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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

Jeezy Monaco Jeannie Mai, Jeezy Monaco Jeannie Mai custody, who has custody of Jeezy daughter?, Jeannie Mai custody, Jeezy custody, Jeezy Jeannie Mai divorce, Jeezy divorce, Doed Jeezy have custody of his daughter?, Who has custody of Jeannie Mai daughter? theGrio.com
December 9, 2025
Jeezy and Jeannie Mai are sharing their experiences post-divorce. Jeezy says he learned he was "a great husband"; Mai has…
Donald Trump, Rachel Scott, Rachel Scott ABC News, Trump Administration
December 8, 2025
President Donald Trump's contentious relationship with ABC News took another chapter as he labeled Rachel Scott, a Black woman, "obnoxious."
Frederick Haynes III, Frederick Haynes Dallas, Frederick Haynes Jasminen Crockett, Frederick Haynes Congress, Dr. Frederick Haynes,
December 8, 2025
Dallas-based pastor Dr. Frederick Haynes is stepping into the political arena as he is set to run for Jasmine Crockett's…
Kris Boyd, Kris Boyd update, Kris Boyd NFL, Kris Boyd Jets, Kris Boyd Shooting
December 8, 2025
A person of interest connected to the Nov. 16 shooting of NFL player Kris Boyd has been apprehended in Buffalo,…
Letitia James, Trump Administration, Justice Department,
December 8, 2025
The Justice Department is now 0-2 in indictments against Letitia James after a Virginia grand jury declined to indict her…
Papoosa, Claressia Shields, Tattoos, Relationships, Papoose Claressa Shields
December 6, 2025
Claressa Shields always said she would tat her husband's name on her, but is her Papoose tattoo hinting at something?
Jason Derulo, Jason Derulo harrassment case,
December 6, 2025
Jason Derulo's recent comments regarding his sexual harrassment case has raised eyebrows as 'I'll never work with women again': Jason…
Pras, Pras money laundering, Pras sentenced, Pras appeal
December 6, 2025
Pras Michel is seeking to have his 14-year prison sentence overturned. The Fugees rapper filed an appeal on Thursday.
Diddy, Diddy Footage, Sean Combs: The Reckoning
December 6, 2025
A new report has surfaced regarding how Netflix obtained intimate footage of Sean "Diddy" Combs days before his arrest in…
Donald Trump, Department of Interior, National Parks, Juneteeth, MLK Day, National Fee Free Days,
December 6, 2025
The Trump administration has quietly removed MLK Day and Juneteenth off the Naitonal Parks' fee-free calendar for 2026.
Donald Trump, DEI, Trump Administration, Colleges, White Men,
December 5, 2025
President Trump's attack on DEI at colleges and university might have an unintended consequence involving white males.
Will Smith, Jada Pinkett Smith, Lawsuit, Bilaal Salaam
December 5, 2025
Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith are addressing a recent lawsuit filed against them, calling it "crap" from someone out…
Tyrese, Custody Battle
December 5, 2025
Tyrese Gibson's on-going legal saga with his ex-wife just added another chapter as he's seeking primary custody of their daughter.
Brian Cole Jr., Pipe Bomb, January 6, 2021, DNC, RNC,
December 5, 2025
Brian Cole Jr., the man suspected of planting pipe bombs at the RNC and DNC the night before January 6,…
AT&T
December 3, 2025
AT&T is joining rivals T-Mobile and Verizon in ending DEI programs to align with the FCC and the Trump Administration.
Adriana Smith, Georgia abortion ban, theGrio.com
December 3, 2025
Months after doctors delivered a premature baby from his brain-dead mother, the child's grandmother provides a heartbreaking update.
Brian McKnight, Brian McKnight Sr., Brian McKnight Jr., Julie McKnight, Marc Lamont Hill
December 3, 2025
After losing his brother Niko to cancer, Brian McKnight Jr. shares a heartbreaking story regarding Niko and their estranged father.
Scott Mills, Louis Carr, BET
December 3, 2025
There will be new leadership at BET. After 23 years with the company, President and CEO Scott Mills has stepped…
Tisha Campbell, Dating
December 2, 2025
Tisha Campbell will always keep it real. The actress and comedienne recently confessed her love life isn't the same thanks…
Barack Obama, Arkansas, Obama Presidential Library
December 2, 2025
Barack Obama got candid during a fireside chat with Olivia Walton in Arkansas, discussing his outlook for the future and…