Born x Raised: A Streetwear Manifesto Rooted in Culture and Community
Born x Raised is not just a clothing brand—it’s a cultural movement. Emerging from the streets of Los Angeles, Born x Raised (pronounced “Born and Raised”) has built a reputation that stretches far beyond fashion. At its core, it’s about identity, authenticity, and representing the community in its rawest form. With its deeply rooted ties to the neighborhoods of L.A., Born x Raised reflects a defiant pride in place and people, becoming a voice for those often overlooked by the mainstream.
Origins and Founding Vision
Born x Raised was founded in 2013 by Chris “Spanto” Printup and his friend 2Tone. The brand was born out of frustration—frustration with the rapid gentrification of Los Angeles and the erasure of long-standing communities and cultures. Spanto, a Native American and Mexican American born and raised in Venice, California, wanted to create something that stood in defense of neighborhoods being stripped of their character and soul.
The name itself—Born x Raised—is a declaration. It speaks to those who come from a place and stay loyal to it. It’s not about trends or outsiders adopting a look. It’s about the people who lived it, who survived it, and who still represent it every day. The brand’s DNA is L.A. street culture: a mix of gang graffiti, lowrider art, Chicano influence, and local pride. That authentic voice quickly resonated with people not just in Los Angeles, but around the world.
A Brand with a Message
What sets Born x Raised apart from many other streetwear brands is its unapologetic stance on social and cultural issues. Spanto and 2Tone have never shied away from using the brand as a platform to talk about things that matter: the displacement of marginalized communities, the loss of local heritage, and the power of unity among underrepresented voices.
From the beginning, the brand’s visual language has told stories. Whether it’s bold Old English lettering, memorial-style graphics, or deeply personal slogans, every design feels like a message from the block. The clothes aren’t just worn—they’re a statement. Born x Raised drops feel less like product launches and more like cultural moments, each telling a specific story from the city.
One of the brand’s early successes was a shirt that read “Gentrification is Genocide.” It struck a nerve—and rightfully so. It wasn’t designed to be comfortable or easy; it was designed to make people think. And that’s the energy Born x Raised continues to bring to every piece.
Visual Identity and Aesthetic
Stylistically, Born x Raised balances classic streetwear with deeply personal and community-inspired design. You’ll see elements of L.A.’s unique visual culture: hand-drawn signage, religious iconography, Cholo-style lettering, and retro West Coast vibes. Their garments are often adorned with typefaces and slogans that evoke the streets, carrying a nostalgic yet defiant feel.
But it’s not just about the graphics—Born x Raised is also known for its high-quality materials and fits. From heavyweight tees to well-cut jackets and embroidered caps, there’s a deliberate effort to make sure the form matches the message. The brand doesn’t chase high fashion trends but instead stays true to its roots, creating timeless pieces that feel lived-in, grounded, and sincere.
Collaborations and Influence
Despite its anti-corporate, grassroots ethos, Born x Raised has engaged in powerful collaborations over the years, managing to stay true to its identity. They’ve partnered with Nike, the NHL, the Dodgers, and even the late Nipsey Hussle, another L.A. icon who shared the brand’s commitment to community upliftment.
These collaborations have allowed Born x Raised to expand its reach while amplifying its core values. Their partnership with the Dodgers, for example, was not just about a logo mash-up—it was about representing the deep bond between the team and the city’s working-class, multi-ethnic communities. That same authenticity has attracted fans from all over, including celebrities, athletes, and musicians who see Born x Raised as more than just a label—it’s a symbol of pride and resistance.
Legacy of Spanto
The legacy of Spanto, who tragically passed away in early 2023, is a foundational part of Born x Raised’s narrative. Diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2013 around the same time he founded the brand, Spanto lived every moment like it mattered. His vision was fearless and his voice unfiltered. Even while facing his own mortality, he remained committed to giving back, often using the brand to support local youth, Indigenous communities, and charitable causes throughout L.A.
Spanto’s authenticity and mission continue to inspire the direction of Born x Raised. The brand has become a vessel for his vision—an ongoing tribute to a life lived with purpose, grit, and relentless love for where he came from.
Cultural Impact
Born x Raised has become more than clothing—it’s a cultural archive and a statement of resistance. It holds a mirror up to Los Angeles, reflecting its contradictions, its beauty, its struggles, and its strength. It celebrates the people who built the city, who keep it alive, and who refuse to be erased from its story.
In a world where streetwear often feels detached from its original communities, Born x Raised is an exception. It’s still about the streets, still about family, still about loyalty. It’s not just “cool,” it’s meaningful. It’s the kind of brand that doesn’t just follow culture—it creates and preserves it.
The Future
As Born x Raised continues to grow, it remains rooted in the same values it started with. It’s a brand that evolves without forgetting where it came from. In a time when authenticity is hard to find, Born x Raised stands tall as a reminder of what streetwear was always meant to be: a reflection of real people, real stories, and real struggles.
Whether you wear it as a badge of pride or support it as a fan of culture, Born x Raised isn’t just about fashion—it’s about family, about history, and about keeping your community close, no matter where life takes you.