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About Brandon Caldwell

Brandon Caldwell is a staff writer and journalist at theGrio.com, where he contributes his expertise in music and pop culture. With a career spanning over a decade, Brandon has established himself as a prominent voice in music journalism, previously serving on the Audience Engagement team at ESPN and as the Online Editor for Radio One Houston.

His extensive editorial background includes serving as the editor-in-chief of Day & A Dream.com. Under his leadership, the site grew from a grassroots project started in 2009 to a significant cultural platform, amassing over 3 million unique views while providing a launchpad for up-and-coming freelance and music journalists in the Houston area.

Brandon's reporting and commentary have appeared in a wide array of prestigious publications, including Pitchfork, Billboard, Texas Monthly, and Complex. A member of The Recording Academy, he has provided on-the-ground coverage for major industry events such as the ESSENCE Festival, South By Southwest (SXSW), and Atlanta’s A3C Hip-Hop Festival.
Areas of Expertise

Music Journalism
Hip-Hop Culture
Pop Culture Analysis
Live Festival Coverage
Audience Engagement

Professional Experience

Staff Writer and Journalist — theGrio.com (Present)
Audience Engagement Team — ESPN
Online Editor — Radio One Houston
Editor-in-Chief — Day & A Dream.com (2009–2018)

Education or Background
A native of Missouri City, Texas, Brandon currently resides in Arcola, Texas. His work is deeply rooted in an understanding of 21st-century media and a commitment to creative storytelling within the music scene.

All Articles

Zohran Mamdani, Brooklyn Child Killed, 7-Month Old Baby Killed, Kaori Patterson-Moore death, Kaori Patterson-Moore
April 1, 2026
A 7-month-old girl was struck and killed by a stray bullet on Wednesday, prompting a massive manhunt for one of…
Victor Glover, Victor Glover Astronaut, Victor Glover Artemis II, Victor Glover Black Astronaut
April 1, 2026
Victor Glover is making history on Artemis II, but some of the early Black astronauts like Ed Dwight are cheering…
Tyler Perry, Tyler Perry TSA, Tyler Perry TSA Gift Cards, Tyler Perry TSA Gift Cards Controversy
April 1, 2026
Tyler Perry's gift card donation to TSA agents has a happy ending. According to his reps, legal reps for DHS/TSA…
Meagan Good Skin Bleaching, Meagan Good Breakfast Club, Meagan Good Backlash
April 1, 2026
Meagan Good has a testimony about overcoming backlash. The actress opened up about how a skin bleaching incident changed her…
Brandy, Brandy Relationships, Brandy Wanya Morris, Brandy Memoir
March 31, 2026
Brandy is utilizing her 'Phases' memoir to open up about a number of topics, including a relationship with an older…
Tyler Perry, Tyler Perry Black Women, Tyler Perry Sherri,
March 31, 2026
During his appearance on 'Sherri,' Tyler Perry opened up on the impact Black women have had on his career from…
Kentucky State House, Kentucky State University, Kentucky State University HBCU, Future of Kentucky State University
March 31, 2026
A new bill passed in the Kentucky State Senate could reclassify Kentucky State University as a land-grant polytechnic institution. Not…
Regina Hall, Regina Hall Craig Melvin, Regina Hall Interview, Regina Hall Nun
March 31, 2026
In a chat with Craig Melvin for his "Glass Half Full" podcast, Regina Hall opens up on the period in…
David Alan Grier, David Alan Grier Seinfield, David Alan Grier Ace Ventura, David Alan Grier Roles, David Alan Grier Interviews
March 30, 2026
David Alan Grier is a comedy legend but in a conversation on the "Today" show, he's reflecting on two roles…
Bob Law, Bob Law Obituary, Bob Law Radio, Bob Law Washington D.C., Bob Law Night Talk
March 30, 2026
Bob Law, a titan of radio in New York City and beyond, has died. In a statement, Al Sharpton called…
Issa Rae Brandy, Brandy Hollywood Walk of Fame, Issa Rae, Issa Rae Babyface, Issa Rae Babyface Hollywood Walk of Fame
March 30, 2026
During Brandy's Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony, Issa Rae made it clear about her love for the actress and singer.
Donald Trump Black Celebrities, Black Celebrities Supporting Trump, Chilli Trump, Rozanda Chilli Thomas Trump, Nick Cannon Trump, Nicki Minaj Trump, Waka Flocka Trump
March 30, 2026
TheGrio examined the notable Black celebrities who are either coming out in support of President Donald Trump or denouncing him.
Kobe Bryant Lamar Odom, Lamar Odom Coma, Lamar Odom Sobriety, Lamar Odom Netflix Documentary
March 28, 2026
Lamar Odom is thankful to be alive and thankful for Kobe Bryant. The former Laker reflects on his journey and…
Rozonda Thomas Donald Trump, Rozonda "Chili" Thomas TLC, Rozonda Thomas GOP
March 28, 2026
Rozanda "Chilli" Thomas reportedly made several donations to Donald Trump-related PACs during the 2024 election, adding to fan speculation about…
Tyler Perry, Tyler Perry TSA, Tyler Perry TSA Atlanta, Tyler Perry Gift Cards
March 28, 2026
Denied paying unpaid TSA workers actual cash, Tyler Perry found a legal way to assist workers at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta.
Mykelti Williamson, Brandon Mychal Smith, Snowfall Spinoff, Mykelti Williamson Snowfall Spinoff, Brandon Mychal Smith Snowfall Spinoff, Snowfall Spinoff Cast
March 28, 2026
The 'Snowfall' spinoff has rounded out its lineup, adding veteran actros Mykelti Williamson, Brandon Mychal Smith and more.
Judge's Gavel, Kelvin Evans Atlanta, Kelvin Evans Beyoncé, Kelvin Evans Plea Deal
March 27, 2026
Kelvin Evans, an Atlanta man accused of stealing unreleased Beyoncé music, has rejected a plea deal and will take the…
Morris Chestnut, Tim Meadows, Morris Chestnut Watson, Tim Meadows DMV, Morris Chestnut Tim Meadows, Watson Canceled CBS, DMV Canceled CBS
March 27, 2026
CBS is canceling 'Watson' starring Morris Chestnut and 'DMV' starring Tim Meadows as Black-led series continue to dwindle at the…
Tiger Woods, Tiger Woods Crash, Tiger Woods Health Update, Tiger Woods Car Crash
March 27, 2026
15-time major golf champion Tiger Woods was arrested on DUI, property damage and refusal to submit charges following a rollover…
Ms. Pat. Ms. Pat Show, Patricia Williams-Lee, BET+, Paramount +, Ms. Pat Paramount+
March 27, 2026
Weeks after Paramount confirmed it was folding BET+ into Paramount+, BET announces 'The Ms. Pat Show' will be renewed with…