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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

Angel Reese, Angel Reese The Hunting Wives, Angel Reese Netflix, Angel Reese TV
January 20, 2026
Angel Reese is now 'Trainer Barbie.' The WNBA star is set to join Netflix's hit series 'The Hunting Wives' for…
Jill Scott, Chris Brown, Prince, King of Pop,
January 17, 2026
Jill Scott is making sure her King of Pop answer sticks the way she wants to, walking back her statement…
Tye Hinson, Tye Hinson Florida, Tye Hinson Instagram, Tye Hinson Fiancé, Tye Hinson Wedding
January 17, 2026
A Florida wedding venue says it is enforcing its non-refund policy despite a bride's fiancé dying months before their wedding.
Mustard, Mustard Weight Loss Journey, Mustard Tennis, Mustard Health, Mustard Men's Health
January 17, 2026
Mustard has been on a weight loss journey for years and after shedding 120 pounds since 2018, the producer is…
Kianna Underwood, Kianna Underwood killed, Kianna Underwood hit and run, Kianna Underwood Nickelodeon
January 16, 2026
Kianna Underwood, an actress who starred on Nickelodeon's "All That" in 2005, was killed in a hit-and-run incident in New…
Keith Porter, Keith porter ICE agent, ICE agent killing theGrio.com
January 16, 2026
The ICE agent at the center of the shooting death of a Los Angeles man on New Year's Eve may…
Robert John Burke, Norcross Georgia, Georgia Man Arrested
January 16, 2026
Robert Blake, a 65-year-old man from Georgia, was arrested days after a video showed him shouting racial slurs at a…
Ludacris, Rock The Country Festival, Ludacris Drops Out Rock The Country Festival
January 16, 2026
Ludacris will no longer appear on the controversial "Rock The Country" festival as a rep for the Atlanta rapper says…
Bernice A. King, Martin Luther King Jr., Bernice A. King Beloved Community Service, Beloved Community Service 2026
January 16, 2026
Bernice A. King and The King Center will conclude their King Day observance with the Beloved Community Commemorative Service on…
Louisiana, Louisiana State Police, Use Of Force
January 14, 2026
A new study reveals Louisiana State Police troopers used force against Black people at a rate far greater than the…
Druski, Lecrae, Druski Church Parody Skit, Druski Megachurch Pastors, Lecrae
January 14, 2026
After several Christians denounced comedian Druski for his viral megachurch pastor skit, Lecrae is defending him, and calling out churches.
Issa Rae, Issa Rae Paramount, Issa Rae Deal Paramount,
January 14, 2026
Issa Rae is taking her talents to Paramount. The multi-hyphenate and the network announced a new first-look deal starting this…
J. Cole, J. Cole The Fall Off, J. Cole The Fall Off Album,
January 14, 2026
J. Cole is giving fans what they've been waiting for. The rapper revealed the trailer for his final album 'The…
Marco Rubio, Trump Administration, Visas, Visa processing,
January 14, 2026
75 countries, including Somalia and Nigeria are now under the State Department's recent pausing of immigration visa applicantions.
Eric Adams, Eric Adams Airport, Eric Adams Rant,
January 13, 2026
Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams found himself in a tense back-and-forth with a woman on Tuesday after a…
Mike Tomlin, Mike Tomlin Steelers, Mike Tomlin Pittsburgh Steelers
January 13, 2026
An era is over in Pittsburgh as Mike Tomlin, who stood as the longest-tenured coach in North American sports, is…
Claudette Colvin, Claudette Colvin Montgomery, Claudette Colvin News, Claudette Colvin Death
January 13, 2026
Claudette Colvin, who became an unsung hero of the Civil Rights Movement at the age of 15, has died. She…
John Forte, John Forté, John Forté Fugees
January 13, 2026
Grammy-nominated musician John Forté has died, according to authorities in Martha's Vineyard. He was 50 years old.
Lynn Jones, Lynn Jones Jacksonville Jaguars, Lynn Jones Sports, Jacksonville Free Press
January 13, 2026
Lynn Jones, the journalist from the Jacksonville Free Press who went viral earlier this week, won't apologize for her moment…
Justice Deas, Justice Deas Killing
January 12, 2026
A 17-year-old New Jersey teen has died after prosecutors say she was shot dead by another teen she was dating…