Born X Raised: A Streetwear Brand Built on Culture and Community

In the world of streetwear, authenticity is currency. Among the countless brands trying to carve out a name for themselves, Born X Raised stands out—not because it chases trends, but because it tells a story. This Los Angeles-based brand has made a deep impression on the fashion world by staying rooted in the culture that birthed it. Born X Raised isn’t just a brand—it’s a movement shaped by identity, loyalty, and the raw spirit of Los Angeles.

The Origins of Born X Raised

Born X Raised was founded in 2013 by Spanto (Chris Printup) and 2Tone (Alex Erdmann), two natives of Venice, California. Their mission was clear from the start: represent the overlooked, tell the truth about gentrification, and give voice to the people who’ve lived in L.A. their whole lives but were never seen by the mainstream.

At the time, Venice was undergoing massive changes. The neighborhood, once home to diverse working-class families, was rapidly transforming due to gentrification. Longtime residents were being pushed out, and the culture of the area was disappearing. Spanto and 2Tone used Born X Raised as a way to fight back—not with violence, but with storytelling, using clothing as their canvas.

The Philosophy Behind the Name

The name “Born X Raised” isn’t just clever branding. It’s a declaration. It speaks to roots, pride, and the struggle to hold onto one’s identity in a world that often tries to erase it. “Born” reflects heritage—the neighborhoods and families that shape who someone is. “Raised” emphasizes the growth, the challenges, and the survival through adversity.

This philosophy bleeds into every design. The brand constantly nods to L.A. street culture, Chicano heritage, and community pride. Born X Raised tells stories that are often overlooked by the mainstream fashion world, and in doing so, it builds a space for people who feel unseen.

Style with Substance

Bornxraised hoodie is not about flashy designs for the sake of being trendy. Instead, their aesthetic is raw and unapologetic. The graphics are often bold and blunt, featuring local references, lowrider art, graffiti-inspired fonts, and meaningful slogans that speak directly to the streets of Los Angeles.

Their collections aren’t seasonal in the traditional fashion sense. Instead, they drop when there’s something to say. Each piece—whether it’s a hoodie, t-shirt, or cap—carries a message. Some of their most iconic pieces are tributes to cultural institutions, neighborhoods, or lost friends. This approach connects deeply with their audience and makes their drops more than just fashion moments—they become cultural statements.

A Brand Rooted in Resistance

From its inception, Born X Raised has been more than just a brand; it’s been a platform of resistance. Gentrification is a recurring theme in their work. They’ve used their platform to highlight the erasure of native communities and the commercialization of culture. Through their designs and public commentary, they’ve stood against the displacement of longtime residents in L.A. neighborhoods.

The brand doesn’t shy away from difficult conversations. Whether it’s talking about policing, inequality, or social injustice, Born X Raised tackles these subjects head-on, often collaborating with artists and activists to amplify their messages.

Collaborations and Cultural Impact

While many streetwear brands pursue collaborations as a status symbol, Born X Raised chooses its partners with purpose. Over the years, they’ve worked with a variety of brands and artists, from Nike and the Dodgers to Compton rapper YG. These collaborations are never superficial—they’re rooted in mutual respect and cultural relevance.

Their partnership with the Los Angeles Dodgers, for example, was a landmark moment that married two L.A. institutions. The designs paid homage to both the team’s history and the city’s cultural landscape. Rather than just slapping a logo on a cap, Born X Raised infused meaning into the collaboration, reflecting on the city’s past and future.

These partnerships have helped the brand expand its reach while staying true to its origins. They’ve built a loyal following not just in L.A., but across the world, attracting those who value authenticity over hype.

Tragedy and Legacy: The Loss of Spanto

In 2023, the Born X Raised community was hit hard with the passing of co-founder Spanto after a long battle with cancer. His death was a devastating loss, not only to the brand but to the city of Los Angeles. Spanto was more than a designer—he was a storyteller, a fighter, and a cultural leader.

Despite the loss, his legacy continues to guide the brand. 2Tone has remained committed to carrying the mission forward, keeping Spanto’s vision alive. In fact, following his passing, the brand experienced a renewed surge of support, with fans and followers celebrating his life by sharing memories, tattoos, and tributes inspired by his work.

Community First

One of the core values of Born X Raised is giving back. The brand has consistently invested in the community that inspired it. Whether it’s through charity events, fundraisers, or collaborations with local organizations, Born X Raised shows up for the people.

They’ve organized toy drives, food giveaways, and even scholarship programs. These efforts aren’t for publicity—they’re part of the brand’s DNA. This deep connection to real people and real issues is what separates Born X Raised from many other streetwear labels.

The Future of Born X Raised

As Born X Raised looks to the future, the mission remains clear: stay true to the culture, continue telling real stories, and fight for representation. The brand is in a unique position where it doesn’t need to chase the next big trend. Its power lies in consistency, truth, and connection.

The next phase may involve expansion into new markets or collaborations with unexpected partners, but one thing is certain—Born X Raised will never sell out its core values. It will remain a voice for the voiceless and a reminder that streetwear is about more than just clothes—it’s about identity, survival, and expression.

Conclusion

Born X Raised is more than a brand; it’s a cultural institution. Born out of the struggle and beauty of Los Angeles street life, it represents pride, resistance, and legacy. In an industry filled with noise, Born X Raised speaks clearly and truthfully, earning not just customers, but a community.