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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

D'Angelo, Questlove
November 11, 2025
Questlove, one of D'Angelo's dear friends and long-time collaborators is letting the world in on a secret: New D'Angelo music…
Mike Tyson, Floyd Mayweather, Boxing
November 11, 2025
Mike Tyson isn't hesitating to call his shot vs. Floyd Mayweather should their fight happen in the spring of 2026.
Antonio Brown, Antonio Brown jumped, Black NFL players, crime, theGrio.com
November 10, 2025
Antonio Brown's lawyer entered a not guilty plea on his behalf as the former NFL player faces 15 years in…
A'ja Wilson, A'ja Wilson Iman Taylor, A'ja Wilson Jennifer Hudson Show
November 10, 2025
A'ja Wilson loves the kids! For her youngest superfan, the 3-time WNBA champ not only made an appearance but gave…
Teyana Taylor, Teyana Taylor Grammys,
November 10, 2025
Teyana Taylor tried her best to keep it together but in a new Instagram video, she reveals how she felt…
Netherlands, World War II, WW2, Black soldiers,
November 10, 2025
After news broke of two plaques honoring African American soldiers efforts in Netherlands during WW2 were removed, lawmakers want them…
Michael Jackson, Michael Jackson trailer, Michael Jackson Michael trailer,
November 8, 2025
The 'King of Pop' has another record to his name as the trailer for his upcoming biopic is now the…
Labor Department
November 8, 2025
The U.S. Labor Department is accused of using AI-generated images to portray an "unrealistic" depiction of the current workforce.
Damson Idris, thegrio.com
November 8, 2025
Damson Idris' 17-year-old nephew was among 12 victims in separate stabbing incident in London on Halloween weekend.
Ketanji Brown Jackson, Donald Trump, SNAP Benefits, Supreme Court, EBT, Trump Administration
November 8, 2025
Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson granted the Trump Administration an "administrative stay" regarding SNAP payments. Here's why.
Baby Tate, Muni Long, Xania Monet, Telisha "Nikki" Jones
November 8, 2025
Telisha "Nikki" Jones' nterview about AI artist Xania Monet has prompted quick backlash from the likes of Baby Tate, Muni…
Sean Combs, Diddy, Diddy's sexual misconduct, theGrio.com
November 7, 2025
Sean "Diddy" Combs was reprimanded by prison officials after being found to have consumed alcohol while in jail, per TMZ.
Kendrick Lamar, Doechii, SZA, Clipse, Leon Thomas, Grammys, Grammy Nominations 2026
November 7, 2025
Black artists had a big day when it came to the 2026 Grammy nominations, from SZA to Kendrick Lamar, Leon…
thegrio, snoop dogg, gospel, altar call, death row records
November 7, 2025
Snoop Dogg won't be celebrating NYE on NBC after all. The network announced it would not be airing the special.
Brandy, Kehlani
November 7, 2025
Kehlani gave one of her R&B idols her literal flowers on Thursday night, showering Brandy with love during a recent…
Winsome Earle-Sears, Trump, Virginia Governor's Race
November 5, 2025
Outgoing Virginia Lt. Gov Winsome Earle-Sears championed her rise as an immigrant Tuesday, hours after losing her election and not…
Teyana Taylor, Aaron Pierre
November 5, 2025
Teyana Taylor can call Aaron Pierre many things, from scene partner to lover. However, there's one thing she hasn't called…
Jess Hilarious, Ms. Pat, thegrio.com
November 5, 2025
During an interview with Ms. Pat on "The Breakfast Club," Jess Hilarious confirmed BET kept her from being on 'Miss…
Xania Monet, Telisha "Nikki" Jones
November 5, 2025
Telisha Jones, the woman behind the AI-based R&B singer Xania Monet, is clearing the air about her intentions, critics and…
Simone Biles,
November 4, 2025
Simone Biles is letting the world in on a few secrets about her, sharing in a recent TikTok video she's…