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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

Joy Reid, Stephen A. Smith, Joy Reid Stephen A. Smith
January 12, 2026
Joy Reid didn't hold back in her thoughts about Stephen A. Smith on her show Monday, sounding off on the…
Tyler Perry, Joe's College Road Trip, Tyler Perry Netflix
January 12, 2026
Tyler Perry is giving Joe Simmons his moment as he's set to release his latest Netflix film, "Tyler Perry's Joe's…
L.A. Reid, Drew Dixon, Lawsuits, Sexual Assault Lawsuit, L.A. Reid Lawsuit, Drew Dixon Lawsuit
January 12, 2026
Music mogul L.A. Reid has settled a sexual assault lawsuit filed against him by music exec Drew Dixon on the…
Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame, Marcus Freeman Notre Dame, Notre Dame Football, Marcus Freeman Wrestling Match
January 12, 2026
Notre Dame football coach Marcus Freeman will not face charges after an incident involving a coach at his son's high…
The Kid Mero, The Kid Mero Hot 97, Hot 97 Mornings With Mero, Hot 97 Morning Show
January 12, 2026
The Kid Mero is taking over the airwaves in New York City. The comedian is set to host 'Hot 97…
Iman, David Bowie, Iman Tattoo, Iman David Bowie Tattoo
January 10, 2026
Model Iman took to Instagram to reveal a touching tribute tattoo to her late husband David Bowie, who died in…
Donald Trump, Barack Obama, Nobel Prize
January 10, 2026
President Donald Trump took time out of his meeting with oil executives Friday to rail against Barack Obama winning the…
T.K. Carter, T.K. Carter Obituary, T.K. Carter Actor
January 10, 2026
T.K. Carter, an actor and comic who starred in films such as "The Thing," "Space Jam" and the HBO miniseries…
Don Lemon, Stephen A. Smith, Don Lemon Calls Out Stephen A. Smith
January 10, 2026
Don Lemon didn't hold back in his thoughts toward Stephen A. Smith, suggesting he was doing it "for the money"…
Martin University, Martin University Indiana, Martin University Closing
January 10, 2026
Martin University, the lone predominantly Black university in the state of Indiana, will cease operations after nearly 50 years.
Kristy Scott, Desmond Scott, Kristy & Desmond Scott, Divorce
January 9, 2026
Kristy Scott is filing for divorce from Desmond Scott, ending one of social media's more beloved relationships.
Tichina Arnold, Reverse Colorism, Tichina Arnold Ari Lennox, Tichinia Arnold Deon Cole
January 9, 2026
Tichina Arnold is taking responsibility for her words on Deon Cole's show, apologizing for comments about "reverse colorism" and more.
Rochelle Bilal, ICE, Rochelle Bilal Philadelphia, Larry Krasner, Philadelphia, ICE, Renee Good
January 9, 2026
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner and City and County Sheriff Rochelle Bilal have issued strong statements toward ICE following the…
Cardi B, Cardi B Revenge Baby, Cardi B Stefon Diggs,
January 9, 2026
Cardi B has had enough. In a recent stream on X Spaces, the 'Am I The Drama' rapper addressed claims…
Shedeur Sanders, Shedeur Sanders Robbery, Shedeur Sanders NFL, Cleveland Browns
January 7, 2026
Three suspects have been arrested in connection with a November bulgary at the home of NFL quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
Kenan Thompson, Kenan Thompson Business, Kenan Thompson Bankruptcy,
January 7, 2026
Kenan Thompson has been making people laugh since the 'All That,' but he reveals how an accountant stealing millions from…
Cam Newton, Cam Newton Marriage, Cam Newton Relationships, Cam Newton Fatherhood,
January 7, 2026
Former NFL MVP Cam Newton is opening up about his views on marriage and parenthood with T.D. Jakes, saying his…
OJ Simpson, OJ Simpson Estate Sued, OJ Simpson Estate
January 7, 2026
A former attorney for OJ Simpson has sued the late athlete-turned-actor's estate, alleging he is owed more than $1.1 million…
Gayle King, Gayle King United Airlines, United Airlines,
January 6, 2026
Add Gayle King to the list of people who might have felt duped by United Airlines advertising for window seats…
DMX, DMX Ordained Minister, DMX Foster Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church
January 6, 2026
DMX's long legacy in faith and spirituality will be honored as he will be posthumously ordained as a minister of…