Born X Raised: A Culture, Not Just a Brand

Born X Raised is more than just a streetwear label. It’s a cultural statement, a hometown tribute, and a raw expression of identity. Founded in Los Angeles, Born X Raised (often stylized as Born x Raised) has carved out its place in the crowded world of fashion by being unapologetically true to its roots. While many brands follow trends, Born X Raised creates them—fueled by a deep love for community, heritage, and authenticity.

The Origin Story

The Born X Raised brand was co-founded in 2013 by Chris “Spanto” Printup and Alex “2Tone” Erdmann, both born and raised in Los Angeles. Their goal wasn’t just to sell clothes; it was to represent the culture of the neighborhoods they grew up in. In a city often portrayed through glitz and glamour, Spanto and 2Tone wanted to show a side of L.A. rarely seen—the real one.

Spanto’s vision for the brand stemmed from his own story of struggle, survival, and strength. After being diagnosed with terminal cancer just before launching the brand, his journey took on deeper meaning. He beat the odds, and Born X Raised became both a personal triumph and a voice for the unheard.

Streetwear With a Message

What sets Born X Raised apart from other streetwear labels is its unmistakable message. It isn’t just about looking cool; it’s about telling the truth. The designs often reflect themes like gentrification, loss of community, pride in one’s city, and resistance to cultural erasure.

Bold fonts, heavy imagery, and powerful slogans are trademarks of the brand. Pieces often feature phrases like “Gentrification is Genocide,” sending a message that resonates far beyond fashion. Each drop feels like a protest, a celebration, and a love letter all at once.

Representing Los Angeles Authentically

Los Angeles has been the heart of Bornxraised hoodie since the beginning. But the brand doesn’t focus on the Hollywood dream. Instead, it highlights neighborhoods like Venice, Inglewood, and South Central—the areas where real stories unfold every day.

Born X Raised has a strong connection to local communities. It often collaborates with local artists, musicians, and creators who embody the spirit of the city. This dedication to staying local has built a loyal following among those who see themselves reflected in the brand.

Collaborations That Speak Volumes

Born X Raised has earned respect in the fashion industry not by chasing hype, but by building meaningful collaborations. From working with sports teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers to music legends and global brands, their collaborations always keep cultural integrity front and center.

Each collaboration feels personal. They’re not just marketing moves—they’re community-driven efforts that reflect the people, the places, and the energy that Born X Raised is rooted in. When the brand partnered with Nike or the Lakers, it wasn’t just about co-branded merchandise; it was about telling a shared story.

Fashion as Resistance

In an era where fast fashion and influencer-driven trends dominate the scene, Born X Raised operates with a different purpose. The brand treats fashion as a form of resistance—a way to push back against the erasure of local culture and the commodification of identity.

Their limited-edition drops sell out fast, not because they are mass-produced or aggressively marketed, but because they speak to something deeper. People who wear Born X Raised aren’t just putting on a shirt or a hoodie; they’re wearing their history, their pride, and their defiance.

Community and Legacy

One of the most powerful aspects of Born X Raised is its unwavering commitment to community. The brand regularly hosts events, fundraisers, and pop-ups that benefit local initiatives. From providing meals to the homeless to organizing community clean-ups, the brand gives back to the city that raised it.

Tragically, in 2023, Spanto passed away after a battle with cancer. His death was a huge loss not only to the fashion world but to the cultural fabric of Los Angeles. However, his legacy lives on through Born X Raised. Every drop, every collaboration, and every message continues to echo his spirit and mission.

The Future of Born X Raised

With 2Tone still at the creative helm, Born X Raised shows no signs of slowing down. The brand continues to evolve while staying rooted in its mission. It embraces growth without losing its core values—a rare feat in the world of modern fashion.

Looking ahead, Born X Raised is expected to expand its presence both domestically and internationally. But no matter how big it gets, its identity will always be deeply tied to the streets of L.A. and the culture that birthed it.

A Brand That Stands for Something

In a marketplace crowded with noise, Born X Raised stands out by standing for something. It’s not just about clothes—it’s about respect, resilience, and representing where you come from. It’s a brand that reminds people that their story matters, their city matters, and their identity is worth fighting for.

Born X Raised has become a cultural landmark, not because it followed the rules, but because it rewrote them. It’s a brand for those who believe that clothing can be a canvas for real-life stories, for pain, for pride, and for progress.

Conclusion

Born X Raised is a force in the fashion world not because of flashy marketing or celebrity endorsements, but because it represents something real. It gives voice to the voiceless, honors its roots, and never forgets where it came from.

Through its bold designs, strong community ties, and unwavering cultural stance, Born X Raised has become more than just a brand—it’s a movement. And as long as there are stories to tell and communities to uplift, Born X Raised will continue to lead the way, not just in fashion, but in purpose.