Born x Raised: The Voice of LA Street Culture

Born x Raised: A Cultural Anthem Woven into Streetwear

In a world where streetwear often gets lost in the noise of hype and fast fashion, Born x Raised stands apart. Founded in 2013 by Chris “Spanto” Printup and Alex “2Tone” Erdmann, this Los Angeles-based label is not just a brand—it’s a statement. It speaks the language of the streets, but more importantly, it tells a story. A story rooted in heritage, community, loss, resilience, and an unwavering love for the city that shaped it.

The Origins: Los Angeles as the Muse

Born x Raised was birthed from the heart of Venice, California—long before the tech invasion and gentrification turned the beachfront neighborhood into a polished destination. Venice, once raw and layered with cultural richness, shaped Spanto’s identity. He saw firsthand how rapidly his neighborhood was changing, not always for the better. The name “Born x Raised” is a literal nod to his upbringing in Venice and a spiritual shout-out to anyone who feels deeply connected to the place that raised them.

From the outset, the brand was intended to be a tribute to the “real LA”—the version often hidden behind Hollywood glitz and influencer filters. Its graphics are unapologetically bold, frequently laced with messages about displacement, identity, and authenticity. Born x Raised isn’t trying to sell a dream; it’s preserving a reality.

Spanto’s Vision: Culture Over Commerce

Spanto, who battled adversity both personally and within his community, created Born x Raised not to chase trends but to protect a legacy. Diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2013, right around the time he founded the brand, Spanto viewed every collection as a piece of himself. He wasn’t just putting out merch—he was documenting a culture on the verge of erasure.

Rather than catering to the mass market, Born x Raised kept its drops tight, focused, and rooted in storytelling. The brand became known for its deeply personal and localized approach, mixing graffiti-style typography, old English fonts, and West Coast iconography. It wasn’t just about looking cool—it was about wearing your identity on your sleeve.

The Role of 2Tone: The Voice of the Streets

Alex “2Tone” Erdmann, Spanto’s co-founder, brought a sharp cultural lens to the brand. A writer, photographer, and creative force, 2Tone helped shape Born x Raised’s rebellious voice. While Spanto held the emotional core, 2Tone added a layer of defiant wit and political commentary.

Together, they used the brand as a canvas. Each piece served as a protest, a prayer, or a poetic nod to those caught in the margins of a rapidly evolving city. From T-shirts with “Gentrification is Genocide” scrawled across the chest to collaborations with Native American communities, Born x Raised spoke where others stayed silent.

Not Just Clothing—Community First

What makes Born x Raised more than just a streetwear label is its unwavering dedication to community. Whether they were hosting Thanksgiving dinners for those in need, putting on block parties, or working with marginalized youth, the founders made it clear: this was about people, not profit.

Born x Raised has worked with local nonprofits, hosted cultural events, and even launched collections that raised funds for social justice movements. When Spanto’s cancer returned in 2020, the brand didn’t shy away from vulnerability—it embraced it. The community rallied behind him, showing just how deeply the brand had embedded itself in the hearts of many.

When Spanto tragically passed away in 2023, the grief extended far beyond LA. His loss was felt across the streetwear world and beyond—testament to the power of the platform he built. But even in his absence, the spirit of Born x Raised lives on, carried by 2Tone and a growing collective committed to preserving what they started.

Collaborations: From Niche to Notable

Over the years, Born x Raised has maintained its core identity while still collaborating with major names. They’ve worked with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Converse, and even the NHL—bringing streetwear into spaces it rarely reached before. But unlike other brands that get swallowed by big-name partnerships, Born x Raised keeps its soul intact.

Their 2021 Dodger collaboration, for instance, wasn’t just about aesthetics. It was about bridging cultures—uniting LA’s love for baseball with the grit of its neighborhoods. Fans didn’t just buy a jersey—they bought into a movement that represented their version of Los Angeles.

Aesthetic and Attitude: West Coast Forever

Stylistically, Born x Raised carries an undeniable West Coast DNA. Think lowriders, tattoo fonts, black and white photography, and old-school cholo aesthetics—but always with a modern twist. It celebrates LA’s Latino heritage, its gang culture (without glorifying violence), and the contradictions that make the city what it is.

But their aesthetic goes beyond surface-level. Every design choice serves a purpose, whether it’s to start a conversation or honor a tradition. In a time when many streetwear labels chase virality, Born x Raised stays grounded—its feet planted firmly on LA concrete.

Legacy: More Than a Brand

Born x Raised is not defined by seasons or sales—it’s defined by spirit. It’s the sound of skateboards clacking on sidewalks, the smell of carne asada in neighborhood parks, and the feeling of being both proud and protective of where you come from. It’s about showing love to the forgotten, respect to the elders, and giving voice to the voiceless.

Even as the brand expands and gains more global recognition, it refuses to let go of its roots. That’s what makes it rare. While other brands pivot for profit, Born x Raised continues to lead with heart.

Conclusion: Still Here, Still Real

In the ever-changing world of fashion, authenticity is hard to find. But Born x Raised has never wavered in its mission. It remains a mirror to the community, a time capsule of real LA, and a love letter to those who are often overlooked.

Born x Raised is for the kids who still rep their block with pride, for the ones who’ve seen their city change and felt the weight of it. It’s not just what you wear—it’s who you are. And as long as there are people willing to fight for their identity, Born x Raised will remain exactly where it started: in the heart of the people.