Born x Raised: A Streetwear Brand with Soul, Legacy, and LA Bloodlines

In a world where fashion trends are often recycled and authenticity is in short supply, Born x Raised stands out not just as a streetwear brand, but as a cultural statement. Rooted in the streets of Los Angeles and deeply intertwined with the identity of its neighborhoods, Born x Raised is more than a clothing label—it’s a voice for the people who have lived through the gentrification, cultural shifts, and socio-economic upheavals that shape real city life. It tells the story of those who were, quite literally, born and raised in a place that’s constantly trying to erase its history.

Origins in Loss and Loyalty

Born x Raised was founded in 2011 by Chris “Spanto” Printup and Alex “2Tone” Erdmann, two LA natives who grew up navigating the gritty undercurrents of a city that was as ruthless as it was beautiful. For Spanto, the brand was born out of survival and vision—he launched it just after being diagnosed with terminal cancer, using his time and energy to put something meaningful into the world. Against the odds, Spanto survived, and what began as a passion project became a movement.

The brand’s name is more than just a catchy phrase—it’s a declaration of roots, identity, and respect for the neighborhoods that raised its founders. While many streetwear companies borrow aesthetics from urban culture, Born x Raised embodies it with sincerity and reverence. Every piece of clothing carries the DNA of LA’s history—from gang culture and lowrider art to Native pride and community resilience.

Style with a Message

Born x Raised is known for bold typography, sharp slogans, and unapologetic designs. Phrases like “No One Likes Us And We Don’t Care” or “On the Turf” aren’t just edgy marketing—they’re declarations of independence and pride, aimed squarely at the forces that try to homogenize communities. The brand’s style reflects the tension between staying true to one’s roots and navigating a world that’s constantly changing, often not for the better.

The designs often incorporate symbols and references that might fly over the heads of outsiders but speak volumes to locals. Whether it’s a reference to LA’s gang truce of the '90s, nods to Indigenous identity, or throwbacks to classic Chicano street culture, the aesthetic is rich with layered meaning. These are clothes that speak to lived experience, not borrowed style.

Anti-Gentrification at Its Core

One of the brand’s most powerful themes is resistance against gentrification—a process that’s gutted communities across LA and countless other cities worldwide. Born x Raised doesn’t just oppose gentrification as a trend—it sees it as a cultural erasure. The brand exists to remind people of what came before: the families, the corner stores, the murals, and the unspoken rules of neighborhoods that aren’t for sale.

This anti-gentrification stance is baked into the brand’s DNA. When Spanto and 2Tone saw beloved parts of their city being flattened to make way for trendy cafes, tech offices, and luxury condos, they used their platform to push back. Their clothing became both armor and protest—a way to resist invisibility and assert presence.

Community Over Clout

Unlike many fashion brands chasing celebrity endorsements and social media hype, Born x Raised built its following the old-fashioned way: through loyalty, grit, and staying real. That said, its authenticity has naturally drawn attention from artists, athletes, and cultural icons who respect what the brand stands for. Everyone from Nipsey Hussle and YG to Kendrick Lamar and LeBron James has worn Born x Raised—not because they were paid to, but because the brand resonates.

Despite its growing reach, the brand has never strayed from its community-first ethos. Collaborations are often local, with a focus on giving back. Whether it’s designing merchandise for high school sports teams, creating limited drops for Indigenous Heritage Month, or hosting community events, Born x Raised doesn’t just take from culture—it contributes to it.

A Brand with a Pulse

The energy behind Born x Raised is raw, emotional, and often spiritual. Spanto, who sadly passed away in early 2023, left behind a legacy that lives on not just in clothing racks, but in the hearts of the people who knew what he stood for. His impact was deeply felt across LA and beyond, a testament to how powerful one person’s voice can be when it’s grounded in truth and love for their city.

His passing was more than the loss of a founder—it was the loss of a community leader, a cultural guardian, and a storyteller. Yet the brand continues, guided by the principles he laid down. Through its designs, projects, and ongoing commitment to honoring real people and real struggles, Born x Raised keeps Spanto’s spirit alive.

Evolution Without Compromise

As Born x Raised continues to grow, it walks a delicate line: scaling up without selling out. It has collaborated with major brands like Nike, the Dodgers, and the NFL, but somehow does it in a way that doesn’t dilute its identity. These partnerships aren’t about corporate assimilation—they’re about bringing LA’s culture into spaces that have long ignored it.

Whether it's a limited-edition sneaker drop or a custom Dodgers jersey, Born x Raised brings authenticity to every collaboration. The tone stays gritty, the voice stays loud, and the vision stays locked on preserving culture while pushing boundaries.

Conclusion: More Than Fabric

Born x Raised isn’t just fashion—it’s history stitched into hoodies, it’s resistance printed on tees, and it’s love letter after love letter to the people who don’t often get their stories told. It’s about remembering where you came from even when the world tries to forget you. It’s for the ones who watched their neighborhoods change, their friends disappear, and their culture get repackaged for profit.

In that way, Born x Raised is a rare thing in today’s fashion world—a brand with soul. It’s not just worn; it’s lived.