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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

Karmelo Anthony, Austin Metcalf, Texas, Karmelo Anthony case, theGrio.com
June 9, 2026
19-year-old Karmelo Anthony was found guilty on Tuesday of murder in the stabbing death of a Frisco, Texas teen last…
Stephen A. Smith Donald Trump, Stephen A. Smith Trump Low IQ, Stephen A. Smith First Take Trump
June 9, 2026
After Donald Trump referred to him as having a "low IQ," Stephen A. Smith used 'First Take' to respond to…
Ashley Everett, Ashley Everett Next Destination Ahead, Ashley Everett Beyoncé, Ashley Everett Rumors
June 8, 2026
Ashley Everett is claiming the narrative. After years of rumors, the former Beyoncé dance captain is speaking out with her…
Idris Elba, Idris Elba James Bond, Idris Elba James Bond Role, Idris Elba GQ UK Interview
June 8, 2026
Idris Elba is putting to bed the rumor he'll ever play James Bond, while also suggesting that a Black Bond…
Lamar Richardson, Lamar Richardson Tony's, Lamar Richardson Tony Awards, 2026 Tony Awards, Lamar Richardson Black Joy
June 8, 2026
Lamar Richardson's third Tony win is a historic one as he became the 4th Black talent to ever win Best…
Stephen A. Smith, Donald Trump, NBA Finals, Stephen A. Smith Donald Trump, Donald Trump NBA Finals, Stephen A. Smith NBA Finals
June 8, 2026
Stephen A. Smith isn't a fan of Donald Trump attending the NBA Finals, going so far to blame him if…
Oprah Forbes List, Sheila Johnson Forbes, Beyoncé Forbes List, Rihanna Forbes List, Self-Made Billionaires Forbes List, Forbes List
June 6, 2026
Four Black women, RIhanna, Oprah, Beyoncé and Shelia Johnson are on Forbes list of the richest self-made women in the…
Nichelle Nichols, Nichelle Nichols Wrongful Death Lawsuit, Nichelle Nichols Wrongful Death
June 6, 2026
The estate of Star Trek actress Nichelle Nichols has been awarded $13M in a wrongful death lawsuit following her death…
Jamaica Flag
June 6, 2026
The entire country of Jamaica was without power Friday night as an island-wide blackout gripped the nation.
South Carolina State University, Pamela Evette South Carolina State University, SC State Pamela Evette, South Carolina State University commencement, South Carolina State University student protest, SC State student protests theGrio.com
June 5, 2026
Lawmakers in South Carolina are urging lawmakers to without $5 million from South Carolina State University over last month's protest
Antoine Fuqua Denzel Washington Hannibal, Antoine Fuqua Hannibal, Denzel Washington Hannibal, Denzel Washington Movies, Hannibal Movie, Antoine Fuqua Movia
June 5, 2026
A big budget war epic starring Denzel Washington and directed by Antoine Fuqua about the general Hannibal has been paused…
Tyvion Campbell, Tyvion Campbell Chicago, Tyvion Campbell Chicago Tech Academy, Tyvion Campbell Split, Tyvion Campbell Viral Split, Tyvion Campbell Graduation, Chicago Tech Academy
June 5, 2026
Days after her graduation split went viral, Chicago teen Tyvion Campbell reveals she did indeed receive her diploma.
Jess Hilarious, Jess Hilarious Marriage, Jess Hilarious Wedding Privacy, Jess Hilarious
June 3, 2026
Jess Hilarious has lived a life in the public eye but the Baltimore native is keen on her marriage and…
Russell Wilson, Russell Wilson Retires, Russell Wilson Retirement, Russell Wilson Retires NFL
June 3, 2026
Russell Wilson is hanging up his cleats. The 37-year-old former Super Bowl winner announced his retirement Wednesday via Instagram.
Black Teens Artificial Intelligence, Hispanic Teens AI ChatBots, Black Teens AI Chatbots, Black Teens ChatGPT, Hispanic Teens ChatGPT
June 3, 2026
A Pew Research study revealed the large gaps in AI use between Black and Hispanic teens compared to their counterparts.…
Lonnie Ali, Muhammad Ali, Muhammad Ali Day of Compassion, Ali Day of Compassion, Day of Compassion 2026, Ali Center, Muhammad Ali Center
June 3, 2026
On the inaugural Day of Compassion, Lonnie Ali, wife of Muhammad Ali, speaks to theGrio about its importance, and her…
Kamaro Brown, Kamaro Brown Plastic Surgery, Kamaro Brown Buccal Fat Removal, Karamo Brown Health
June 2, 2026
'Queer Eye' alum Karamo Brown is speaking out for the first time about a plastic surgery decision gone wrong, and…
Peabo Bryson, Peabo Bryson Death, Peabo Bryson Stroke, Peabo Bryson News
June 2, 2026
Pebro Bryson, a veteran R&B voice who made history with songs like "A Whole New World" and others, has died.…
Don Cheadle, Ayo Edebiri, Don Cheadle Ayo Edebiri Proof, Don Cheadle Ayo Edebiri Michelle Obama, Don Cheadle
June 2, 2026
During a chat with Michelle Obama for her "IMO" podcast, Don Cheadle and Ayo Edebiri reveal why they were purposefully…
Kid Cudi, M.I.A., Kid Cudi M.I.A., Kid Cudi M.I.A. Lawsuit,
June 2, 2026
British rapper M.I.A. has filed a near $3 million lawsuit against Kid Cudi and Live Nation over her being removed…