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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

Ebro Darden, Ebro In The Morning, Hot 97, Ebro Darden Ebro In The Morning,
December 12, 2025
Urban radio is saying goodbye to another show as 'Ebro In The Morning,' Hot 97's longtime morning show, has ended…
Michael Jordan, NASCAR, Michael Jordan antitrust lawsuit, NASCAR lawsuit,
December 12, 2025
Michael Jordan and his 23XI Racing team have settled with NASCAR in their antitrust lawsuit, creating a new era for…
Christine Williamson, Elle Duncan, ESPN,
December 12, 2025
After Elle Duncan left her mark at ESPN, the network is promoting another Black woman to succeed her: Christine Williamson.
Sherrone Moore, Sherrone Moore Michigan, Sherrone Moore fired, Sherrone Moore court, Sherrone Moore jail
December 12, 2025
Former University of Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore made his first court appearance Friday after his shocking firing and arrest.
Whitney Houston, Whitney Houston gospel, Whitney Houston songs,
December 10, 2025
The sounds of Whitney Houston continue to make history on the gospel chart as her "Do You Hear What I…
Sherrone Moore, Michigan head coach, Michigan football coach fired, Sherrone Moore fired
December 10, 2025
Sherrone Moore, the first Black head coach at the University of Michigan, was fired after an alleged improper relationship with…
Nancy Mace, Charlie Kirk, Black Lives Matter Plaza
December 10, 2025
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) has introduced a bill in the House calling for Black Lives Matter Plaza in D.C. to…
Sinners cast, Sinners movie cast, Michael B Jordan sinners, Michael b jordan movies, Sinners cast, Michael B Jordan Ryan Coogler sinners, Is Michael B. Jordan in Sinners? theGrio.com
December 10, 2025
Michael B. Jordan is already looking forward to raising kids one day, but admits he needs to pass a few…
Jubilant Sykes, Jubilant Sykes Death, Jubilant Sykes Son, Jubilant Sykes Grammys
December 9, 2025
Grammy-nominated opera singer Jubilant Sykes was found dead in his home on Monday and police suspect his son killed him.
Wendy Williams, Black celebrities, guardianship, Black health and wellness, theGrio.com
December 9, 2025
After years of twists and turns, Wendy Williams could be released from a two-year conservatorship accordin to her lawyer.
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.