Born X Raised is more than just a streetwear brand—it’s a cultural force rooted in the streets of Los Angeles. Founded in 2013 by Spanto (the late Chris Printup) and 2Tone, the brand has carved out a reputation for authenticity, community loyalty, and unapologetic pride in local heritage. From its early days printing provocative slogans to collaborating with global names, Born X Raised has maintained its identity as a voice of the city, speaking for those who are often left unheard.
Origins in the Heart of LA
Born X Raised began as a creative rebellion. Spanto, born and raised in Venice, California, envisioned a brand that reflected the real Los Angeles—not the Hollywood version, but the street-level culture made up of diverse communities, neighborhood pride, and lived experience. The name “Born X Raised” itself speaks to a connection with place, to belonging and to origins. It’s a celebration of being rooted in one’s hometown, flaws and all.
For Spanto and 2Tone, the city wasn’t just a backdrop. It was the entire narrative. The brand emerged as a response to the gentrification that was displacing locals and changing the face of historic LA neighborhoods. Bornxraised hoodie became a platform to preserve the stories, pride, and grit of old LA through streetwear.
A Distinctive Visual Identity
One of the reasons Born X Raised stands out is its visual language. The graphics are bold and confrontational. Early pieces included messages like “Gentrification is Genocide,” confronting social issues head-on. The brand’s typography, often inspired by gang-style lettering, old English fonts, and Catholic iconography, tells a story of identity and resistance. It doesn’t try to fit into mainstream trends—instead, it pulls its aesthetic directly from the city’s raw energy.
Unlike many streetwear labels that mimic each other season after season, Born X Raised holds tight to its original DNA. You’ll see references to West Coast history, LA’s unique culture, and designs that celebrate both struggle and pride. This consistent visual identity gives the brand a sense of continuity and authenticity that many newer brands lack.
Collaborations with Purpose
As the brand’s reputation grew, so did its opportunities. But Born X Raised was selective. Instead of chasing every collaboration for exposure, it partnered with organizations and companies that aligned with its vision. Collaborations with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Lakers, and the Rams were not just fashion drops—they were cultural statements, bringing LA’s sports and street culture into one shared space.
In these projects, the brand made sure that the community remained at the center. It wasn’t just about merch—it was about storytelling. Whether it was honoring Nipsey Hussle or Spanto’s personal battle with cancer, every release had meaning and context. These collaborations showed that Born X Raised wasn’t just selling clothing—it was building a movement rooted in shared experiences.
The Impact of Spanto
Spanto’s presence was the heartbeat of Born X Raised. His personal story was intertwined with the brand. From his struggles with cancer to his deep commitment to his neighborhood, he infused each drop with purpose. Spanto was not a distant founder—he was involved, vocal, and passionate. When he passed away in 2023, the city mourned not just a designer but a cultural leader.
Even in death, Spanto’s legacy lives on through the brand. His commitment to community, identity, and storytelling continues to guide the brand’s direction. Every collection serves as a tribute—not just to him, but to the values he built the brand on. It’s rare to see a founder’s spirit so strongly embedded in a label, but in the case of Born X Raised, it’s the foundation.
Cultural Significance Beyond Fashion
Born X Raised doesn’t just exist in the fashion world—it exists in the cultural conversation. The brand has used its platform to speak on issues like displacement, racial injustice, and pride in one’s roots. Its message has resonated not just in Los Angeles, but across the globe. For many, Born X Raised represents a feeling: the pride of being from somewhere, the pain of seeing it change, and the power of resisting that change with pride and dignity.
This cultural relevance is what makes the brand so magnetic. You’re not just buying a shirt or a hoodie. You’re buying into a belief system—a story of pride, loyalty, resistance, and love for one’s home.
Streetwear with Soul
Streetwear has exploded into a multi-billion-dollar industry. Many brands now focus more on hype and resale value than on message and meaning. Born X Raised stands out by doing the opposite. It focuses on soul. Its releases aren’t always the most frequent, but when they arrive, they make noise. That’s because each drop is infused with intention. It’s streetwear that speaks to something real.
The loyalty Born X Raised commands from its fans isn’t just about style—it’s about trust. People trust the brand to tell their stories, to represent them with respect, and to never compromise its core values. That kind of brand loyalty is rare in today’s market and has been key to its longevity.
The Future of Born X Raised
With Spanto’s passing, many wondered what would happen to Born X. But if anything, the brand seems more focused than ever. 2Tone and the rest of the team have doubled down on the original mission—keeping the memory of Spanto alive through collections that honor his spirit.
Moving forward, the brand continues to be a voice for the voiceless. It still champions local causes, supports community events, and gives back to the neighborhoods that raised it. In an era where many brands lose their way after success, Born X Raised is finding new strength in staying grounded.
Conclusion: A Legacy Written in the Streets
Born X Raised is not just a name—it’s a declaration. A reminder of where you come from, and who you do it for. In a world where trends shift rapidly and authenticity is often lost, this brand remains rooted in something much deeper than fashion. It’s about family, memory, loyalty, and the streets that shape us.
