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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

Byron Allen, Byron Allen Starz, Byron Allen Starz Acquisition, Byron Allen $25 Million
March 7, 2026
Media mogul Byron Allen has acquired a 10 percent stake in premium cable network Starz for a price point of…
Grambling, Grambling State University, Grambling Logo, Grambling University Logo
March 6, 2026
Grambling State University has secured a trademark milestone, securing the mark for its iconic "G" logo after a years-long fight.
Sherrone Moore, Sherrone Moore Court, Sherrone Moore Michigan, Sherrone Moore Case
March 6, 2026
Disgraced former Michigan coach Sherrone Moore reached a plea deal in a case that rocked the university last December.
Meghan Markle, Meghan Markle Netflix, Meghan Markle Brand, Meghan Markle As Ever, thegrio.com
March 6, 2026
Netflix is divesting from Meghan Markle's lifestyle brand As Ever, according to multiple reports. The brand launched in early 2025.
Tee Grizzley, Tee Grizzley Detroit, Tee Grizzley Detroit Apartments
March 6, 2026
Tee Grizzley is giving back. The Detroit rapper is planning to help create a $12 million mixed-use development in his…
Tim Scott, Black Republicans, Black Republicans Congress, Wesley Hunt Congress, Byron Donalds Congress, Burgess Owens Congress
March 6, 2026
After Tuesday's primaries, the number of Black Republicans in Congress will shrink even more from five to possibly one.
Kirk Franklin, Kirk Franklin Super Bowl, Kirk Franklin Super Bowl Halftime Show
March 4, 2026
Kirk Franklin, Super Bowl halftime performer? The gospel star revealed what it would take to get him on the NFL's…
LisaRaye, LisaRaye Granddaughter, LisaRaye American Black Film Festival Honors, American Black Film Festival Honors
March 4, 2026
LisaRaye McCoy brought her favorite red carpet date to the ABFF Honors, but her 9-year-old granddaughter stole the show.
Teyana Taylor Perfidia Beverly Hills, Teyana Taylor One Battle After Another, Perfidia Beverly Hills, Teyana Taylor OBAA
March 4, 2026
Teyana Taylor reveals she's "begging" director Paul Thomas Anderson for a spinoff for Perifida Beverly Hills after 'One Battle After…
Abbott Elementary Renewed, Abbott Elementary Season Six, Abbott Elementary Season 6
March 4, 2026
Get ready for more "Abbott Elementary." The series has been picked up for a sixth season by ABC, putting it…
Gayle King, Gayle King CBS, Galye King New Contract, Gayle King CBS Contract
March 4, 2026
The Gayle King era of CBS will continue on. According to multiple reports, the longtime 'CBS Mornings' anchor has signed…
Walter "Unc" Johnson, Walter Johnson, Mr. Tendernism, Mr. Tendernism BBQ, Walter Johnson Tendernism
March 3, 2026
The "tendernism" trademark saga appears to be over as an attorney has agreed to transfer the mark over to Walter…
Atlanta Hawks, Magic City Monday, Atlanta Hawks Promotion, Atlanta Hawks Magic City
March 3, 2026
The Atlanta Hawks are hosting a Magic City Monday promotion later this month. Two players, including a former Hawks star,…
T.I., T.I. King Harris, T.I. 50 Cent Beef, T.I. Ebro Laura Rosenberg Show, T.I. Beef
March 3, 2026
T.I. feels his beef with 50 Cent is over with, but in a new interview, he reveals one of the…
Tyler Perry, Tyler Perry Lawsuit, Mario Hernandez Lawsuit,
March 3, 2026
Tyler Perry is on the offense, calling a $77M lawsuit filed against him by actor Mario Hernandez a 'failed money…
Godfrey, Sinners, Godfrey Black Award Shows, Godfrey Comedian
March 3, 2026
Comedian Godfrey is tired of Black creatives seeking validation from others. In an Instagram video, he made his case for…
Logan Paul Floyd Mayweather, Logan Paul Millions, Floyd Mayweather $1.5 Million
March 3, 2026
In a new podcast interview, Logan Paul says Floyd Mayweather owes him $1.5 million in connection to their 2021 exhibition…
Delroy Lindo Alan Cumming, Alan Cumming BAFTA Apology, Michael B. Jordan Alan Cumming, Alan Cumming BAFTAs
March 2, 2026
BAFTA host Alan Cumming made an apology to Black people and the Tourette's community after last month's BAFTAs incident.
Cynthia Bailey Mary Cosby, Cynthia Bailey Robert Cosby Jr., Mary Cosby Cynthia Bailey
March 2, 2026
Cyntha Bailey used the opening segment of her 'Humble Brag' podcast to speak on the death of Robert Cosby Jr.,…
Sean Combs Prison Release Date, Sean Combs, Diddy Prison Release Date
March 2, 2026
Sean 'Diddy' Combs is scheduled to be released from prison two months early, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons.