Born X Raised: The Voice of Los Angeles Street Culture

Born X Raised is more than just a streetwear brand—it is a cultural movement rooted deeply in the traditions, values, and raw authenticity of Los Angeles. Founded in 2013 by Spanto and 2Tone, the brand emerged as a response to the rapid gentrification and shifting cultural identity of Venice, a neighborhood with a rich yet turbulent past. Over the past decade, Born X Raised has grown into a symbol of local pride, cultural resistance, and urban storytelling.

The Origins of Born X Raised

Born X Raised was born from a personal place. Spanto, a native of Venice, created the brand as a tribute to the working-class neighborhoods of L.A. that were slowly being erased. With his partner 2Tone, the two combined their creative talents to express a shared frustration over the loss of community and history. Their message was clear: honor the past, protect the present, and speak up for those who are often ignored.

The name “Born X Raised” reflects the brand’s ethos—it speaks to being born and raised in a specific place, with a certain identity that cannot be bought or faked. It is a declaration of roots, of belonging, and of pride in one's community. Each garment is an expression of that message, carefully designed to carry meaning beyond fashion.

Designing with Intention

One of the core strengths of Bornxraised hoodie lies in its intentional design. The brand doesn’t simply follow trends; it tells stories. The graphics, fonts, and phrases used on their apparel reflect themes of loyalty, struggle, resilience, and remembrance. Whether it’s a hoodie bearing a slogan like “On the Turf” or a T-shirt that references L.A. landmarks, every piece carries cultural weight.

Born X Raised products often incorporate old English fonts, a style deeply embedded in West Coast gang and lowrider culture. This choice is not arbitrary—it is a nod to a specific aesthetic and identity that was shaped over generations. The designs are bold and unapologetic, giving voice to a community that has long been overlooked in mainstream media and fashion.

A Tribute to the Community

Unlike many other brands that profit from street culture without contributing to it, Born X Raised remains actively engaged in the community. The founders have always prioritized giving back. Spanto, in particular, was known for organizing events, food drives, and cultural initiatives in underserved parts of Los Angeles. From hosting holiday giveaways to supporting local artists and musicians, Born X Raised consistently bridges the gap between fashion and real-life activism.

When the brand releases a new collection, it's not uncommon to see it launched with community events or collaborations that emphasize its deeper meaning. These aren’t just marketing strategies—they are extensions of the brand’s core values. The brand has also worked with Native American groups, Black artists, and local youth organizations, reinforcing its commitment to inclusivity and justice.

Collaborations that Matter

Born X Raised has become known for its collaborations, not just because they’re fashionable, but because they are meaningful. The brand has worked with industry giants like Nike and the Los Angeles Dodgers, bringing its gritty authenticity into spaces that are usually polished and corporate. These collaborations often sell out quickly, and they continue to raise the brand’s profile on a national and even global scale.

However, what makes Born X Raised stand out is its ability to maintain its identity regardless of who it partners with. Whether it's creating a Dodgers cap or a custom sneaker, the message remains the same—pride, heritage, and resistance. The brand doesn’t compromise its roots for broader appeal, and that’s what keeps its loyal customer base coming back.

Spanto’s Legacy

In 2023, the brand faced a tremendous loss with the passing of co-founder Chris “Spanto” Printup. Spanto had battled cancer and, even during his treatment, remained deeply involved in pushing the brand forward. His death was felt across the fashion and streetwear world, especially in Los Angeles where he was more than a designer—he was a local hero.

Spanto’s legacy lives on through Born X Raised, in its mission and in its message. The brand has since released tribute collections and continued its work in community empowerment, carrying forward the vision he helped build. His story is a reminder that fashion can be a form of resistance, and that the voices behind a brand matter just as much as the products they create.

A Global Presence with Local Roots

Though Born X Raised has grown far beyond the borders of Los Angeles, selling out collections around the world, it has never lost its local focus. The brand continues to draw inspiration from L.A. neighborhoods, its slang, its struggles, and its triumphs. This groundedness is what gives Born X Raised its authenticity.

While other streetwear brands expand by diluting their message, Born X Raised does the opposite—it doubles down. The more popular it becomes, the more committed it stays to its original purpose. That kind of integrity is rare in an industry driven by fast fashion and viral trends.

Cultural Impact and Recognition

Born X Raised is now widely recognized as a pillar of streetwear culture. But its impact goes beyond clothes. It represents a blueprint for how fashion can be used to tell stories, create community, and spark conversation. It's not just about selling shirts—it’s about documenting life in urban America, especially in places like Venice, Watts, and Compton.

The brand has helped elevate voices from the margins and created a platform where authenticity is not just respected but demanded. As a result, Born X Raised has influenced not just fashion but music, film, and visual art. It stands as proof that when culture leads, commerce follows.

The Future of Born X Raised

Looking ahead, Born X Raised shows no signs of slowing down. With new collections, ongoing collaborations, and community projects in the works, the brand is poised to continue its rise while staying true to its roots. The passing of Spanto marked a turning point, but also a recommitment to the values that inspired the brand in the first place.

As streetwear continues to evolve, Born X Raised remains a reminder that the best fashion tells the truth. In a world full of replicas and rebrands, Born X Raised stands as a rare original—unfiltered, unafraid, and unwavering in its purpose.

Conclusion

Born X Raised is not just clothing—it is culture. It is the voice of the streets, the memory of communities past, and the heartbeat of modern Los Angeles. What started as a defiant reaction to gentrification has grown into a respected and influential movement that honors the past while shaping the future. For those who understand the message, wearing Born X Raised is more than a fashion statement—it’s a badge of identity, a statement of pride, and a commitment to never forget where you came from.