Updated, June 28: 4:55pm
Chris Printup, co-founder of Los Angeles-based label Born x Raised, has died, FN can confirm.
The streetwear label issued a statement on Wednesday confirming Printup’s passing. The designer was involved in a car accident on Sunday in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the company said, but died from his injuries on June 28.
“[Printup] leaves behind his wife Anna and three children, Marilyn, Carter and David, a sister, three brothers, his mother, stepmother and stepfather, 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,” Printup’s friend and business partner, Alex “2Tone” Erdmann, said in a statement.
Born on June 6, 1981, he recently celebrated his 42nd birthday.
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Printup, alongside partner Alex “2Tone” Erdmann, launched Born x Raised in 2013. The aesthetics of the brand are representative of the street culture of Venice, the place they have both called home.
Shortly after launching Born x Raised, Printup was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Spanto would undergo chemotherapy, fighting through the daunting challenges associated with the treatment, such as dramatic weight loss and the loss of his hair, while continuing to build his brand. In 2018, it was reported that he was cancer-free.
Throughout the years, Born x Raised has collaborated with several footwear and apparel brands, sports franchises and more. The heavyweight brands the label has worked with includes Converse, Levi’s and New Era, among many others.
The brand’s latest collab, a Nike SB Dunk Low, is slated to arrive on July 21. Although not out yet, Spanto gifted the 2023 graduating class of Venice High School pairs of the sneakers just two weeks ago.
Spanto was undeniably loved, and since news broke of his death, the messages of mourning and admiration for what he accomplished while here have consumed social media. The world of rap especially has shown love to Spanto.
“BIG BRO IMA MISS THE CALLS THE MOTIVATIONAL TALKS AND JUST HANGIN OUT TO LIVE AND DIE IN LA FR HOMIE WE GOT ANOTHER ANGEL IN THE SKY FLY HIGH SPANTO I LOVE U BRO IM OUT,” wrote LA rap standout Jay Worthy on Instagram. “I CANT FADE THIS ONE G I AINT EVEN WANNA BE WRITING THIS MAN BUT WE LOVE U FOO VIP SPANTO.”
“This hurts. SPANTO repped Venice like no other. I Miss U Already 🙏🏽❤️🕊️ @bornxraised Forever,” wrote rapper and producer Evidence of the legendary group Dilated Peoples, who is also a Venice native.
On Twitter, famed record producer Alchemist said, “I’ll never accept this. RIP Spanto. I love you.”
On Instagram, rap executive icon Dante Ross wrote, “A testament to a man’s being is how much he is universally loved and respected. Spanto was loved by all. Watching his evolution was a gift, hearing his laugh an honor. He walked the walk with grace and then some. We will talk you up until the wheels fall off, we love you Chris.”
In the world of fashion, Steven Mena, founder and creative director of LA-based label Menace, shared a tribute for his late mentor on Twitter. “I can’t believe I’m saying this REST IN PEACE SPANTO,” he wrote. “EVERYONES BIG HOMIE THE CLOSEST I HAD TO A MENTOR IN THIS GAME MY FAVORITE BRAND LA’s UNIFORM HE KNEW I FELT ALL THIS BUT YALL GOT TO KNOW WHAT A F–KING LEGEND HE WAS. REST IN PEACE LEGEND LEGENDS NEVER DIE.”
