Born X Raised is more than just a clothing brand—it’s a voice for Los Angeles. Founded with a deep connection to the streets, people, and heritage of the city, Born X Raised (often stylized as BornXRaised) has managed to capture the heart of local culture while building a national and even global presence. Over the past decade, this brand has carved out a distinct identity in the crowded world of streetwear, refusing to follow trends and instead creating its own.
The Roots of Born X Raised
Born X Raised was created by two native Angelenos: Spanto (aka Chris Printup) and 2Tone. The idea behind the brand was born from their desire to preserve the true identity of Los Angeles in the face of gentrification, cultural erasure, and rapid change. For the founders, Born X Raised was about more than fashion. It was a response to a shifting city, a protest wrapped in the language of design.
The name itself is a declaration. “Born and raised” in LA, both founders experienced firsthand the complex social, racial, and economic layers of the city. The brand was their way to reclaim that narrative, especially for the communities often pushed to the sidelines.
Streetwear with a Message
From the beginning, Bornxraised hoodie has made it clear that it doesn’t want to be just another brand printing logos on t-shirts. Each drop carries a message. From slogans like “Gentrification is Genocide” to capsule collections inspired by LA’s deep-rooted neighborhood pride, the brand blends politics, history, and personal identity into every release.
The designs are often bold, unapologetic, and sometimes confrontational. But that’s the point. In a city as loud and layered as Los Angeles, subtlety doesn’t always cut through the noise. Born X Raised speaks with the volume turned all the way up—on purpose.
Connection to the Community
One of the key reasons Born X Raised stands out is its unwavering loyalty to the community that inspired it. Unlike many brands that use culture as a costume, Born X Raised invests back into the people it came from. The brand has frequently collaborated with local organizations, thrown community events, and honored cultural staples like lowrider car clubs, neighborhood bars, and high school sports teams.
These local connections make the brand feel real, not corporate. Whether it’s a photoshoot in South Central or a pop-up event in Venice, Born X Raised doesn’t treat Los Angeles as a backdrop. It treats it as home.
From Local Legend to Global Recognition
What started as a grassroots brand soon attracted attention from beyond city limits. Celebrities, musicians, and athletes began wearing Born X Raised not just for its designs but for its authenticity. Artists like Kendrick Lamar, LeBron James, and the late Nipsey Hussle have all been spotted in the brand’s gear, aligning themselves with its message and values.
Despite the global attention, Born X Raised has always kept its core identity intact. The founders have resisted the temptation to water down their message for broader appeal. That authenticity is exactly why people continue to gravitate toward the brand.
Collaborations That Make Sense
Unlike many brands that jump at every collaboration opportunity, Born X Raised is selective. It only partners with brands and institutions that align with its values or have a genuine connection to LA culture.
One of the most notable partnerships was with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The collaboration celebrated not just baseball but the cultural intersection between the sport and LA’s diverse neighborhoods. Other collaborations have included Converse, Levi’s, and even the Los Angeles Rams—each one staying true to the brand’s voice and vision.
A Tribute to Spanto
In 2023, the brand suffered a devastating loss with the passing of co-founder Spanto. His death was felt not only in the fashion world but across Los Angeles. Spanto was more than a designer—he was a symbol of resilience, identity, and pride for countless people in the city.
In the wake of his passing, the brand has continued to operate, with 2Tone and the team carrying on Spanto’s legacy. Collections now often include subtle or direct tributes to him, making sure his voice remains embedded in the fabric of the brand.
The Future of Born X Raised
As Born X Raised continues to grow, the challenge lies in staying true to its roots while expanding its influence. So far, the brand has walked that line with impressive precision. Its drops are still limited and highly anticipated. Its message is still strong. And its community still shows up—both online and in the streets.
What’s clear is that Born X Raised has no plans to slow down or sell out. The mission remains the same: to tell the stories that matter, from the people who lived them.
Why It Resonates
In an industry filled with fast fashion and empty branding, Born X Raised offers something different—substance. It gives people something to believe in, not just wear. That’s rare, and that’s powerful.
People don’t just wear Born X Raised because it looks good (though it does). They wear it because it says something. It connects them to a place, a struggle, a history, and a future. It gives them pride.
Conclusion
Born X Raised isn’t just one of the best streetwear brands in Los Angeles—it’s one of the most important. It captures the soul of a city in flux and gives voice to the people who have called it home for generations. Through bold designs, honest storytelling, and unshakable community ties, the brand stands as a symbol of authenticity in a world that too often settles for imitation.