand, but it never loses sight of who it’s for. The loyal fanbase isn’t drawn by star power—it’s drawn by truth. Born x Raised represents the kids with no silver spoon, the communities that built cities from the ground up, and the power of pride in where you come from.
As fashion continues to evolve, Born x Raised reminds us that clothing can still be a form of resistance, a way to tell stories, and a method for keeping culture alive. It’s not just streetwear—it’s street wisdom. It’s not about fitting in—it’s about standing tall. Born x Raised isn’t here to blend in with the fashion elite. It’s here to represent the real ones.
In a world that often forgets its roots, Born x Raised stays grounded. And that’s exactly what makes it rise.
