Born X Raised is more than just a streetwear brand — it is a cultural emblem that reflects the raw, unfiltered identity of Los Angeles. Founded in 2013 by Chris "Spanto" Printup and his business partner Alex "2Tone" Erdmann, Born X Raised emerged at a time when street fashion was beginning to intersect deeply with social narratives. At its core, Born X Raised represents the voices of communities that have been overshadowed by the city’s relentless gentrification and cultural shifts.

The brand was born out of Spanto’s personal experiences growing up in Venice, a neighborhood that was undergoing rapid changes. As a native Angeleno, Spanto saw firsthand how the rich cultural fabric of working-class families and historically marginalized groups was being eroded by new developments and the influx of wealth. The name "Born X Raised" itself encapsulates the pride of being from a place and standing firm in one's roots, even as the landscape transforms around you.

From its inception, Born X Raised has always positioned itself as a voice for the "locals only" mentality — a defiant stance against cultural appropriation and displacement. Their earliest designs featured bold statements and symbols that directly referenced Los Angeles street culture, from old English typography reminiscent of gang tattoos to slogans that called out the sanitization of neighborhoods. This authenticity resonated with people beyond LA, attracting a global audience that appreciated the brand's commitment to its message.

A significant part of Born X Raised’s identity is tied to its founders' personalities. Spanto, with his deep ties to the Venice community and his no-nonsense attitude, provided the brand with its raw edge. 2Tone, coming from a background in graffiti and photography, added a creative vision that balanced the brand’s street toughness with artful expression. Together, they crafted a narrative that felt both personal and universal — a love letter to a disappearing Los Angeles and a rallying cry for anyone feeling displaced by change.

Born X Raised's designs often pay homage to Chicano culture, which has been a foundational influence in LA's street scene. Their apparel features motifs such as lowriders, Aztec symbols, and Catholic iconography, woven together in a way that feels celebratory rather than exploitative. By highlighting these cultural elements, the brand not only honors its roots but also educates a wider audience about the richness of LA's diverse communities.

What sets Born X Raised apart from many other streetwear labels is its commitment to storytelling. Each collection is more than just a set of garments — it is a narrative arc that addresses real-world issues. Whether it's about the impact of gentrification, the prison-industrial complex, or the resilience of minority communities, Born X Raised uses fashion as a platform for dialogue. Their limited releases often sell out quickly, not just because of the hype, but because they strike a chord with people who see their own struggles and stories reflected in the brand's work.

Over the years, Born X Raised has collaborated with major brands and institutions, but they have done so on their own terms. Their partnerships with Nike, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the LA Rams are notable not just for their commercial success but for how they allowed Born X Raised to bring its message to larger audiences without diluting its core identity. For example, their collaboration with Nike resulted in sneakers and apparel that fused classic sports aesthetics with distinctly LA street culture references, creating products that felt both fresh and rooted.

Beyond fashion, Born X Raised has positioned itself as a cultural force within Los Angeles. The brand regularly hosts community events, art shows, and charitable initiatives aimed at giving back to the neighborhoods that inspired its rise. Spanto, in particular, was known for using his platform to address social issues and support causes close to his heart, including indigenous rights and cancer awareness (having battled cancer himself). This commitment to community has strengthened the brand’s credibility and deepened its connection with fans.

Born X Raised’s visual style is characterized by a gritty realism. Their lookbooks and campaigns often feature real people from LA's neighborhoods, not professional models. The photography captures the raw beauty of the city’s streets — the murals, the corner stores, the back alleys — presenting an unvarnished view of urban life that contrasts sharply with the polished imagery typical in mainstream fashion.

As streetwear has become increasingly commercialized and globalized, Born X Raised has managed to retain its authenticity. This is partly because the brand has never shied away from controversy or from speaking hard truths about the realities of urban displacement, cultural erasure, and economic inequality. Where some brands have smoothed over their origins to appeal to broader markets, Born X Raised has doubled down on its mission to represent those who feel left behind by progress.

Sadly, the passing of Spanto in 2023 was a major loss not only for the brand but for the entire LA community. Yet, his legacy lives on through Born X Raised, which continues to embody his vision and values. Under 2Tone's stewardship, the brand remains committed to its foundational principles, honoring Spanto's memory by pushing forward while staying true to its roots.

Today, Born X Raised stands as a powerful example of how fashion can be a vehicle for cultural preservation and social commentary. It has carved out a unique space where style meets substance, resonating with people who see clothing not just as a form of self-expression but as a statement of identity and resistance.

Looking ahead, Born X Raised is poised to continue its evolution, expanding its influence while maintaining the fierce loyalty of its core community. Whether through new collaborations, community projects, or fresh collections, the brand's future seems bright, anchored by the same spirit of defiance and pride that sparked its creation over a decade ago.

In a world where trends come and go, Born X Raised endures — not just as a brand, but as a movement born from the streets of Los Angeles and raised by the people who call it home.