Born X Raised is more than just a clothing brand—it’s a deeply personal expression of Los Angeles culture. Founded in 2013, this streetwear label has carved out a significant space in fashion by staying true to its roots. The brand captures the soul of neighborhoods, voices of the unheard, and the pride of being raised in a city that is as gritty as it is glamorous.

What makes Born X Raised different from countless other streetwear brands is its uncompromising dedication to authenticity. While many fashion lines chase trends, Born X Raised tells stories. These are stories from the block, from the communities that built LA long before Hollywood lights and Instagram filters.

Origins: A Tribute to Heritage

Born X Raised was founded by Chris “Spanto” Printup and Alex “2Tone” Erdmann, two individuals who lived the realities they now represent in fabric and design. Spanto, a Native American from Venice, Los Angeles, brought a raw and fearless vision to the brand. 2Tone, with a background in graffiti and art direction, added a layered, visual language that gives the brand its distinctive edge.

The name "Born X Raised" itself is a declaration. It’s a nod to those who didn’t just move to LA to chase dreams, but who were actually raised in the city’s complex, often rough neighborhoods. The brand’s tagline “On the Turf” reinforces this dedication to local identity and community loyalty.

Streetwear Meets Storytelling

At its core, Born X Raised operates as a storytelling brand. Each collection is a narrative. Designs often reference local landmarks, old-school Chicano art, lowrider culture, and even LA's gang history. The clothing speaks to those who recognize these symbols not from magazines, but from real life.

The visuals are often bold: gothic lettering, black-and-white portraits, and powerful slogans. But it’s never done for mere shock value. Everything means something. When Born X Raised releases a shirt with a reference to a defunct roller rink or a graffiti-covered underpass, it's documenting a fading history that matters to real people.

This narrative power sets Born X Raised apart. It's not trying to sell an image—it’s preserving one.

The City as a Canvas

Los Angeles is a city of contrast. There’s wealth and poverty, fame and obscurity, sunshine and shadow. Bornxraised hoodie doesn’t gloss over any of it. Instead, the brand embraces the full spectrum.

For locals, seeing a Born X Raised campaign featuring familiar faces or neighborhood spots creates an instant connection. It’s like looking in a mirror and seeing your experience reflected back without distortion. It’s a validation of identity that is rarely offered by mainstream fashion.

This deep connection to place also explains the brand’s fierce protectiveness. Born X Raised doesn’t cater to tourists or poseurs. If you don’t know the references, you’re not supposed to. And that’s okay. The brand doesn’t dilute itself for mass appeal—and ironically, that’s part of why it appeals to so many.

Community Over Clout

In a world where clout-chasing drives much of the streetwear industry, Born X Raised remains rooted in community. Spanto, before his untimely passing in 2023, often emphasized how the brand was about giving back. Whether it was collaborating with local artists or hosting events in Venice to benefit youth programs, Born X Raised has always prioritized impact over hype.

Their drops often feel like community events. Lines form early. Locals show up not just to buy, but to connect. The brand has built a culture around it—a loyal following that sees Born X Raised as more than fashion. It’s a movement.

Even their online presence avoids the generic marketing tone used by many brands. There’s a roughness, a grit, a sense of realness that mirrors their message. They post what matters to them: local heroes, memorials, murals, and behind-the-scenes moments that speak volumes.

Collaborations With Purpose

Born X Raised has worked with some of the biggest names in fashion and sports—from Nike and Converse to the Los Angeles Dodgers. But what makes their collaborations stand out is intention.

When they teamed up with the Dodgers, it wasn’t just a marketing move. It was a full-circle moment for Spanto, who grew up idolizing the team. The collection paid tribute to LA’s Mexican-American culture and Dodger fandom, drawing a line between sport, identity, and city pride.

Similarly, their collaboration with Nike felt less like a product drop and more like a cultural conversation. Born X Raised uses these platforms to elevate stories and communities that are often ignored by mainstream narratives.

Resilience and Legacy

The passing of Spanto in 2023 sent shockwaves through the community and fashion world alike. He had been fighting cancer for years and continued to build the brand even during treatment. His death marked the end of an era—but also solidified his legacy.

Born X Raised didn’t fade away after his passing. If anything, it doubled down on its mission. The team, led by 2Tone and others close to Spanto, has continued to release collections that honor his vision. The brand has remained unapologetically local, fiercely original, and emotionally powerful.

Spanto’s voice still echoes through every stitch and slogan. His story is woven into the brand’s DNA—a reminder that creativity born from struggle can transform communities and inspire generations.

More Than Fashion

Born X Raised is not for everyone, and that’s by design. It doesn’t try to be everything to everyone. It speaks directly to those who understand what it means to be overlooked, to be proud of where you’re from even when the world tells you not to be.

This unapologetic stance has helped the brand earn the respect of celebrities, artists, and athletes. But at its heart, Born X Raised still belongs to the streets that made it. The brand isn’t trying to escape the turf—it’s trying to elevate it.

In a culture that often prizes reinvention over roots, Born X Raised stands as a defiant exception. It proves that fashion can be a form of cultural preservation. That streetwear can be about more than just style—it can be a tribute, a protest, and a promise.

Final Thoughts

Born X Raised is not just a name on a tag—it’s a badge of honor. It represents a city, a community, and a spirit that refuses to be forgotten. From its Venice roots to its global reach, the brand continues to prove that authenticity is timeless.

In an industry that often loses touch with reality, Born X Raised keeps it close. The turf, the people, the pain, the pride—it’s all there in every design. And that’s what makes Born X Raised not just a clothing label, but a legacy in motion.