Born x Raised: A Culture Carved in Concrete
Born x Raised isn’t just a name. It’s a declaration. A stamp of identity. A movement that grew out of the cracked sidewalks and endless summers of Los Angeles. Founded in 2013 by Chris “Spanto” Printup and Alex “2Tone” Erdmann, Born x Raised (often stylized as BornXRaised or BxR) started as a streetwear brand but quickly evolved into something much more powerful—a cultural voice for communities often overlooked, unheard, or forgotten.
At its core, Born x Raised is a love letter to Los Angeles—but not the glitzy, Hollywood version. Instead, it pays homage to the people born and bred in the city’s raw, real neighborhoods—places like Venice, Inglewood, and South Central. It’s for those who have deep roots in the city, whose families have lived there for generations, and who carry the pride of their blocks on their backs.
The origin of Born x Raised is tied closely to the personal history of its founders. Spanto, a Native American and Chicano from Venice, grew up witnessing the gentrification that swept through his community like wildfire. Entire neighborhoods were erased, people displaced, culture diluted. What was once vibrant and full of history became commercialized. Born x Raised emerged as a resistance to that erasure—a way to preserve the identity of a city many were losing piece by piece.
From the jump, the brand carried a strong and unapologetic message. Its designs often feature Gothic fonts, bold graphics, and slogans like “Gentrification is Genocide” or “On the Turf.” These aren’t just catchy phrases—they’re statements of protest, of pride, of pain. The clothes speak for the people who feel their voices have been drowned out by development and displacement.
Unlike many streetwear brands that chase hype, Born x Raised stays rooted in authenticity. Their drops are limited, not just for exclusivity, but to preserve meaning. Each collection feels intentional, often tied to a specific message or community event. Whether it’s a tribute to a lost loved one, a collaboration with a local organization, or a salute to an old-school landmark, Born x Raised is always telling a story. They’re not just making clothes—they’re archiving culture.
Community has always been at the heart of what Born x Raised does. Instead of pandering to mainstream audiences, the brand focuses inward—on their people, their streets, their city. This sense of loyalty is rare in an industry often driven by global trends. Born x Raised refuses to water itself down for mass appeal. That’s what makes it special. That’s what makes it real.
Collaborations have played a role in expanding the brand’s reach, but even those feel purposeful. From Nike to the Los Angeles Dodgers, Born x Raised has teamed up with institutions that represent different facets of LA. Yet even in those collabs, the brand never loses its voice. It finds a way to weave in its gritty identity—bringing the block to the big stage.
Tragically, in 2023, co-founder Spanto passed away after a long battle with cancer. His death shook the streetwear community and the city of Los Angeles as a whole. But his spirit continues to live on through Born x Raised. Every shirt, every cap, every design that drops is laced with his vision and dedication to the culture. The brand has become not only a tribute to Spanto’s life but also a continuation of his fight for representation, respect, and remembrance.
Beyond fashion, Born x Raised is a cultural movement. It’s shown up in music videos, tattoo parlors, murals, and protests. It’s worn by rap legends, skaters, activists, and everyday locals. The brand doesn’t just reflect LA culture—it is LA culture, particularly the culture that’s been shaped by struggle, resilience, and resistance.
The aesthetics of Born x Raised draw heavily from Chicano art, punk influences, gang graffiti, and 90s streetwear. It embraces contradiction—the beautiful and the broken, the pain and the pride. There’s a sense of mourning in some of their pieces, a feeling of loss, but also a fierce refusal to forget. In that way, Born x Raised becomes a vehicle for memory. It’s fashion as storytelling, as history keeping.
And yet, despite its deep local roots, Born x Raised has managed to earn a global fanbase. People across the world connect with its message of pride, struggle, and loyalty to one’s origins. Whether you’re from East LA or East London, the energy of Born x Raised speaks to anyone who’s ever had to fight for where they’re from. In an era where everything feels increasingly generic and mass-produced, Born x Raised is a reminder that there’s still power in being local—in being real.
Looking ahead, Born x Raised continues to build on its foundation with new collections, events, and collaborations. But more importantly, it stays true to its mission: to give a platform to those who are born and raised in communities that are often left out of the conversation. It’s not about chasing trends—it’s about staying grounded.
In a time when streetwear is becoming increasingly corporate and commodified, Born x Raised stands as a beacon of authenticity. It’s raw, it’s emotional, it’s layered—and that’s exactly the point. The brand isn’t just a label—it’s a movement, a memory, and a mirror for a city and its people.
So when you see that Gothic font, when you read the name Born x Raised, know that it’s more than just streetwear. It’s a history lesson. It’s a protest. It’s home.
