Chris Printup, better known as Spanto, a co-founder of Born x Raised, died in a car crash on Wednesday, 28 June. Printup and Alex “2Tone” Erdmann started the renowned company a decade ago. Its high-profile partners were the Lakers, Kings, Dodgers, Rams, and LAFC, New Era, Converse, and Babylon.
The streetwear label confirmed Chris Printup’s deἀth on Wednesday, 28 June, by sharing a post on Instagram. According to the company, the designer was hurt in a car accident on Sunday in Albuquerque, New Mexico, but he passed away on June 28 due to his wounds.
A statement from Printup’s friend and business partner Alex “2Tone” Erdmann read:
“He 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.”
Take a look at Bornxraised’s official Instagram post in which he pays tribute to Chris Printup with a heartbreaking statement-
View this post on Instagram
He was born on June 6, 1981, and recently celebrated his 42nd birthday. In 2013, Printup and its business partner Alex “2Tone” Erdmann introduced Born x Raised. The brand’s aesthetics reflect Venice’s street culture, where both have resided.
After the release of Born x Raised, Printup received a fatal cancer diagnosis. Spanto would undergo chemotherapy, overcoming the challenging obstacles of the treatment, such as severe weight loss and hair loss, and carrying on with his brand-building. He was said to have been cancer-free in 2018.
Here are some links to other people’s obituaries if you’re interested:
- Brice Trossbach Obituary: NAS Patuxent River Firefighter Member Has Dἰed
- Philip Guilford Obituary: Unraveling the Truth The Story of His Car Accident
Born x Raised has worked with many clothing and footwear companies, sports teams, and other entities. Among the numerous well-known companies the label has collaborated with are Converse, Levi’s, and New Era.
A Nike SB Dunk Low created by the company will be released on July 21. Even though they haven’t yet been released, Spanto recently gave pairs of sneakers to the Venice High School class of 2023.
Many People Pay Tribute to Him on Social Media
Spanto was adored, and since word of his passing leaked, social media has been flooded with expressions of sadness and respect for what he accomplished while here. Spanto has received a lot of attention from the rap community in particular.
LA rap standout Jay Worthy wrote on Instagram-
“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. I cant fade this one g I aint even wanna be writing this man but we love u foo vip spanto.”
View this post on Instagram
“This hurts. SPANTO repped Venice like no other. I Miss U Already @bornxraised Forever,” wrote Venice native and rapper and producer Evidence of the iconic group Dilated Peoples.
On Twitter, legendary record producer Alchemist stated, “I’ll never accept this. RIP Spanto. I love you.”
Rap executive Dante Ross remarked on Instagram-
“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.”
View this post on Instagram
Steven Mena, founder and creative director of Los Angeles-based label Menace, paid tribute to 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.”
