Beloved Los Angeles legend Chris Printup known as Spanto, co-founder of Born X Raised, tragically passed away earlier this morning June 28, 2023 in New Mexico — according to a statement posted today on the streetwear brands Instagram.
The statement in part reads, “He leaves behind his wife Anna and three children Marilyn, Carter and David, a sister, three brothers, his mother, step mother, and step father, his beloved grandparents, his family at Born X Raised, his extended native family, the city of Los Angeles that he loved and championed, and an extensive network of true friends.”
His iconic streetwear brand, Born X Raised was co-founded in 2013 along with close friend Alex Edermann known as 2tone. Together, their brand fiercely and proudly repped its LA and Venice roots — a sentiment that powerfully resonated.
The amount of love Spanto held for his home and his people were felt and seen through his actions, words, and artistry. To many, Spanto was an inspiration — a visionary who dedicated his life advocating for his roots, community, and highlighting our city’s vibrant culture.
Through his work, he built a community uplifting local creatives and passionately highlighted the heartbeat of the city — and he made sure every beat was heard. You don’t need to be a local to recognize the impact this had on streetwear fashion and culture, in Los Angeles and beyond. The journey he faced throughout his life and career no doubt served as an inspiration to creatives worldwide.
“Life is hard for everyone and I want anyone to know, that if you’re feeling discouraged or like life has given you too many handicaps — it’s OK. You’re going to be fine, things will get better,” Spanto reflected in an Instagram post from December 2022. “I’m cancer free, I’m not incarcerated and my family has a house to live in and I want to look back at all that has happened and say thank you — because just five years ago I was in the worst place in life I’ve ever been and just this last week I’ve been in Vogue, New York Times and a bunch of other places that I am extremely grateful for.”
His passing is certainly felt here at home, and many have turned to social media to pay their respects, including the LA Kings, Ben Baller, YG, Estevan Oriol, FOOS GONE WILD, Lee Spielman, Danny Trejo, among many more.
2Tone, shared in his Instagram caption, “To everyone who has been a part of this story, and there are a lot of you, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for everything you’ve done, big and small. You’re all a part of Spanto’s legacy.”
The inspiration he sparked in the creative world will be felt and fueled for generations to come. Spanto’s legacy for Los Angeles and creatives everywhere lives on.
In his honor, we have collected a gallery for you to scroll through of those paying their respects to Spanto. A reminder of what he built and continues to leave behind.