Born X Raised is more than just a clothing brand—it's a cultural statement born out of the streets of Los Angeles. Founded by Chris "Spanto" Printup and Alex "2Tone" Erdmann in 2013, the brand emerged not from a fashion showroom but from the heart of a city in transformation. While many streetwear brands capitalize on trends, Born X Raised grounds itself in identity, community, and authenticity. The label speaks directly to those who feel displaced or forgotten in the rapid gentrification of their neighborhoods, giving voice to a generation that doesn’t want to be erased.

The Birth of a Movement

The name "Born X Raised" is a reference to being from somewhere and proudly representing that place. For its founders, that place is Venice, California. But the ethos behind the brand stretches far beyond one zip code. When Spanto and 2Tone launched Born X Raised, they weren’t chasing fashion week status or celebrity endorsements. They were channeling a local perspective, one that was rarely heard in streetwear at the time.

Born X Raised represents the people who never left their neighborhoods, the ones who saw their favorite taco stands replaced with vegan cafés, and their childhood barbershops pushed out by upscale salons. It's a narrative that many can relate to in urban centers across the globe, but few brands have embraced so directly or with such sincerity.

Cultural Preservation Through Style

At its core, Bornxraised hoodie is a cultural preservation project as much as it is a fashion brand. The clothing features bold typography, old English fonts, and references to Los Angeles iconography that feel lived-in, not appropriated. From its infamous "Gentrification is Genocide" shirt to its LA Dodgers collaborations, the brand consistently fuses civic pride with social commentary.

Spanto and 2Tone used the medium of clothing to express stories of survival, resistance, and resilience. The graphics are often unapologetic, and that raw honesty is part of what resonates so deeply with its audience. For many, wearing Born X Raised is a form of protest and pride—a way to show the world where they come from and what they stand for.

Collaborations With Meaning

While many streetwear brands chase after high-profile partnerships, Born X Raised approaches collaborations with a different intention. When the brand teamed up with the Los Angeles Dodgers, it wasn't just a marketing move—it was a love letter to the city. The collaboration merged baseball culture with local heritage, turning something simple like a jersey into a symbol of community.

Other collaborations with Nike, Converse, and even the NHL followed, but Born X Raised never lost its core identity. These projects served as amplifiers for their message, not diversions from it. Each product was infused with emotion and storytelling, creating drops that meant something deeper than just hype.

The Loss of Spanto and the Legacy He Leaves Behind

In early 2023, Born X Raised suffered an enormous loss with the passing of co-founder Chris "Spanto" Printup. His death shocked the streetwear world and devastated a community that saw him as more than just a designer. Spanto was a voice for the marginalized, a person who used his platform to uplift others and shine a light on issues often ignored in mainstream fashion.

But his legacy lives on through every stitch, every graphic, and every statement piece that Born X Raised releases. The brand continues to carry his vision forward, maintaining its commitment to authenticity and its refusal to sell out or compromise on values.

Born X Raised in the Digital Age

In a time when most fashion labels are focused on TikTok trends and algorithm hacks, Born X Raised continues to grow on its own terms. Its social media presence is strong, but it isn’t overly curated. The brand communicates like a real person—not a marketing team. This resonates especially with younger audiences who can easily spot inauthenticity.

Online drops are often chaotic, selling out within minutes. But this frenzy is not driven by artificial scarcity or influencer hype. Instead, it's the genuine connection people feel to the brand and what it represents. Every new release is more than just apparel; it's a chapter in a larger narrative about identity and belonging.

Impact on the Streetwear Landscape

Born X Raised has left an undeniable mark on streetwear. Its presence challenged the idea that fashion must come from Paris runways or New York boardrooms. It proved that authenticity, community, and storytelling could be just as powerful as celebrity endorsements and glossy ad campaigns.

The brand influenced other streetwear labels to reconsider their roots and intentions. In many ways, Born X Raised redefined what it means to be a successful fashion brand in the 21st century. Success, in their case, isn't just measured in sales or headlines but in cultural impact and the loyalty of a community that feels seen.

Looking Ahead: A Future Rooted in Values

As the brand moves into its next chapter, the foundation laid by Spanto and 2Tone continues to guide its direction. There's a sense that Born X Raised will always stay grounded in the values that birthed it: truth, loyalty, and a fierce love for one's roots. Whether it's through clothing, community events, or collaborations, the brand aims to keep telling stories that matter.

Even as the streetwear world becomes more saturated and competitive, Born X Raised stands out by not chasing the crowd. Instead, it carves its own lane, powered by real people, real stories, and a commitment to never forget where it came from.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Brand

Born X Raised is not just fashion. It's a movement, a voice, a living tribute to the people who built the neighborhoods now being rewritten by developers and outsiders. It is a brand built on memory, on survival, and on love—love for community, for culture, and for truth.