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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

Jason Collins, Jason Collins Death, Jason Collins Brain Cancer, Jason Collins glioblastoma
May 12, 2026
Jason Collins, the NBA's first openly gay player, died from stage 4 brain cancer on Tuesday. He was 47 years…
Lil Rel Howery, Lil Rel Howery Kevin Hart Roast, Kevin Hart Roast
May 12, 2026
Lil Rel suggests he would have booed and walked out after Tony Hinchliffe used an imflammatory George Floyd joke during…
Brandon Clarke, Brandon Clarke NBA, Brandon Clarke Dead, Brandon Clarke Memphis Grizzlies,
May 12, 2026
Brandon Clarke, a seven-year NBA veteran who spent his career with the Memphis Grizzlies, died on Monday, the team announced.…
Jaafar Jackson, Jaafar Jackson Numb Feet, Jaafar Jackson Thriller, Jaafar Jackson Sneaker Shopping,
May 11, 2026
Jaafar Jackson made himself into a star portraying his uncle for "Michael." In a new interview, he reveals the pain…
Kendrick Lamar GNX, GNX Streaming Services, Kendrick Lamar GNX Album, GNX Apple Music
May 11, 2026
For a moment, Kendrick Lamar's vaunted "GNX" album wasn't on major streaming services. But there's a likely reason why.
Byron Allen, Byron Allen Buzzfeed, Byron Allen Family Office, Allen Family Digital, Buzzfeed
May 11, 2026
Media mogul Byron Allen is set to become the new CEO of Buzzfeed, the company announced on Monday after a…
Rachel Scott, Rachel Scott ABC News, Black Women Journalists, NABJ Black Women Journalists,
May 11, 2026
The National Association of Black Journalist issued a strong stratement after Rachel Scott was again the subject of a crude…
Cardi B, Stefon Diggs, Offset, theGrio.com
May 9, 2026
Stefon Diggs and Cardi B made waves at a Mother's Day event on Saturday, sparking rumors the two might be…
Usher, Usher Internship, Usher Internship Raymond and Brown, Usher
May 9, 2026
Usher is launching a brand new internship for teens in the Detroit and Atlanta areas to join him on the…
Amari Clarke, Amari Clarke D.C., Amari Clarke Killed, Amari Clarke D.C. Student
May 9, 2026
Amari Clarke, a 17-year-old high school senior, was stabbed to death outside of his home on Friday, weeks before graudation.
Van Lathan, Stephen A. Smith, Van Lathan Ringer Press Box,
May 9, 2026
Commentator Van Lathan flatly calls Stephen A. Smith a Republican and wonders about his chances running for office.
Jennifer Hudson, Jennifer Hudson David Otunga Jr., Jennifer Hudson Mother's Day, Mother's Dau
May 8, 2026
Jennifer Hudson got the surprise of all surprises ahead of Mother's Day, thanks to her son crafting something using a…
Rihanna, Rihanna Tattoo, Rihanna New Tattoo, Rihanna Sentimental Tattoo
May 8, 2026
The singer already has some of the most influential tattoos of all time thanks to her longtime artist, Keith McCurdy.
Latto, Latto Pregnancy, Latto Pregnant, Black Celebrities Who Are Pregnant, Mother's Day 2026, Pregnant Black Celebrities, Latto Mother's Day, Bianca Belair, Bianca Belair Pregnancy, Bianca Belair Pregnant, Black Celebrities Who Are Pregnant, Mother's Day 2026, Pregnant Black Celebrities, Bianca Belair Mother's Day, Jasmin Lawrence Murphy Jasmin Lawrence Murphy Pregnancy Jasmin Lawrence Murphy Baby, Black Celebrities Who Are Pregnant, Mother's Day 2026, Pregnant Black Celebrities, Jasmin Lawrence Mother's Day, Kat Graham, Kat Graham Pregnant, Kat Graham Pregnancy, Black Celebrities Who Are Pregnant, Mother's Day 2026, Pregnant Black Celebrities, Kat Graham Mother's Day
May 8, 2026
From Latto to Bianca Belair, a few notable Black celebrities are with their first bundles of joy ahead of Mother's…
May 8, 2026
Graduating students at the Morehouse School of Medicine are protesting the selection of a GOP-alum from speaking at their commencement.
Muhammad Ali, Muhammad Ali Day of Compassion, Muhammad Ali Remembrance, Muhammad Ali Louisville, Muhammad Ali Center
May 7, 2026
On June 3, the Muhammad Ali Center will commemorate the 10 year anniversary of the legendary boxer's death with a…
Denzel Washington, Denzel Washington Advice, Denzel Washington Quotes, Denzel Washington Life Lessons
May 7, 2026
Why did he say "fall forward"? Explore 5 powerful Denzel Washington quotes on failure, faith, legacy, and lasting love.
Bronx School of Hip-Hop, New York CIty, Bronx School of Hip-Hop opening,
May 6, 2026
The Bronx School of Hip-Hop will serve as one of five new schools opening in the Bronx and Queens for…
Jahara Malik, Jahara Malik Florida, Jahara Malik Sentencing, Florida Teen, Florida Teen Stabs Boyfriend to Death
May 6, 2026
An 18-year-old woman will spend nearly 20 years behind bars after pleading guilty to stabbing her 17-year-old boyfriend in 2024.
Michelle Obama, Dave Chappelle, Michelle Obama Dave Chappelle Interview, Michelle Obama Podcast, Dave Chappelle Michelle Obama Podcast
May 6, 2026
In a new interview with Michelle Obama, Dave Chappelle offered thoughts on how the Trump age has affected his kids.